Bill 23 needs to be…

Bill 23 needs to be rescinded! This Bill unfortunately, is unethical and an unacceptable selling of Ontario's protected 'Greenbelt' under a disguise that it will help solve the housing crisis. Living in a rural area of the province, very close to environmental green spaces, we have seen much new housing development due to this current governments changes to increased growth density requirements for municipalities. Only municipalities know their required housing needs, and do so in a democratic manner, for the most part. The majority of people requiring housing are from various demographics that will not be able to afford homes built on the 'Greenbelt' acres, that have been sold by the Ontario Government to wealthy developers. That is a fact. Therefore Bill 23 does not solve the issue as written. Taking responsibility away from Conservation Authorities, Municipalities, etc. under this act, will continue to weaken Ontario's eco system to the point of no return for future generations. Does no one in our Ontario Government care? Didn't the Ontario Government bureaucracy pledge to be non-political; to be leaders for making the best decisions for all the people of Ontario, which includes all natural resources and the environment? In fact, two Ontario ministries were established to ensure this! The Ministers, Deputy Ministers and staff are responsible for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and for the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation & Parks. Both Ministers and those working in these ministries are responsible on behalf of all Ontarians, for Fish& Wildlife Management, Land & Waters Management, Forest Management, Ontario Parks, Forest Fire, Flood and Drought Protection and Development and applying geographic information to help manage the province's natural resources. Bill 23 does not touch upon these critical areas in any manner that would salvage our natural resources or environment, even though over 7,000 acres of our Greenbelt will be eliminated from protection under this Bill! So how did this legislation only focused on housing and get passed if these two important Ministries reporting to the Premier, were not consulted with critical input to Bill 23? The title 'honourable' needs to be eliminated from many Ontario politicians who voted to legislate Bill 23. This Bill was not put forward to a consultative, democratic manner. Rather it was put forth by an authoritarian Premier, that has grossly over stepped his elected mandate. Shame on you all!