Budget Bill Comments

Many of our member groups sent individual letters to The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs expressing their concern about changes buried in the Budget Bill that would undermine environmental legislation. Here's a sampling:

Pickering Naturalists

"Considering the overwhelming international embarrassment caused by the anti-conservation tactics of the Canadian government, it is disheartening to see the Ontario government heading downward along the same path." Read more.

Quinte Field Naturalists

"We cannot afford to undermine environmental protection. Ecosystems are the fabric of life support on our planet." Read more.

Prince Edward County Field Naturalists

"Many of the amendments in Bill-55 would transform key parts of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) even though, in its current form, the ESA is an excellent piece of legislation. In fact, it was widely hailed as the best piece of endangered species legislation in the country." Read more.

Hamilton Naturalists' Club

"We are very concerned that the proposed changes will undermine Ontario's Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Ontario Parks and Conservation Reserves Act in particular. We likewise object to the government's decision to implement these changes in a huge omnibus bill, which hinders essential public examination and input." Read more.

South Lake Simcoe Naturalists

"We wish to add our local voice to the chorus of voices from fellow clubs and countless informed citizens who are protesting the Ontario Government's Bill 55 for its many environmentally harmful changes to current environmental laws and practices." Read more.

Sharon and Jim Bradley

"It is extremely disappointing that the Ontario Government would backtrack and propose changes to a widely praised legislation to attempt to protect vulnerable wildlife species" Read more.