TORONTO – MPP Des Rosiers released the following statement following Minister Phillips’ announcement:
“The protection of species at risk is essential to the survival of our economy and of our environment.
It is crucial that there are no loopholes in the application of the Act. Minister Phillips is creating a fund that would allow developers to buy their way out of respecting regulations. The sidelining of environmental protection is irresponsible and could create a dangerous precedent.
The Minister must be clear as to when and how he will let developers sidestep protections for vulnerable habitats and species at risk. Will the rich be able to ignore the environmental regulations that others have to obey?
We deserve more from this Ministry: today’s announcement does not deal with the impact of climate change on species at risk. This is a short-sighted and we deserve better.”