I'm writing with regard to…

I'm writing with regard to Bill 5 - Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, currently at the Second Reading Stage, particularly the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 ("ESA").

Since I first heard that the protections that are afforded through the ESA would be significant reduced as a result of Bill 5, I have been incredibly worried about how this will impact our wildlife and our environment.

I understand the need for affordable housing (indeed, I have been impacted by the housing crisis being able to afford a house only in 2022 after years of saving and being lucky that I was given financial assistance), but enough has been done since Premier Ford came into power to help developers through legislative updates. As an Articling Student, part of my role was to summarize the many legislative changes to the Planning Act and Development Charges Act (i.e., Build More Homes Faster Act, Strong Mayor's, Building Homes Act etc.).

When I think about the ability for developers to now be able to proceed with development that could impact protect species' reproduce or feeding activities, I think about my nephew, Parker, who is a little over a year and a half, and the type of world he will grow up with when those protections given to endangered species are stripped away. Our environment and our eco system has been under serious threat, meanwhile large development companies have continued to profit. I equally want my nephew to be able to afford a house one day, but surely there is a better way to facilitate building more homes faster than attacking our environment.

I'm urging you to vote against Bill 5 and to protect our wildlife and the future of our environment. Please DO NOT allow Bill 5 to pass.