By Gina Pannunzio
As you may have heard on November 5, 2020, the provincial government tabled Bill 229 Protect, Support, and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020. This piece of legislation encompasses more than just a budget in response to COVID-19. It includes significant and concerning changes to the Conservation Authorities Act . There are many partners across the Province of Ontario who are also concerned about the impact of these proposed changes. If you would like to learn more about why conservation matters, you can view this presentation hosted by the Canadian Environmental Law Association, and send a letter to the Minister of the Environment through Ontario Nature. To date, 19, 950 e-mails have been sent to Minister Philips, Minister of Finance, Minister Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Minister Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and local MPPs.
In November, ECFNC sent along a letter strongly opposing the proposed changes, expressing concern that the proposed changes in Schedule 6 will reduce or constrain the mandate of Conservation Authorities, and are therefore contradictory to the interests of the people of Ontario who are facing enormous risks and costs as a result of climate change and ongoing biodiversity loss. The roles and responsibilities of Conservation Authorities are critical in protecting the lands, waters and wildlife which benefit businesses and communities across Ontario, and upon which our health and well-being ultimately depend.
For more detailed information, please review:
Essex Region Conservation Authority (November 16 2020): Proposed Changes to CA Act raise concerns