I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS MERGER…

I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS MERGER.

1. THERE IS ZERO EVIDENCE SHOWING A NEED FOR THE MERGER.
-The proposal uses non-descript justification for a merger such as "inefficiency", with zero explanation as to how there is inefficiency. Does the inefficiency arise from Doug Ford's last attempt to steal greenbelt land being shot down? I would say that's actually the efficiency we need -- conservation authority doing their job, standing up to those with conflicting interests.

2. LOCAL DECISION-MAKING WILL BE INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN.
-But I suspect this is the hidden goal? Erode environmental protections so the premier can get away things like the greenbelt scandal.

Currently, Hamilton and Puslinch fund approximately 35% of HCA’s work and have a direct say in watershed decisions. The Province contributes less than 1%. Therefore, why does the province think they should have more say and remove those actually funding efforts. Why does Doug ford want less voices at the table, less local voices, advocating for environmental protections. This is the same Doug ford who pushed through Bill 5 which also eroded the endangered species protections act. I wonder...

3. MERGES ARE EXPENSIVE; ZERO FUNDING PLAN FOR THIS.
-Very interesting that this current government pounds the table about "inefficiencies" but has zero document plan on how they intend to be efficient themselves.

Bringing together conservation lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, and IT systems would be a major undertaking. The Province has not explained who will pay for these costs or how combining the systems will save money down the line.

HCA already provides efficient, reliable service.
In 2024, they processed 94% of major permits on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. The focus should be on improving resources where needed, not reorganizing authorities that already perform well. It is a waste of time and resources.

If its not broken, don't fix it. But this system is FAR from broken, in fact it is working as intended. So what are we trying to fix? Or are we TRYING TO BREAK the conservation authority?

4. LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE HEART OF STRONG CONSERVATION.

For more than six decades, HCA’s conservation efforts have been supported by deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed agency could erode the local collaboration that makes conservation effective.

This proposal, as with the last couple omnibus bills being pushed through, are out of touch and come with clear hidden agendas. Ontario will remember the damage you are doing.

Warm regards to some,
Seth