There is no scientific…

There is no scientific rationale for why municipal road projects (new schedule c arterial roads) and bridges would be exempt from the Environmental Assessment Act. What is the basis for this proposal? These projects have been Schedule C in the MCEA since its conception in 2000 for a reason, because they have the most significant effects in the streamlined process. To propose removing all EA requirements for this category of undertaking that are meant to examine and mitigate effects on species at risk, source water protection, air, among other serious environmental considerations, is completely egregious. The risk for serious environmental harm is immense. Ontario has 444 municipalities and the Ontario government is assuming they all have the technical expertise as the big GTA communities to undertake these projects without the MCEA process. It is dangerous to remove EAA oversight for road projects in small Ontario municipalities. The playing field is not level among proponents undertaking road projects. They have different levels of expertise and experience and it is obvious the government does not recognize this through this proposal. The Ontario government must justify the removal of road projects from the EAA. They should not be exempt.