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More undermining of Ontario’s environmental protections is a risk to our health

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With recent (since fall of 2019) changes to fish and wildlife and environmental protections in Ontario, including changes to fundamental procedures within the Endangered Species Act, changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, and undercutting of rights of the public and municipalities to protect features in their neighborhoods and communities through unilateral Provincial Ministerial Zoning Orders, the health of Ontario’s wildlife, ecosystems and ecosystem services are threatened. The erosion of the precious little of nature left in southern Ontario, then threatens our wellbeing- in the form of undermining secure food supplies; clean water; pest and disease control and also mental wellbeing – and which functions and benefits are only possible at necessary scales through nature’s processes.

And despite public outcry, more and continued cuts to protections and rights have continued. This is an excerpt of the latest news from the Canadian Environmental Law Association:

CELA Concerned Tribunal Amalgamation Will Undermine Access to Justice

CELA recently presented to Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 245, Accelerating Access to Justice Act 2021. Schedule 6 of the omnibus Bill, if enacted, will amalgamate five tribunals into a single tribunal which will be known as the Ontario Land Tribunal (“OLT”). Schedule 6 also sets out a number of new procedural and substantive provisions in relation to OLT proceedings. Schedule 10 of the Bill proposes a number of amendments to several provincial environmental laws, including the elimination of existing rights of appeal to the Minister under the Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, and other statutes. CELA has recommended that Schedules 6 and 10 of the Bill be withdrawn. A more detailed analysis of the brief can be found on our website.

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The Land Between
P.O. Box 1368
Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
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We respectfully acknowledge that The Land Between is located within Williams Treaty 20 Mississauga Anishinaabeg territory and Treaty 61 Robinson-Huron treaty territory, in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. The Land Between respectfully acknowledges that these First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come. 

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