Re: ERO #019-4219 under the…

Re: ERO #019-4219 under the Environmental Assessment Act

The provincial government’s proposed changes to the EA process, ERO #019-4219, are unacceptable.

The EA process is diluted enough. Class EAs are too often projects that are rarely rejected and fast-tracked with little regard for public input or protection of the environment.

The Minister claims that moving highways, rail, and electrical transmissions projects into Class EA’s is necessary to address affordable housing needs, and “ensure environmental oversight and robust consultation”.

Obviously, considering 90% of all EA’s have been obtained through Class EA’s, the proposed changes are meant to fast-track pet projects. For example, the proposed highway construction through agricultural lands and green spaces, purchased by some of the Premier’s campaign contributors. Even though professional reports indicate that there is enough land in the Greater Horseshoe to build as many as 2 million homes by 2031, without destroying important land and eco-systems.

If our government were serious about providing truly affordable housing it would make good use of existing urban boundaries, which would also make infrastructure, transportation and employment opportunities more easily accessed, while protecting important lands.

Instead of rewriting policies to fast-track the destruction of our environment, our provincial government needs to join other jurisdictions and commit to actions that support important Sustainable Development Goals.

In order to safeguard a healthy planet for all living things the government priority must be environmental protection and genuine public participation - NOT merely inviting public comment with no intention of changing course because the political parties and their donors have already decided.