I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my grave concern about Bill 66. Being able to grow new businesses in previously protected spaces, without having to deal with environmental protection laws or negative public opinion might seem like an easy path to financially gain. However it is incredibly short-sighted as any short-term financial gain would be massively overshadowed by the negative long-term financial, social, environmental and health-related impacts of this bill (in the municipalities where it was implemented and in many surrounding areas). Yes, we need jobs, but we ALSO need access to safe drinking water, sustainable communities, local food sources and natural spaces to have a decent quality of life.

If this is passed, it has the potential to start chains of events in various regions that can result in long-term damage that no future legislation will ever be able to undo. The next government’s best efforts will NEVER be able to recreate farmland, purify tainted water, restore lost species or bring full health back to anyone who has injured due to this legislation (as was the case in Walkerton). Attempts to mitigate damages (such as cleaning up contaminants, treating sick individuals, or importing produce) will end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

It has taken years to careful consideration to create the legislative provisions that protect public health, drinking water, natural heritage, critical habitats and prime farmland, and also reduce the negative impact of urban sprawl. It is completely unacceptable for the government to provide businesses/municipalities with the option of bypassing any or all of this legislation, as well the normal process of public engagement. A government for the people must allow the people to have input into development, especially if it will negatively impact the health/safety/well-being of the community in the immediate or foreseeable future.

Besides the immense legal, environmental and health implications of this bill, it is ethically inappropriate for the government to even propose such legislation. Any government that states it is 'for the people' should, at the very least, keep a key campaign promise which it expressly made to the people just a few short months ago (that promise was to NOT enable development in the Greenbelt!) Doing otherwise severely corrodes public trust in the political process.