QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the government’s ongoing consultations on updating Ontario’s biodiversity strategy.
“By failing to protect Ontario’s biodiversity, we are setting ourselves up for an uncertain future.
Strong, healthy ecosystems are the foundation of our communities, our environment, and our economy.
But to date, the Premier’s track record on protecting them has been abysmal.
Since taking office, they have gutted conservation authorities and made devastating funding cuts to programs that limit the spread of invasive species.
They’ve pulled the plug on protecting species at risk and introduced pay-to-slay legislation that lets deep-pocketed corporations ignore the Endangered Species Act.
And they’ve repeatedly delayed their climate impact assessment for no clear reason.
The Premier thinks environmental protections are red tape. But I know that protecting biodiversity is the fiscally responsible thing to do.
By doing so, we’re building strong natural environments that strengthen our food security, protect our drinking water, build resilience to climate fueled extreme weather events, and improve our mental wellbeing.
This ongoing consultation is an important opportunity to hear from the people of Ontario on the biodiversity protections they want to see from this government.
I will continue to hold the Premier’s government accountable and push for a better biodiversity strategy that protects the systems that are so vital to our province’s wellbeing.”