RE:  Ontario’s suspension of environmental oversight
 
Transparency about government plans and policies and opportunities for the public to comment are bedrock, democratic values that Canadians hold dear.  Input from citizens and experts helps the Ontario government write and implement wise, effective laws.  That is why our government, before passing environmental legislation and regulations consults the public and submits its proposals for scrutiny in the legislature.
 
It was, therefore, very deeply disturbing to learn that the Ontario government, led by Premier Ford, has suspended key environmental protection oversight rules and a key section of the Environmental Bill of Rights, with the excuse that they could hinder its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The government might suggest that full consultation including face to face meetings is difficult in this COVID-19 era, but email and online meetings are entirely doable, so a complete lack of public engagement is unforgiveable.
 
We, signatories to this petition, call on the government of Ontario to immediately reinstate the Environmental Bill of Rights and other processes for public consultation concerning any initiatives that will impact the environment.