Bill 108, the omnibus bill…

Bill 108, the omnibus bill tabled by the Government of Ontario on May 2, reflects neither the values nor the long-term interests of Ontarians who understand the importance of a healthy environment. Pandering to influential developers, the government is prepared to undermine environmental protections set out in several key pieces of legislation including Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA). It has grossly misled the public, pretending that proposed changes to the ESA would improve outcomes for species at risk. In fact, Schedule 5 of Bill 108, if passed, would delay, limit and/or remove protections for most Ontario’s threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

Schedule 5 would be better named the Extinction Schedule. It’s all about pushing aside our most vulnerable plants and animals to make room for sprawling development and unchecked industrial activity. This government is greasing the wheels of destruction.