As a member of the Ontario…

As a member of the Ontario Archaeological Society, I am appalled at the proposed amendments to the OHA. The archaeological record of Ontario remains an area of pride, an area of importance, and field of study that still very much requires due diligence on the part of developers. The history of our province is constantly changing - being shaped by new archaeological finds and new voices - including those of Indigenous communities. Protecting and mitigating archaeological resources prior to development - cultural resource management - has played an important role in supporting these finds, and bringing the voices of descendent communities into the mix. By allowing proponents to seek exemption from archaeological assessments, we are ensuring the loss of significant archaeological material. We are prioritizing the voices of developers, those who already have the means to make their voices heard loud and clear, at the expense of those fighting to preserve our past, our history, and our future. The OHA and other important legislation have brought Indigenous voices to the forefront, something that has long been neglected. Our province is moving in the wrong direction with this proposed legislation. Those in the archaeological and cultural heritage industries are outraged, and will continue to fight for the preservation of our history at every turn.