TABUNS: Ford is shredding Ontarians’ environmental rights

QUEEN’S PARK — Yesterday’s Auditor General report revealed rampant Environmental Bill of Rights violations by the Ford government.

Shadow Minster for Environment, Conservation, and Parks Peter Tabuns (Toronto—Danforth) says it’s to be expected from a Premier with no respect for Ontarians, or for the environment.

"Doug Ford has never failed to step on Ontarians' democratic rights, so it comes as no surprise that he's doing so with regard to the environment,” said Tabuns. “What’s shocking is how brazen this continued attack on environmental rights is.”

The Environmental Bill of Rights gives Ontarians a voice in decisions affecting the environment, but the Auditor General reported that the Ford government continues to ignore legally required consultations, sometimes even passing laws before the process is finished.

In her October report, the Auditor General also shined a light on the fact that the Conservatives have done away with climate targets altogether, and are nowhere near on track to meet their 2030 emissions reduction commitment.

“This pattern goes all the way back to the Greenbelt: Ford will rewrite or break any rule on the books so his friends and insiders can profit.

"Ford has given up on tackling the climate crisis, and ignores his government’s continuous Environmental Bill of Rights violations in recent years. The Premier is treating the rights and voices of Ontarians with contempt. They deserve better."