Save Ontario’s Last Remaining Wetlands
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
- Improving restoration for wetlands that have already been degraded or destroyed
- Using existing laws, and policies, like the Wetland Conservation Strategy, 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 Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks; Todd McCarthy, Alternate Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks; and Graydon Smith, 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; and Mary-Margaret McMahon, critic, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.