I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed amendments to the Mining Act (ERO# 019-6715) which would significantly weaken environmental protections and mine rehabilitation requirements in Ontario.

The proposed changes would:

• Reduce requirements for mining companies to post bonds or other financial securities to cover clean-up costs after a mine closes;

• Allow companies to approve their own closure and rehabilitation plans, without government review or approval;

• Allow companies to begin operations before having comprehensive mine closure plans in place; and

• Lower standards for rehabilitation by allowing “alternate” uses, conditions or infrastructure to remain on the site after the mine closes.

Mining activities can negatively affect groundwater and surface water, soil, air quality, plants and animals, with serious implications for public health and safety. In the face of unprecedented and accelerating biodiversity loss and the ever-worsening climate crisis, your government must do its utmost to address these risks.

Mining development in Ontario should proceed only with comprehensive plans for closure and rehabilitation in place, financial assurances that fully cover environmental and health liabilities, as well as the free, prior and informed consent of affected Indigenous communities.

I urge you to withdraw the proposed changes to the Mining Act.