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The Provincial Government is recommending the amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven conservation authorities. In order to urge the government not to proceed with the amalgamation, QFN is responding to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO-025-1257). The ERO comment period for this proposal ends on December 22, 2025. We also encourage you to send your own submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and/or contact your MPP and the Premier’s office.

For your convenience, quick summaries and links to the ERO have been provided in the chart below. An ERO account is not needed to submit a response, but those who choose to create a free account will be able to track their comments. Your personal information will not be made public.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.

Regards,

Elizabeth Churcher

QFN Corresponding Secretary

Consultation on Amalgamation of Conservation Authorities

ERO #025-1257

Submissions to this ERO are due on December 22nd, 2025.

Summary of Purpose: We need to urge the government not to proceed with the amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into 7 regional conservation authorities. Conservation authorities should be supported meaningfully & empowered to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

Key Messages for Input:

Ø Conservation authorities were established in 1954 as a direct response to rising concerns about flooding and erosion. Central to their establishment was the recognition that conservation authorities must embody local needs and be led by local voices. Presently, flooding is the costliest natural hazard in Ontario and is expected to become an even greater threat in the coming years. The proposed amalgamation would concentrate decision-making power in the hands of the province rather than local experts. Decision-makers would be far less connected to the communities they are serving; consequently, it becomes far more likely that important local knowledge will be excluded from key decisions, leaving communities exposed to flooding and broader environmental losses.

Ø There is no indication that amalgamation would lead to more housing being built.

Ø The process for proposing amalgamation lacks transparency. The Environmental Registry does not mention the legislative changes proposed in Bill 68 (Schedule 3), to enable the amalgamation (Bill 68 is currently at 2nd reading). This means that there is no clear pathway for public consultation on these changes. This omission undermines the Environmental Bill of Rights, which exists to ensure that all people in Ontario have opportunities to comment on decisions affecting the natural Environment.

November 10, 2025 – ERO – Expanding Protected Areas in Ontario

The Provincial Government is recommending the expansion of protected areas in Ontario, a cause which is very important for QFN to support. We commend the province for its continued efforts in safeguarding Ontario’s habitats and biodiversity. In order to provide support, QFN is responding to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO-019-9306). We also encourage you to send your own submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and/or contact your MPP and the Premier’s office.

For your convenience, quick summaries and links to the ERO have been provided in the chart below. An ERO account is not needed to submit a response, but those who choose to create a free account will be able to track their comments. Your personal information will not be made public.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.

Regards,

Elizabeth Churcher

QFN Corresponding Secretary

The Provincial Government is recommending the expansion of protected areas in Ontario, a cause which is very important for QFN to support. We commend the province for its continued efforts in safeguarding Ontario’s habitats and biodiversity. In order to provide support, QFN is responding to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO-019-9306). We also encourage you to send your own submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and/or contact your MPP and the Premier’s office.

For your convenience, quick summaries and links to the ERO have been provided in the chart below. An ERO account is not needed to submit a response, but those who choose to create a free account will be able to track their comments. Your personal information will not be made public.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.

Regards,

Elizabeth Churcher

QFN Corresponding Secretary

Consultation on Expanding Protected Area Project

ERO #019-9306

Submissions to this ERO are due on November 24th 2025.

Summary of Purpose: We need to offer comments that will urge the province to commit to further expanding Ontario’s protected areas.

Key Messages for Input:

-Protected areas offer a practical and effective approach to conserving biodiversity and ecosystems that sustain us, while enhancing our resilience.

-Protected areas provide jobs and recreational opportunities for residents.

-Protected areas are a fundamental component of our national identity.

Ontario has only approximately 11% of land and water protected which is a significant shortfall from established targets. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy, and the Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy all identify as the target “conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030.

-Ontario needs to support pan-national efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity decline. Approximately 20% of B.C., 17% of Quebec and 16% of Alberta is considered protected.

-86% of Ontario residents support the creation of parks and protected areas. The recent 2025 Abascus Data found that 91% of Canadians overwhelmingly agree that nature is one of the country’s most

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