I am deeply concerned about…

I am deeply concerned about the potential for developers to profit off of protected land at a reduced cost due to the change in EA regulation. We have already seen how the Ontario government has given developers the opportunity to buy fertile land containing significant and diverse ecosystems, without concern for how development on this land will impact the ongoing climate crisis. The Greenbelt land grab was unacceptable. I do not have confidence that the Ontario government's proposed regulation change will be in the best interest of regular people who want to live in an environmentally conscious Ontario that respects cultural and natural heritage.

Continuing with this proposed regulation change shows citizens like me that the Ontario government is not concerned about the well-being of current and future generations, but rather the profitability of selling land regardless of its protected status. I find this to be deplorable and further undermining of EA regulations will have a negative impact on my perception of this government and its ability to serve Ontarians.

Furthermore, the government's proposals fail to adequately consider cumulative effects, federal climate targets, and Indigenous Knowledge. The Chippewas of the First Nations have stated that the reduction of EA regulations will result in reduced Indigenous consultation with regard to development projects. It is unacceptable for the Ontario government to both disregard and undermine Treaty rights of Indigenous communities in Ontario.