As a working Archeological…

As a working Archeological Field Technician in Ontario, I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the proposed legislative changes to the Ontario Heritage Act. The removal of protections for non-designated properties and the imposition of rigid timelines for designation would not only threaten to undermine the preservation of Ontario's cultural heritage, but threaten the numerous jobs and fields of work for Ontarians. These changes would not only diminish the integrity of the archaeological process but also lead to the loss of critical jobs, including my own. If this bill passes, many of my colleagues, both in the field and in supporting roles, stand to lose their livelihoods. Beyond personal impact, this bill would result in irreversible losses to our shared history. Much of the archaeological record in Ontario remains undocumented, and the weakening of heritage protections will make it far easier for historically significant sites to be destroyed without study or preservation. I urge the government to reconsider these amendments and work with heritage professionals to find a more balanced approach that protects both our past and the people who work every day to conserve it. The amount of job loss that would occur with the passing of this bill would be devastating to the many Ontarian’s who work diligently in these fields, and would cause them tremendous loss.