QUEEN’S PARK – MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement showing support for the Watershed Conservation Coalition following their press conference at Queen’s Park:
“A broad coalition of community advocates came to Queen’s Park today with a clear call to the Ford government: stop conservation authority cuts. Listen to experts and local voices and empower Conservation Authorities to keep our communities safe.
From farmers to cottagers, local leaders are frustrated by a government that is sidelining local voices, ignoring evidence and putting communities, farmland and water resources at risk to benefit wealthy, well-connected investors.
We cannot allow the government to sell off the places we love, piece by piece, to wealthy speculators while communities across the province are already facing increased flood risks and critical water quality and capacity issues.
We echo the Watershed Conservation Coalition’s call for the government to work collaboratively and meaningfully with municipalities, Conservation Authorities, First Nations and civil society organizations to develop real solutions that protect public safety, support smart planning, maintain local trust and enable effective watershed management.”