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A coalition of more than 160 Ontario faith leaders from diverse religions is calling on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to halt construction of Highway 413 and the removal of bike lanes. In an open letter shared with Canada’s National Observer, the leaders voiced deep concerns about the environmental, public safety and social impacts of these projects.
The group argues that the government’s new legislation, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, which fast-tracks construction of Highway 413 and facilitates the removal of bike lanes, will increase carbon emissions, harm Indigenous communities, and divert critical resources from essential services, such as healthcare, housing and education. The legislation aims to fast-track several priority infrastructure projects, including Highway 413, which will cut through Ontario’s protected Greenbelt, allowing the government to begin construction before completing environmental assessments or conducting comprehensive consultations with Indigenous communities.
The group includes Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Unitarian leaders. Mardi Tindal, former moderator of the United Church of Canada and a signatory of the letter, told Canada's National Observer that building Highway 413 would cause significant harm to natural habitats and farmland, and will increase carbon emissions at a time when reducing pollution is more urgent than ever.
“The legislation constitutes a direct attack on our collective efforts to address the climate crisis and safeguard the well-being of future generations.” Tindal said.
Ontario’s new bill also grants the provincial government unilateral authority to remove municipal bike lanes. Cycling lanes on three major Toronto streets, Bloor Street, University Avenue and Yonge Street, are to be eliminated. The government justifies these removals by claiming they alleviate traffic congestion and improve emergency response times, but no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
“Faith leaders like myself are ready to engage in dialogue to find solutions that prioritize justice, sustainability and the common good,” Tindal said. “Unfortunately, no meaningful consultation has taken place. This legislation has been fast-tracked in a way that disrespects the citizens of this province.”
The group argues the government’s actions betray its moral responsibility to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all generations.
“This Act is a dangerous political gimmick that ignores the needs of Ontarians and the well-being of nature and our climate,” said Aadil Nathani, co-founder of Green Ummah, in a statement. “As Muslims, we cannot stand behind policy decisions that are short-sighted and harmful to the environment. We all have a responsibility to protect land, and species that depend on it, for generations to come.”
Scientists, advocates and Ontario planning experts have long urged the government to reconsider its decisions on both projects. The government is now facing a lawsuit from a coalition of cycling advocates challenging its new anti-bike lane legislation.
“Our faiths share a moral imperative to provide caring stewardship of the Earth which we hold sacred,” read the letter. “We are compelled to speak out when decisions threaten the integrity of our environment and the well-being of present and future generations.”
The provincial government states on its website that Highway 413 is a crucial component of Ontario's strategy to expand highways and public transit in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region and serve a significant population increase in the next 30 years.
Comments
Doug "The Thug" Ford is more concerned about filling the pork barrels of his corrupt donors than what is best for Ontarians. Highway 413 isn't needed, bike lanes should remain, we don't need a tunnel under the 401 and nor do we need a secret deal for Ontario Place. Ford suggestion for buying back the 407, might be a good idea, depending on the cost to do so, but then again, doesn't benefit most Ontarians not living in the GTA.
Ford's priorities are misplaced, and money would be better spent restoring our health system back to it's former glory days than eroding it. Ramping up how LTC protects their residents which currently is too lax from health-related matters.
I'd rather see Ford call an election so we can kick his butt to the curb sooner than later, while at the same time, taking his $200 taxpayers own money bribe and stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Ford doesn't care about the environment at all, which goes hand in hand with his corrupt donors.