To Whom it May Concern, I…

To Whom it May Concern,

I wish to express my opposition to ERO #025-0730, “Proposed changes to provide flexibility for water taking activities.” I am very opposed to the privatization of natural water systems – it is like privatizing the air.

Surely you remember the tragedy that occurred as a result of the previous Conservative government’s loosening of regulatory control over water in which several people died. Water must be a public trust, not a privatized commodity.

The proposed regulatory amendment would have these negative consequences:

- it undermines public oversight, accountability, and regulatory integrity

- it violates Indigenous rights under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

- it enables perpetual water-taking rights by allowing for transferable permits

- unlimited withdrawals of groundwater threatens degradation of wetlands and freshwater ecosystems

I respectfully urge you to reject the proposed changes to PTTW regulations. I further urge you to continue to require new owners to apply for a new permit, to uphold the duty to consult Indigenous Nations, and to treat water as a public trust, not a private asset.

Thank you for accepting my feedback.

Yours,
Dunstan Morey
416 528 8249
17 Pinegrove Ave.
Toronto M1N 2G3