I join several progressive…

I join several progressive municipalities in their opposition to this regressive legislation, including the City of Hamilton and the City of Guelph. (See website links).

Like thousands of other Ontarians, I have worked for many years on pro-environment legislation, including the Greenbelt Act and the Places to Grow Act. Although the Conservative government doesn't realize it, we have come a long way in our understanding of good planning so now is the worst possible time to rollback decades worth of good, safe, and common-sense environmental protections in Ontario.

Letting big business ignore rules outlined in the Clean Water Act, the Great Lakes Protection Act and the Toxics Reduction Act, as well as open up the Greenbelt for development, poses a threat to our land, water, and air.

The Clean Water Act was put in place after the tragedy in Walkerton Ontario where seven people died from e-coli poisoning -- and people there are still feeling its effects. Safe water is critical to public health; we cannot risk another tragedy.

The Greenbelt protects Ontario farmland, forests, and nature. It provides habitat for wildlife and productive farmland that supports rural jobs, and a strong agricultural business sector. Ontarians do not want the Greenbelt open for development.

80% of Ontarians get our drinking water from the Great Lakes. Bill 66 threatens the health of the Great Lakes by opening them up to greater development.

The Ontario government under Ford promised to protect the Greenbelt. The recently released “Made in Ontario” Environment Plan also makes commitments that would be impossible if Bill 66 becomes law.

There is sound data that shows how business, growth, and development do not need to come at the expense of our drinking water, our clean air, our protected nature areas or farmland.

I'm also very concerned about other changes in this omnibus bill, including labour laws. For more info, see website link.

Please do not revert to 1950s thinking. Advise the Ministers responsible to cancel any debate about Bill 66.