On November 5, 2020, the Ontario government tabled omnibus budget measures Bill 229 in the Ontario Legislature, Schedule 6 of which proposes fundamental changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and to the conservation authorities’ role in land use planning.
Bill 229 is the most recent in a disturbing trend of using omnibus budget measures bills to make substantial changes to environmental laws, thereby sidestepping the public’s right to comment under the Environmental Bill of Rights.
In CELA’s view, the proposed changes to conservation authorities in Bill 229 will not achieve the crucially important goal of building climate resilience for Ontario. To the contrary, the package of amendments as proposed are likely to set back watershed planning and implementation of an ecosystem based approach by decades.
CELA recommends that Schedule 6 not be enacted in its present form and instead be withdrawn in its entirety from Bill 229.
Further, CELA recommends that the Ontario government immediately seek to ensure that the current mandate of the province’s 36 conservation authorities is maintained and enhanced, in order to effectively protect, restore and manage the watersheds where 95 percent of the people of Ontario reside.
CELA recommends that consultation cease on a proposed regulation under O Reg 568/21 and that no decision be made, until such time as additional detail (including a draft regulation) and an adequate comment period are provided to allow the public to meaningfully participate in the decision‐making, pursuant to the intent of Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993.
CELA Special Counsel, Healthy Great Lakes, Anastasia Lintner blogs about the increased use of Minister’s Zoning Orders, recent legislative changes that impact Conservation Authorities, and what’s next for environmental policy in Ontario.
Anastasia Lintner’s presentation for a webinar hosted by Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature
CELA’s open letter to Ontario MPP’s calling for the removal of Schedule 6 from Bill 229 (Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020), which would have significant and alarming impacts on Conservation Authorities.
Press release in response to new motions that further restrict the responsibilities of Conservation Authorities.
CELA’s analysis of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Motions Package, as relates to the proposed amendments to Schedule 6 of Bill 229.
Written submission in response to Bill 229
Webinar about the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act contained in Bill 229
MPPs have a responsibility to advocate for their constituents and our communities. Send an email asking them to defend our Conservation Authorities. Find your MPP here.
It is your MPP’s duty to help their constituents. Politicians of all parties determine their policy positions, in part by listening to what people back home are doggedly asking them to do. Find your MP’s name and phone number here.
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