Rally against Conservation Changes of Bill 229 held in Blyth

Earlier today a protest took place in Blyth opposed to the recent changes enacted in Bill 229. The changes see a drastic reduction in the authority and jurisdiction of Conservation Authorities. The protest was in front of local MPP Lisa Thompson’s office and was organized by retired doctor Jim Hollingworth. Hollingsworth says of it’s impact on the environment.

“Everyone here today believes that this is a disastrous move for the environment”

Another focus of the event was the protestors perception that their local MPP Lisa Thompson wasn’t doing more to stand up for the environment.. Protest participant John Meyers form Goderich says it’s a matter of preparing for the future of unpredictability when it comes to weather.

“Unpredictable weather is coming more often. It is just as damaging in a rural area like Huron Bruce as in an urban area.”

Organizers aren’t sure what legal recourse they have at this point in terms of the changes enacted by Bill 229 but Hollingsworth say they are disappointed in the way it was passed.

“He thought he was craft he hid in a budget bill. It’s a sneak piece of legislation and it’s horrible”.