I am not supportive of Bill…

I am not supportive of Bill 23, as both a private citizen of Ontario and an environmental professional. This bill and the many policy changes proposed within it pose great threats to Ontario's natural environment by weakening environmental protections. These protections are in place for the benefit of the citizens of Ontario by providing services such as flood mitigation, increased ecosystem services, groundwater infiltration and aquifer renewal, and providing outdoor recreation spaces closer to where Ontarians live. I think that it is important for citizens of Ontario to continue to be notified about development plans and appeal planning decisions - this is a fundamental part of our democracy. I also think that Conservation Authorities should retain their current level of service to the citizens of our province; CAs are an essential part of the permitting process which provide an environmental check on development proposals. Finally, I think that the current watershed planning process that municipalities go through in coordination with CAs should continue to take place, as it is important to take many complex considerations into place when developing these plans. In summary I oppose this Bill and find it insulting that it is being proposed for the benefit of the citizens of Ontario; I believe that its effects will harm us all in the long run.