I have serious concerns…

I have serious concerns about Bill 68 and the restructuring of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities. Reducing 36 Conservation Authorities down to 7 run by political appointees is not responsible governance. It will further weaken environmental protection in this province.
Ontario’s Conservation Authorities were created to protect people, land, water and wildlife through science-based decisions, local expertise and long-term stewardship. These are not optional roles. They are essential to flood prevention, watershed health, habitat protection and community safety.
Eliminating local oversight and handing control to a small group of political appointees will cause real harm.
. It strips away local knowledge that is vital to understanding each region’s watersheds, floodplains and ecological risks.
• It weakens environmental oversight at a time when climate change is intensifying floods, fires, erosion and extreme weather.
• It gives more power to development interests while removing meaningful accountability.
• It breaks down decades of scientific research, community partnerships and practical on-the-ground experience.
• It puts people and ecosystems at risk, all for the sake of centralized control.

Ontario families rely on Conservation Authorities to safeguard drinking water, reduce disaster risk, protect wildlife and maintain healthy natural systems that support our communities. The proposal within Bill 68 undermines that work.
I urge removal of the Conservation Authority changes from Bill 68.
Legislation affecting watersheds should commit to strengthening environmental oversight instead of weakening it. Listen to the communities and the scientists who best understand this work.
The conservations authorities were created in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel to prevent future flood disasters. The proposed changes will only put us at increased risk.