I recognize the difficulty…

I recognize the difficulty inherent in managing 36 diverse conservation authorities. Obtaining seamless performance across such a diverse set of organizations represents numerous difficulties. That said, the current proposal thankfully recognizes the importance of maintaining the watershed model but encourages general alignment with other, possibly contradictory, Provincial Government objectives. This does not secure good performance.

Designing a system which encourages Conservation Authorities to 'fall in line' with objectives such as increased housing opportunities is not what the citizenry rely on Conservation Authorities for. I want representation to speak up against development, when it is appropriate to do so, and not align with the Provincial objectives of any particular government. I am looking for an authority to 'speak for the trees' heaven knows nobody else will!

Further, we can reasonably assume that flooding is about to become a much bigger issue than it has been in previous years given the impacts of global warming. The independent assessment of flood risk is going to be critical in demonstrating to the general public that necessary investments are being made in an orderly manner to address the associated risks. Any efforts to reduce the independent voices of Conservation Authorities must be weighed against the importance of demonstrating locally responsive solutions in preference to sweeping Provincial objectives which fail to serve local populations.

This really is a watershed by watershed approach which is only just now, after some fifty years, starting to bear fruit. What many have seen as yet another layer of unnecessary government intervention is beginning to result in an emerging trusted voice regarding watershed problems, at least in the area where I live under the Mississippi Valley Authority. Not a good time to make changes. Develop a governing structure which ensures good coordination between various Authorities and leave things as they are.