Although archaeology focuses…

Although archaeology focuses on past lives and actions, it is, in essence, an act in the present. In a time when we aim to build a stronger nation and unite our people, the information about past lives stretching back 13,000 years that created our present allows the many descendent groups of our province to come together. It legitimizes our present and works to build the stronger future for which we strive. In a time of reconciliation, this is an essential step in the building of our society, not "red tape".

The province's proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act through Bill 5, Schedule 7 jeopardizes our heritage and foundation with the argument that it will protect the sovereignty of Canada by protecting and growing the economy. While growing the economy is crucial in the face of the adversity we are confronting, an essential part of any country's sovereignty are the people and events that created the present nation. Archaeology reveals and details these events and individuals and so it is an essential part of how we understand ourselves today as a people. This creates strength and unites us to face adversity. As such, archaeology is not "red tape", but a crucial part of protecting and legitimizing our sovereignty as we build our economy for the future.