To whom it may concern, the…

To whom it may concern, the Ministry,

For comment on the changes of the EA processes outlined there are a few glaring issues that are outstanding and quite alarming. There are three main issues with the provided adjustments, the speed of the assessment, First Nations and the Archaeological Impact when an EA is triggered.

The process for the environmental assessment is to give time to fully understand the impacts a project will have on waterways, wildlife and plants that are vital for biodiversity to the area. Implementing a “streamline process” only benefits the continued overreaching Colonialism of both the private and public sector players looking to make a quick dollar. The expedient process seems to only benefit the development and not the people. The people are part of the environment, we are connected. Compromising the environment with such perversion has grave consequences for the health of people, plants, animals, the water, the air.

In your outline it is grossly negligent of the First Nations community's territorial rights and infringing treaties rights of the land and water. This policy sets a 30 day timeline for consultation. What a ridiculous ask off many communities. It can take over 60 days to get many medical treatments in this province. You are asking for full commitment and comments to be within this time. I am in full support of the comments from the Indigenous Nations that have already commented on the bogus proposal. Shame on you, the Ministry of CONSERVATION, for being so willing to devolve the treaty rights and the environment that you so hold to conserve.

What I am seeing from the assessment changes outlined is that your leaders are changing the threshold of how much you can pollute, exploit and destroy within a reasonable limit of the law. You so now choose to change that law so you can do more exploiting. If your government and ministry were serious about supporting UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation you would review the comments made by the Mississauga First Nations and Ginoogaming First Nations.

Your proposals are grossly negligent of the archaeological sites that may potentially be destroyed and compromised. Archaeological sites are found along major water routes. Without proper assessments in and around undeveloped land and water ways we risk comprising that record. How fortunate that it is not your burials and heritage at risk and destroyed. How fortunate that colonialism has made it so easy to brush aside culture's not their own for progress. I hope that you are taken to court as you violate the Ontario Heritage Act with your failed Duty to Consult and how you compromise the system for profiteering.

Your assessment changes are lack lust, over worded and insulting to every group, except those that hand you a bag of money.

Regards,

William Lucas