TORONTO – Today Mitzie Hunter MPP Scarborough-Guildwood and Lucille Collard MPP Ottawa-Vanier released the following joint statement:
“After holding days of hearings on their budget bill, the government is moving forward with massive amendments that double down on their move to gut Conservation Authorities. Instead of listening to the overwhelming rejection of Schedule 6 by stakeholders, the government is pushing ahead with their ultimate goal to pave over the Greenbelt.
“This is not the change that was asked for in hearings. Stakeholders were explicit in their recommendation that Schedule 6 to be removed, not expanded. It is callous that the government would make this move after the opportunity for public scrutiny has passed.
“The government’s move to sneak in a fast tracked process to pave the Greenbelt comes after quietly including schedules that would remove protections for endangered species and attack the retirement security of seniors in the midst of an economic recession and health crisis.
“The government must remove their amendments to Schedule 6 and heed the calls of Ontarians demanding protection for our environment.”
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