I understand what you are…

I understand what you are trying to do but this is a short-sighted and highly GTA-centric plan. Our Great Lakes are one of the most important resources we, as Canadians have, and this plan minimizes their current and future value. The north shores of Lake Superior and Canadian Shield is a watershed region, a resource-rich and ecologically-sensitive powerhouse that needs to be guarded and utilized with historical wisdom and scientific forethought, not tossed at the feet of accountants or politicians.

The north shores of Lake Superior are NOT similar enough, geographically and ecologically, to Lake Huron's, and to lump an area the size of Texas into one authority is foolish. You will NOT see "better tools and more resources for front-line staff" - this is obfuscation, or grant-speak - a falsehood used to justify shrinking of resources. In the same way closing neighbourhood schools to build massive institutions may save money, it ultimately does NOT serve in the best interests of the student. Bringing regional health services boards under the control of a restricted LHIN does not adequately serve patients. This is the very same, and will only hinder conservation and strategic resource management moving forward.

Keep the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority as it's own regional branch and make them equal to your GTA/Lake Ontario/Lake Erie authorities, while being separate and distinct. It's not hard. It's wise. To maintain this present template is foolhardy and careless, with no thought of Canada's place in a rapidly changing global future. Please be wise in planning strategically.