Southern Ontario has already lost over 72 per cent of its original wetlands. In some places, like the Greater Toronto Area and the agricultural southwest, we’ve lost even more—up to 85 per cent.

Ontario’s remaining wetlands and the critical services they provide—like flood prevention, clean water, and vital habitat—face multiple threats ranging from pollution to sprawling suburban developments that pave over these important ecological treasures.

Yet, the provincial government continues to prioritize wealthy developers and poorly-planned development over healthy communities, slashing policies and programs designed to protect wetlands. That includes gutting Ontario’s Wetland Evaluation System, the mechanism designed to help designate and protect Provincially Significant Wetlands, and abandoning Ontario’s Wetland Conservation Strategy.​

Sign-on to demand that the provincial government change course, recognizing the critical role wetlands play and acting to protect them by:

• Committing to no more wetland loss in Southern Ontario 
• Restoring and strengthening the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Conservation Authorities Act, and the Provincial Planning Statement 
• Developing a strong framework to support the restoration of wetlands that have been degraded or destroyed 
• Reinstating and implementing existing laws and policies like the Wetland Conservation Strategy for Ontario and Great Lakes Protection Act to set and enforce targets for wetland protection

Wetlands are among the most ecologically productive and diverse ecosystems in the world–so many plants, animals and people depend on them. Ontario can’t afford to lose any more! Join the call to restore and strengthen wetland protections.

Your letter will go to Todd McCarthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks;  Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources.

Cc: Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; Bonnie Crombie, Leader, Ontario Liberal Party; Marit Stiles, Leader, Ontario New Democratic Party;  Mike Schreiner, Leader, Green Party of Ontario; Guy Bourgouin, critic, Ministry of Natural Resources; Ted Hsu, critic, Ministry of Natural Resources; Sandy Shaw, critic, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks; Mary-Margaret McMahon, critic, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks; Jessica Bell, critic Ministry of Housing, Jeff Burch, critic, Ministry of Municipal Affairs; Dr. Adil Shamji, critic, Ministry of Housing, Stephen Blais, critic, Ministry of Infrastructure.