The provincial election is less than two weeks away, with Ontarians set to go to the polls June 2.
The next government has a major role to play in protection of our environment. Ontario is home to one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, has the world’s third largest wetland, 3,600 plant species, 70 Important Bird Areas, 240-plus species at risk and approximately 300 species of breeding birds. The provincial government has primary jurisdiction over these lands and waters. Whomever Ontarians elect on June 2 will have lasting impact on how we treat our beautiful province.
Your vote will decide whether Ontario addresses the biodiversity and climate crises. Please make your voice heard.
What’s at Stake?
- Science tells us we need to protect at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. Yet Ontario has protected less than 11%.
- We are facing an unprecedented and accelerating loss of biodiversity. Globally, we’re losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the natural rate – about one to five species per year.
- Environmental deregulation has gutted protections of the water, lands and wildlife on which we all depend. We need to increase protections in the four years ahead, not continue to regress.
- The government has twice broken the law by violating public consultation requirements under the Environmental Bill of Rights. Accelerated misuse of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs), which sidestep public consultation and override policies intended to protect natural heritage and farmland, are another example of the government’s disregard for democratic process.
What Can You Do?
- Be an informed voter. See where the major parties stand on environmental issues, find out more about your local candidate, and, where applicable, check their voting record.
- Listen and constructively discuss the environmental issues at stake with your friends, family and neighbours. Be careful, nobody wants to be lectured.
- Advocate for nature on social media. Share this blog or any of our election resources. Also check out our tools for social media posts on voting for nature.
- Visit Elections Ontario to register to vote, learn how to vote and to find your electoral district.
- Most importantly: VOTE! Election day is June 2, 2022, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also vote in the advanced polls or by mail. Check your voter information card for more details.