[All] Bill 5 Ends Rule Of Law In Ontario, Provincial Budget Announced, Federal Election Follow-Up, Wilmot Farm Erosion Inaction, and More!

Fri May 2 11:18:01 EDT 2025

Good Day,

The Federal Election is over, we continue to be extremely concerned about the provincial government’s Bill 5 to create lawless areas and override charter rights, the province has also just announced the budget with this year’s priorities will be released on May 15th, the Region of Waterloo has done nothing to address serious erosion as heavy rains continue to devastate Wilmot fields and waterways, and more.  

Here’s the latest:

1) Bill 5 Ends Rule Of Law In Ontario - The Ford government continues to expedite Bill 5 the “Protect Ontario By Unleashing Our Economy Act” proposed on the eve of the Good Friday holiday by the Ford government.  It will not only create very concerning lawless Economic Zones at the government’s whim where no rules will apply, it will also fully repeal Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the entire province that was once heralded as world-leading.  The entire ESA will be replaced with far weaker regulations gutting protections and allowing development to destroy habitat and restoration efforts.  

Media are warning that Bill 5 will lead to an environmental “slaughterfest”, while First Nations are stating that their rights can't simply be eliminated by the provincial government.  Energy advocates are warning that by arbitrarily banning Chinese components in energy projects this bill could effectively ban new solar and wind energy in Ontario.

Groups and organizations across the province are realizing the horrors and are coming together to fight this outrageous bill that overrides environmental laws, democratic processes, municipal planning, provincial laws, and personal rights to prioritize private company profits and give “Trusted Proponents” carte blanche to do and destroy whatever they want with no recourse.  This is not in the best public interest to see so much power given to so few with no oversight or rules.

Media Coverage - Here’s the latest media coverage and statements from leading organizations:

	The Pointer - Doug Ford’s Bill 5 Will Lead To Environmental Slaughterfest:
	https://thepointer.com/article/2025-04-28/doug-ford-s-bill-5-will-lead-to-environmental-slaughterfest

	The Chiefs Of Ontario - First Nation Rights Cannot Be “Unleashed” Says Leadership Following Provinces Proposed Development Legislation:
	https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nations-rights-cannot-be-unleashed-say-first-nations-leadership-following-provinces-proposed-development-legislation/

	Environmental Defence - Bill 5 Would End Endangered Species Protections And Attack Clean Energy:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2025/04/17/bill-5-would-end-endangered-species-protections-and-attack-clean-energy/

	Alliance For Liveable Ontario (ALO) - Province Behaves Like US President:
	https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/province-behaves-like-u-s-president

	Ontario Nature - Bill 5 Bulldozes Critical Endangered Species Protections:
	https://ontarionature.org/news-release/bill-5-bulldozes-critical-endangered-species-protections/

	Ontario Nature - Bill 5: A Moment To Mobilize For Nature In Ontario:
	https://ontarionature.org/bill-5-a-moment-to-mobilize-for-nature-in-ontario-blog/

Webinar May 7th - There is a Webinar being planned by Environmental Defence for Wednesday, May 7th at 7pm.  Register at:

	https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/170534/petition/1

Speak Up - There are several one-click letters that you can send to speak up to the Ford government:

	Green Party One Click Letter:
	https://secure.gpo.ca/wildlife-under-threat?source=C25.E.OWTA

	Environmental Defence - Stop The Bill 5 Power Grab One Click Letter:
	https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/170384/action/1

	Wildlands League - Say No To Bill 5:
	https://wildlandsleague.org/stop-bill5/

	Ontario Nature Action Alert:
	https://ontarionature.good.do/bill-5-stop-attacks-on-endangered-species/Email/

Have even more impact by calling the Premier’s Office directly.  Here’s details and talking points from the great folks at Ontario Nature:

	https://ontarionature.good.do/bill-5-stop-attacks-on-endangered-species/call/

Or text Premier Ford’s cell phone directly to tell him how wrong Bill 5 is - please be polite:

	(647) 612-3673

Official Schedules - Here’s the official government detailed schedules and Act for Bill 5:

	Bill 5 - Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025:
	https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-5

Environmental Registry of Ontario - There are several ERO postings that we have until 11:59pm on May 17th to comment on:

	Special Economic Zones Act, 2025:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0391

	Specific to Ontario Place and amendments to the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act - specifically removing public notice and public consultation requirements:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0416

	Specific to Bill 5 Amendments the Ontario Heritage Act:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0418

	Specific to Electricity, Mining, and Energy Board:
	https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0409

Required Action - Speak up!  There is a good chance that there won't even be any Standing Committee hearings on this Bill and the Ford government has already rushed Bill 5 through a Second Reading in the Legislature.  The final Bill could be passed prior to even the ERO closing so don’t delay with your comments and calls.  Watch for more news and analysis on this horrifying announcement and ensure our democracy, environment, clean energy, agriculture, and communities aren’t destroyed by the inappropriate development efforts of the provincial government under the guise of responding to Trump tariffs. 

2) Breaking News - Provincial Budget Day May 15th - The province has announced that the next budget and provincial priorities will be released on Thursday, May 15th.  The government claims that it will be focussed on making Ontario and Canada the most competitive in the G7, specifically by building more and building faster.  However, given Ford’s dismal failure to build 1.5 million promised homes and ever lower housing start numbers along with so many other Ford government failures it remains to be seen if this budget will do little more than continue to destroy the good planning, regulations, and best practices that have made us successful:

	The Trillium - Ontario Budget To Be Tabled May 15th:
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/government-finance-and-the-economy/breaking-ontario-budget-to-be-tabled-may-15-10598857

3) Federal Election Follow-Up - Once again Canada will have a Liberal minority government, this time with Mark Carney as Prime Minister.  The Conservatives greatly increased their seat count, but in an ironic plot twist the CPC leader Pierre Poilievre lost his seat in the riding of Carleton to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy.  The results in many ridings were very close, including Kitchener Centre where vote splitting between the Greens and Liberals enabled Kelly DeRidder, CPC to walk up the middle to defeat incumbent Mike Morrice (Green) by a margin of only 358 votes. 

In Kitchener-Conestoga incumbent Liberal MP Tim Louis was re-elected with a margin of only 522 votes over CPC candidate Doug Treleaven.  Matt Strauss narrowly defeated Liberal Valerie Bradford in Kitchener-South Hespeler.  While Liberal MP Bardish Chagger in Waterloo and Dominique O’Rourke in Guelph appeared to have benefited from the shift towards support of the Liberals, much of the rest of southwestern Ontario elected CPC candidates.

It’s going to be a challenging time ahead with a minority government, decimated NDP, Green and Bloc parties along with the challenges of Donald Trump, Climate Change, a housing crisis, and so much more to contend with. 

	The Narwhal - What Carney’s Win Means For Environment And Climate Issues In Canada:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/federal-election-results-2025/

	Canada’s National Observer - Election 2025 Took A Heavy Toll On Climate Champions:
	https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/05/01/news/election-2025-climate-champions-defeated

	Liberals Were Just 611 Votes From A Majority Government: https://beige.party/@Alison/114433551020668654

	The David Suzuki Foundation - The Election Is Over. Now What?:
	https://davidsuzuki.org/story/the-election-is-over-now-what/
	Excellent synopsis and questions for the future of Canada and our communities.  A single election can cause drastic change - our work is just beginning.  Also attached below.

Action Required - Our efforts speaking up for good planning, good governance, sustainability, and much needed climate solutions are going to be more important than ever. 

4) Region Continues Destruction At Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly - The Region of Waterloo has completely ignored recent concerns raised about serious erosion on the single 160 acre farm property that they have managed to acquire in Wilmot Township.  

	CityNews - Soil Loss From Wilmot Land Purchased Impacting Local Watershed: Expert:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/04/25/soil-loss-from-land-purchased-for-wilmot-land-assembly-impacting-local-watershed-expert/

	The Record - Waterloo Region Must Take Better Care Of The Farm It Owns:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/april-29-waterloo-region-must-take-better-care-of-the-farm-it-owns-and-other/article_59b3a0ac-8722-51f4-aacc-3fea1a9979b2.html

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife did a great job in the provincial Legislature this week calling out Bill 5 and its potentially devastating impact on farming in Wilmot:

	https://x.com/wilmot_can/status/1917664658225324102?

Action Required - Visit the WilmotCAN.com website to learn more about and support the ongoing efforts, including legal action, research, mapping, and organizing community events: https://wilmotcan.com/  and demand the Region of Waterloo give up its farm destroying mega-industrial fiasco that is already costing taxpayers dearly. 

5) Judicial Independence Challenged - Once again Doug Ford is complaining about judges as he continues to lose court cases and is threatening to interfere with their selection:

	The Trillium - Doug Ford Judges “Rant” Again Sparks Fears Over Judicial Indpendence:
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/justice/doug-fords-judges-rant-again-sparks-fears-over-judicial-independence-10595129

	Public Statement From Ontario’s Three Chief Justice’s Regarding Judicial Independence:
	https://www.ontariocourts.ca/coa/public-statement-by-ontarios-three-chief-justices-regarding-judicial-independence-april-30-2025/

And you may remember from last year how Doug Ford appointed political operatives to oversee the criterial for judicial appointments:

	https://www.corruptario.ca/fords-picks-to-choose-judges-are/

And Ford is still proceeding to waste precious taxypayer dollars with his beyond stupidity Highway 401 tunnel plan promising “we are going to get the job done” regardless of a $100 billion price tag working out to over $5,500 in taxes per Ontario citizen:

	CBC - Ontario Gets Moving On Highway 401 Tunnel Feasibility Study:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/highway-401-tunnel-study-1.7523029

Action Required - Call out government waste and stupidity.  Focus on the simple solutions that will provide the sustainable fut

6) Jane's Walks - This is the weekend for dozens of Waterloo, Cambridge, Kitchener, and Guelph Jane's Walks from May 2nd to 4th!  Jane’s Walks are free citizen-led walking tours that make space for people to observe, reflect, share, question and collectively reimagine the places in which they live, work and play.  There are dozens of amazing walks to choose from with something to interest everyone.

Check out the impressive schedule at:

	https://janeswalkwr.com/2025-walks/

Action Required - Get out and get involved - there are so many amazing things to learn and see in our watershed.

7) Protect Huron Natural Area - Speak up to help protect Kitchener’s Huron Natural Area from adjacent development impacts and encourage Councillors to take a hike as a proposed Industrial Business Park subdivision is being proposed at 1700 Strasburg Road.  More details and an easy-to-sign petition can be found at:

	https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-industrial-park-development-surrounding-the-huron-natural-area-in-kitchener/u/33426859

Here’s the latest media coverage:

	The Record - Developer Wants 22 Storey Buildings In Mixed-Use Project Beside Kitchener Natural Area:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/developer-wants-22-storey-buildings-in-mixed-use-project-beside-kitchener-natural-area/article_9e4b64c4-02d9-5a16-9c05-112a376b5fdc.html

Action Required - Speak up to ensure that this spectacular natural part of Kitchener remains protected and adequately buffered.

8) Ontario Headwaters Institute Releases Position Papers - Over the past seven years, the Ontario government has decimated land use planning, watershed management, and the public’s legal rights in the guise of reducing red tape.  The Ontario Headwaters Institute (OHI) has released four excellent position papers that provide a framework for watershed security.  Check them out at:

	https://ontarioheadwaters.ca/watershed-security-project-updates/

The papers cover watershed security, a vision to protect watersheds, integrating land use and watershed planning and expanding the role for Conservation Authorities.  

9) Bike Lane Removal - The Ford government will appeal their recent court loss where an injunction has blocked the removal of Toronto bike lanes.  Doug Ford has vowed that "the bike lanes are coming out one way or another” despite the fact that public safety will be greatly compromised, people will likely be killed, and traffic is unlikely to improve:

	The Trillium - Ford Government To Appeal Injunction Blocking Toronto Bike Lake Removals:
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/municipalities-transit-and-infrastructure/ford-government-to-appeal-injunction-blocking-toronto-bike-lane-removals-10594263

Action Required - Continue to support the amazing community organizations speaking up and fighting for a better future.

10) Recent Articles - Includes the provincial government potentially eliminating all permits at the municipal and provincial level including building permits and environmental permits, transit advocacy in Waterloo Region, and the very sad passing of Regional Councillor Kari Williams at age 40:

	Cottage Life - Permits Protecting Ontario’s Environment Could Be At Risk If The Provincial Government Has Its Way:
	https://cottagelife.com/general/permits-protecting-ontarios-environment-could-be-at-risk-if-the-provincial-government-has-its-way/

	The Record - Wanted: Employed People Older Than 25, Willing To Ride Public Transit And Pay Higher Fares:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wanted-employed-people-older-than-25-willing-to-ride-public-transit-and-pay-higher-fares/article_46706543-3126-55af-9fa5-d9c87952ffe9.html

	CityNews - “An Incredibly Bright Light”: Regional Councillor Dies After Battle With Cancer:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/04/30/an-incredibly-bright-light-regional-councillor-dies-after-battle-with-cancer/?

11) Impacts Of Draining Ontario’s Wetlands Webinar - Learn about the impacts of draining Ontario’s wetlands in a webinar by the amazing teams at Environmental Defence and Ontario Nature on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00pm.  Register at:

	https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/169440/petition/1

12) Kitchener Official Plan Update - Kitchener 2051 is the name of the next update of the City of Kitchener Official Plan that is currently underway.  Help ensure a future city that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.  Official Plans are some of the most important documents guiding future growth and development.  Be sure to get involved and speak up for the future you want to see:

	https://www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051

Host a community conversation and get a free pizza!  https://www.engagewr.ca/kitchener2051/host-conversation-shape-kitchener-2051-person-or-over-free-pizza

Action Required - Get involved - now is the time to provide input as Kitchener Staff work towards and autumn 2025 report.

13) Expand Protected Areas - Speak up and help Ontario Nature advocate to expand Ontario’s Protected Areas to 30% by 2030 to meet our ACHII Accord commitments and overcome the failing grade awarded to Ontario for its lack of progress to protect land and water:

	https://ontarionature.good.do/protected-areas/email/

Action Required - Help urge the Ontario government to change course and better protect our province.

14) End Energy Separatism - The Clean Air Alliance has launched an excellent campaign urging the Ford government to reject US fracked gas and fossil fuels that Ontario has become dependent on over the past ten years and instead better utilize clean Canadian energy, wind, solar, and storage.  

The provincial government has responded with the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act which will require Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to open up procurements for new electricity supply to renewable power projects in Manitoba and Quebec.  Learn more about this act, campaign, and easily send a letter to elected officials at:

	https://www.cleanairalliance.org/trade/

Action Required - Speak up for better energy in Ontario.

15) Region of Waterloo Lobbyist Registry - Following the similar actions of a few other Ontario municipalities, the Region of Waterloo has introduced a Lobbyist Registry.  While aimed more at professionals charging fees for consulting and lobbying, there are facets that will apply to citizens, volunteers, community groups and others simply speaking up for a better future.  We will need to attend upcoming information sessions and learn more to ensure that we are in compliance with these new regulations.

Learn more at:

	https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/lobbyistregistry.aspx

Virtual information sessions will be held on:

	May 14th at 9am - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-information-session-lobbyist-registry-tickets-1132709307029
	June 4th at 12pm - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-information-session-lobbyist-registry-tickets-1132709307029

16) Why Hope Matters - The Nith Valley Ecoboosters have announced a free online webinar on “Why Hope Matters: The Practice of Evidence-Based Hope In A World Of Climate Doom” on Thursday, May 15th at 7:00pm.  The keynote speaker is Dr. Elin Kelsey who is an author and international thought leader on Climate Emotions.

Register online at:  https://actionnetwork.org/events/how-to-be-hopeful-in-a-world-of-climate-doom

More information is available on the poster attached below.

17) Additional Media - Includes building sustainable wooden cities and how an India-Pakistan war could destroy the world:

	The Guardian - It Shapes The Whole Experience:  What Happens When You Build A City From Wood?:
	https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/it-shapes-the-whole-experience-what-happens-when-you-build-a-city-from-wood?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

	The Record - An India-Pakistan Nuclear War Would Devastate The World:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/gwynne-dyer-an-india-pakistan-nuclear-war-would-devastate-the-world/article_ce699fbc-48e0-5c1f-b7c1-f96def05c0bc.html

18) Reconnect Waterloo Region - A new program to build community engagement in Southwestern Ontario has been launched.  Check out local activities and events, learn about new things, and get involved at:

	https://environmentaldefence.ca/reconnect-waterloo-region/

Watch for more updates and information over the coming weeks.

19) Reminder - Next Meeting - Join us next Friday, May 9th at 5:30pm online at the Zoom link below to discuss the latest:

	Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting
	Time: Every Other Friday at 5:30pm EST

	Join Zoom Meeting
	https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

	Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
	Passcode: 713374

Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.

Cheers,
Kevin Thomason, Mike Marcolongo, and Joan Faux on behalf of all our community groups.

-----------------------------------
A) Upcoming Events - Get out and get involved!  And keep us posted on your events so we can share them: 

Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th - Jane’s Walks - https://janeswalkwr.com/2025-walks/

Wednesday, May 7th - 7:00pm - Bill 5 Webinar - https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/170534/petition/1

Friday, May 9th - 5:30pm - Next group update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00pm - The Impacts Of Draining Ontario Wetlands Webinar - https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/169440/petition/1

Wednesday, May 14th at 9:00am - Region of Waterloo Lobbyist Regulations Webinar - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-information-session-lobbyist-registry-tickets-1132709307029

Thursday, May 15th at 7:00pm - Nith Valley Ecoboosters Webinar - Why Hope Matters - https://actionnetwork.org/events/how-to-be-hopeful-in-a-world-of-climate-doom

Saturday, May 17th at 11:59pm - Deadline to Respond to Bill 5 on ERO - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0391

Wednesday, June 4th at 12:00pm - Region of Waterloo Lobbyist Regulations Webinar - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-information-session-lobbyist-registry-tickets-1132709307029

---------------------------------
D) Bill 5 Webinar - Environmental Defence - Wednesday, May 7th at 7pm:

	https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/170534/petition/1

--------------------------
E) Why Hope Matters - May 15th:

--------------------------
F) Recent Media - The Election Is Over.  Now What?:

 <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujZ8997vUD5qadcx2ztPGcN5EaC6yQnqyBuObL0ep8aj56fjW_6tQFcjNWWF-GjwIRuk=>	 	

 <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujlpoqNCo3h4iL4oZre09XauDRlkt3D472C3vjc45v2W6FYYcLwbyWnPa5vH1WXNlAKc=>
The election is over. Now what?
As increasing turmoil shook the world during our federal election, climate change all but disappeared <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujadV1enVRO48MJ2jZBpitaXHD_A89Haavgxn64a_t9Il4CDlkZH_ezIu6u9Fb_GGciA=> from campaigns. That would be fine if the issue hadn’t been politicized such a degree. After all, you’d think all parties would favour resolving a crisis that threatens human wellbeing and survival.
Unfortunately, in a consumer-capitalist system, raking in the most money in the quickest and easiest way is the highest priority, no matter how destructive. Whether or not it filters down to working people or just enriches the already obscenely wealthy is irrelevant. If it looks good on paper, increases gross domestic product and maintains a few jobs, it’s all good.
And so, during the election, we saw calls from across the political spectrum for more pipelines, more oil and gas development — which will cause more pollution, climate-altering emissions and costly consequences.
Now that the election’s over, it’s no time to be complacent. Our democratic duty doesn’t end at the ballot box. We must create the society we want. And who doesn’t want cleaner air and water, healthier food, better jobs and economic opportunities and greater equity?
We elect governments to serve us and our interests. Too often, politicians don’t see it that way.
We elect governments to serve us and our interests. Too often, politicians don’t see it that way. Many serve their wealthy corporate donors and allies, at our expense. It’s up to us to make sure they get their priorities straight. Regardless of which candidate or party you voted for, we need to communicate with our members of Parliament and government officials, to let them know we want a clean environment and social justice. With so many politicians worldwide abandoning the important but inadequate progress we’ve made on tackling serious environmental crises, Canada must step up and lead.
This election was in large part about countering threats from our neighbours to the south <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujXNbnaxAp5K0ziYNi3jw7vPS0bcg23WxtHorJxb7moxBWasi6nXRNgDBP-ulPthcC0U=> — neighbours we once thought we could rely on but who have turned against us in efforts to weaken our economy and come after our resources. Let’s hope our new government is up to the challenge. Part of that will be showing there are better ways.
During the election campaign, the fossil fuel industry and its political supporters used the tensions between the U.S. and Canada to argue for ramping up the industry — to build more pipelines and oil and gas infrastructure. The ostensible justification is that doing so will make Canada more energy independent. It’s a bogus argument, given that pipelines and oil and gas infrastructure don’t get built overnight.
If we truly wanted to become energy independent, we would focus on the most cost-effective and efficient energy: renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal and energy storage.
If we truly wanted to become energy independent, we would focus on the most cost-effective and efficient energy <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujQhXQuX3fBD0Gzd5IgEvd9eBRFpPKuBjO_HY5Zl5QrELKiCPCz1bRQhvMsWw_KwgHmE=>: renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal and energy storage. We need a clean-powered, connected electricity grid <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujSGy_OLPn27FIHJD34ZqzhA6foyOc1CoUVBfPomDj3K9-4Fa8O7T41UipP85O6KfS9E=> that facilitates interprovincial transmission. That would give us independence not only from the U.S. but from the multinational oil companies that seek only to enrich their owners, executives and shareholders.
As we all experience increasing consequences <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6Cujb8opiLjq1z1Mtx6w46AU6apv8TYETbXSREjwUCcism0SjY-WtmnJa4RM2m3xkpzwc0=> of this greedy exploitation of gas, oil and coal — from extreme weather events to devastating wildfires, deadly heat domes to costly floods, droughts and water shortages — those who study the problem agree that we can’t afford further fossil fuel development <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujUT_PEJ7mEIwqf6xLIvKuARuCmzAqOr7nFSTjWpK-T_Re-YE8YKIypEGVohE0AQgTIU=>. It’s suicidal!
Even though the current global consumer-capitalist economic regime is a relatively recent development, people are afraid to upset the status quo. And so we stumble toward oblivion, burning more fossil fuels, heating the planet to unsustainable levels, choking land, water and our own bodies with increasing amounts of plastic <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6Cujeqv83F7c6UbgTqC3-yXCEQkBwPvhyuNrblrCPFfBGDa7w2Zrhrdu01lS9QFdUxbnAQ=>and wasting the valuable resources and services this small biosphere provides.
We need to ensure that democracy is about more than just voting and elections. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we get involved.
Meanwhile, the gap between rich and poor continues to grow, with billionaires seemingly bent on reaping even more of Earth’s bounty, and seeking to protect themselves from the consequences by building sheltered compounds, maybe even on Mars <https://go.davidsuzuki.org/MTg4LVZEVS0zNjAAAAGaL6CujdpKordYUS6S0sRDYCGbpA2mzKcrkDI1utm5g6arj6W90hnCJVkJ76OMVkEsQTiSm68=>.
The U.S. has shown that a single election can cause drastic change. We need to ensure that democracy is about more than just voting and elections. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we get involved. We thank all who ran for office and congratulate the winners — it’s an important commitment. The rest of us must stay informed, talk to friends, family and colleagues and hold politicians accountable by writing letters, making phone calls, signing petitions and taking to the streets.
Our election may be over, but our work is just beginning.
By David Suzuki, with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor and Writer Ian Hanington

-----------------------------------
G) Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:

Wilmot Township Council

Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca <mailto:natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca> or 519-634-8519 x 9351
Stewart Cressman, Councillor Ward 1, Wilmot, stewart.cressman at wilmot.ca <mailto:stewart.cressman at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-1496	
Kris Wilkinson, Councillor Ward 2, Wilmot, kris.wilkinson at wilmot.ca <mailto:kris.wilkinson at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-4173
Harvir Sidhu, Councillor Ward 3, Wilmot, harvir.sidhu at wilmot.ca <mailto:harvir.sidhu at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-2521
Lillianne Dunstall, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, lillianne.dunstall at wilmot.ca <mailto:lillianne.dunstall at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-4975
Steven Martin, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, steven.martin at wilmot.ca <mailto:steven.martin at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-5214

Region of Waterloo Council

Karen Redman, Regional Chair, kredman at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:kredman at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor, Kitchener, berryv at kitchener.ca <mailto:berryv at kitchener.ca>
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor, City of Waterloo, dorothy.mccabe at waterloo.ca <mailto:dorothy.mccabe at waterloo.ca>
Jan Liggett, Cambridge Mayor, Cambridge, liggettj at cambridge.ca <mailto:liggettj at cambridge.ca>
Sue Foxton, Mayor, North Dumfries, sfoxton at northdumfries.ca <mailto:sfoxton at northdumfries.ca>
Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca <mailto:natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca>
Joe Nowak, Mayor, Wellesley, jnowak at wellesley.ca <mailto:jnowak at wellesley.ca>
Sandy Shantz, Mayor, Woolwich, sshantz at woolwich.ca <mailto:sshantz at woolwich.ca>
Doug Craig, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, dougcraig at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:dougcraig at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Pam Wolf, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, pwolf at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:pwolf at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Colleen James, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, CJames at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:CJames at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Michael Harris, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, MHarris at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:MHarris at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Kari Williams, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, KariWilliams at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:KariWilliams at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Rob Deutschmann, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, RDeutschmann at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:RDeutschmann at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Jim Erb, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, JErb at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:JErb at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Chantal Huinink, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, CHuinink at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:CHuinink at regionofwaterloo.ca>

County of Brant Contact list:

Mayor David Bailey  david.bailey at brant.ca <mailto:david.bailey at brant.ca>   226-387-2490
Councillor Ward 1 Jennifer Kyle jennifer.kyle at brant.ca <mailto:jennifer.kyle at brant.ca> 519-242-0898
Councillor Ward 1 John MacAlpine john.macalpine at brant.ca <mailto:john.macalpine at brant.ca> 519-757-9359
Councillor Ward 2 Steve Howes steve.howes at brant.ca <mailto:steve.howes at brant.ca> 519-442-4955
Councillor Ward 2 Lukas Oakley lukas.oakley at brant.ca <mailto:lukas.oakley at brant.ca>  226-216-3037
Councillor Ward 3 John Bell john.bell at brant.ca <mailto:john.bell at brant.ca> 519-209-2277
Councillor Ward 3 John Peirce john.peirce at brant.ca <mailto:john.peirce at brant.ca> 519-442-7134
Councillor Ward 4 Robert Chambers robert.chambers at brant.ca <mailto:robert.chambers at brant.ca> 519-449-2633
Councillor Ward 4 David Miller jedamiller at sympatico.ca <mailto:jedamiller at sympatico.ca> 519-449-1240
Councillor Ward 5 Brian Coleman brianatbridgeview at gmail.com <mailto:brianatbridgeview at gmail.com> 519-753-2798
Councillor Ward 5 Christine Garneau christinegarneau at brant.ca <mailto:christinegarneau at brant.ca> 226-802-1217

Province of Ontario

Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco at pc.ola.org <mailto:doug.fordco at pc.ola.org> or 416-325-1941 - available 24/7 - all calls confidential
	Or cal or text Doug Ford’s Personal Cell Phone - 647-612-3673
Paul Calandra - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - paul.calandra at pc.ola.org <mailto:steve.clark at pc.ola.org> or 416-585-7000
Andrea Khanjin - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org <mailto:andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org> or 705-722-0575
Vic Fedeli - Minister of Economic Development- vic.fedeli at pc.ola.org <mailto:vic.fedeli at pc.ola.org> or 416-326-8475
Rob Flack - Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness - rob.flack at pc.ola.org <mailto:rob.flack at pc.ola.org> or 416-326-3074
Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org <mailto:michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org>

Local Conservative MPPs:
Mike Harris Jr - Minister of Red Tape Reduction, MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris at pc.ola.org <mailto:mike.harris at pc.ola.org> or 519-669-2090
Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell at pc.ola.org <mailto:brian.riddell at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-2770
Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon at pc.ola.org <mailto:jess.dixon at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-9413
Will Bouma - MPP Brantford-Brant - will.bouma at pc.ola.org <mailto:will.bouma at pc.ola.org> or (519) 759-0361
Ted Arnott - MPP Wellington-Halton Hills - ted.arnott at pc.ola.org <mailto:ted.arnott at pc.ola.org> or (519) 787-5247
Ernie Hardeman - MPP Oxford - ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org <mailto:ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org> or (519) 537-5222
Matthew Rae - MPP Perth-Wellington - matthew.rae at pc.ola.org <mailto:matthew.rae at pc.ola.org> or (519) 272-0660

Local NDP MPPs:
Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-725-3477

Local Green Party MPPs:
Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner at ola.or <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org>g or (519) 836-4190
Aislinn Clancy - MPP Kitchener Centre - aclancy-co at ola.org <mailto:aclancy-co at ola.org> or 519-579-5460

Independent MPPs:
Bobbi Ann Brady - MPP Haldimand-Norfolk - babrady-co at ola.org <mailto:babrady-co at ola.org> or (519) 428-0446

Federal Members of Parliament

Local Liberal MPs:
Bryan May - MP Cambridge - bryan.may at parl.gc.ca <mailto:bryan.may at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 624-7440
Tim Louis - MP Kitchener-Conestoga - tim.louis at parl.gc.ca <mailto:tim.louis at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 578-3777
Valerie Bradford - MP Kitchener-South Hespeler - valerie.bradford at parl.gc.ca <mailto:valerie.bradford at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 571-5509
Bardish Chagger - MP Waterloo - bardish.chagger at parl.gc.ca <mailto:bardish.chagger at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 746-1573
Lloyd Longfield - MP Guelph - lloyd.longfield at parl.gc.ca <mailto:lloyd.longfield at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 837-8276

Local Conservative MPs:
Michael Chong - MP Wellington-Halton Hills - michael.chong at parl.gc.ca <mailto:michael.chong at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 843-7344
Larry Brock - MP Brantford-Brant - larry.brock at parl.gc.ca <mailto:larry.brock at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 754-4300
John Nater - MP Perth-Wellington - john.nater at parl.gc.ca <mailto:john.nater at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 273-1400

Local Green Party MPs:
Mike Morrice - MP Kitchener - mike.morrice at parl.gc.ca <mailto:mike.morrice at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 741-2001

-----------------------------------

Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network
www.gren.ca <http://www.gren.ca/>

Phone: (519) 888-0519
Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com <mailto:kevinthomason at mac.com>

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