Statement By Phil Pothen, Counsel and Ontario Environment Program Manager

Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – Phil Pothen is available to provide insight following Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy’s proposed changes to the Conservation Authority system, and the risks they pose to the environment, public lands, and public safety.

“We are very concerned that this proposed merger of Conservation Authorities will become a pretext for reducing the level of scrutiny and protection they apply to the lowest common denominator.  That would create a very real risk to the safety of Ontarians.”

Who: Phil Pothen, Counsel and Ontario Environment Program Manager at Environmental Defence

When: Today, following the announcement from Minister McCarthy

Where: Toronto, Ontario and available remotely

Background Information:

• • Environmental Defence released a statement last year, highlighting the need for any changes to Conservation Authorities to prioritize the environment.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Karishma Porwal, media@environmentaldefence.ca