There is no doubt that…

There is no doubt that Premier Ford is fighting to make Ontario strong and resilient, but going the same route of exploiting the very land that supports us is short-sighted, outdated, and irresponsible. It's time to incorporate the intrinsic value of our land, our increasingly fragile environment, our declining health.

The proposal summary on your website indicates that the current approach to protecting and conservation of species at risk is cumbersome and causes problems for housing, transit, infrastructure. So the government in its distorted wisdom believes it should just wipe out what limited environmental protection we have. Government planners must have an archaic education if this is the only method they can think of to fast track this needed development. Bill 5 is an action we would see from our neighbours to the South, exploiting land until it can give nothing more.

The first approach should be planned densification in existing developed areas as a better option for housing , transit, infrastructure. It is far more cost-efficient for governments and homeowners. I plead with you to check with up-to-date planning methods which also keep environmental standards at a strong level. Ranch style houses on large plots of land in previously protected areas will leave a lasting legacy of waste and destruction, Ford's folly.

I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety and instead work with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders, and the public to strengthen, not dismantle, our systems of environmental protection. Protecting nature, our valuable Ontario, is the foundation of a healthy, resilient, and just society.