I oppose Bill 66. This is a…

I oppose Bill 66.

This is a wide sweeping Bill that is trying to be pushed through quietly and quickly. There is so much to comment on. It is contrary to election promises (protecting the Greenbelt, providing a government that is transparent and accountable). It backtracks on recent Acts, including PC initiatives. It doesn't serve it's purpose, nor is it necessary. It puts children and elderly at risk. It is a setback on environmental regulations. It is an attack on worker's rights. Most importantly it is dangerous. So, where do I to start?

The most dangerous part of the Bill is that it removes protections in the Clean Water Act. This puts our health and our lives in danger. The Clean Water Act was established after thousands of people got sick and seven people lost their lives in Walkerton. Protective measures are needed to ensure we have safe drinking water and prevent further tragedies.

As someone who cares about the environment, I am appalled at the risk of losing significant green spaces such as the Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine, and Lake Simcoe lands that are directly mentioned as being opened for development. These lands are necessary to help naturally filter our drinking water and have valuable farmlands that give us food security.

Not having to use unionized workers on public sites and requiring workers to work significant amounts of overtime without overtime pay is rolling back worker's rights and is simply not right.

Increasing the ratios of childcare and changing long term care puts children and seniors at risk.

There is so much wrong with this Bill, and so many reasons to oppose it.