I am not in favour of the…

I am not in favour of the proposed funding changes to Ontario Conservation Areas. Here’s why: Covid-19 has taught many lessons, including the value of accessible outdoor public spaces where people meet nature and each other. Maintaining these spaces is a social responsibility and a mental health imperative. The decision of the provincial government to remove its financial support of Conservation Areas is irresponsible because the monetary shortfalls that will inevitably be created by that policy will make those natural spaces and their public services unsustainable. The Ford government may want to leave Ontario a memorable post-Covid legacy. Setting in motion the demise of Conservation Areas for coming generations of Ontarians should not be that legacy.