I rise today to address the Conservatives’ proposed updates to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. Their changes encourage skipping over what you don’t know when it comes to developing wetlands.

In my science and business career, the following idea has served me well: If you’re unsure about something, go ask people who know more than you do.

Just look at some of what the Conservatives are doing in their headlong rush to develop land. “If there is uncertainty about wetland delineation, evaluators are encouraged to consult with MNR”—this is deleted; in other words, in typical Conservative government fashion, “Don’t check with the scientists. They may know something you don’t like.”

“If an evaluator is uncertain how to proceed with or interpret any component of this evaluation system they should contact the appropriate MNR district office”—this is cut; in other words, “If you’re not sure, don’t bother checking with the MNR biologist or ecologist and all the expertise they have access to.”

To add insult to injury, there is this: “A wetland that has already been evaluated may be re-evaluated,” which means now that the MNR scientists are out of the way, somebody can go back, hire another evaluator and try to open up a wetland for development.

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are afraid of any informed balance between environmental protection and economic development.