Simple actions to help save our CAs. Calls and visits are by far the most effective way to influence MPPs.

• Call PC MPPs Leave a polite but firm message on their voicemail or with their assistant. Contacts here

• Rally Time! - the next rally date March 28

• Share Encourage a friend or family member to join and use the #SaveOurCAs hashtag when posting online

  Doug Ford’s Environment Minister, Todd McCarthy, states he wants to speed up permitting to “get shovels in the ground sooner” with a Conservation Authority mega-merger. Join us to say NO WAY!

Talking points for your call or email:

Copy the template below, or quote from HCA’s Corporate Statementfor your email or call to MPPs. Easy copy/paste contacts here.

DearProvincial decision makers,

I am writing from the Hamilton area to express my opposition to the Province’s plan to merge Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into just seven. My reasons are listed below and echo those of the Hamilton Conservation Authority watershed experts:

1. The Province has not provided evidence showing why the merger is needed.
   The plan notes that a regional approach is required to address inefficiency and streamline permit approvals, but doesn’t provide details on where existing CAs are falling short. We believe issues like inconsistent service or outdated systems can be addressed without restructuring the entire conservation system.

2. Local decision-making will be harder to maintain.
   Currently, Hamilton and Puslinch fund approximately 35% of HCA’s work and have a direct say in watershed decisions. The Province contributes less than 1%. In a 28-municipality organization, our local voice will carry less weight, but municipalities will still be funding the work.

3. Mergers are expensive, and there’s no funding plan.
   Bringing together conservation lands, visitor services, memberships, staff structures, and IT systems would be a major undertaking. The Province has not explained who will pay for these costs or how combining the systems will save money down the line.

4. HCA already provides efficient, reliable service.
   In 2024, we processed 94% of major permits on time, meeting or exceeding provincial expectations. The focus should be on improving resources where needed, not reorganizing authorities that already perform well.

5. Strong conservation depends on local relationships.
   For more than six decades, HCA’s conservation efforts have been supported by deep, local partnerships with municipalities, community groups, landowners, volunteers, foundations, and Indigenous partners. A larger, more removed agency could erode the local collaboration that makes conservation effective.

6. Key details remain unknown.
   Governance, costs, timing, staffing, land management, branding, and community impact have not been explained, which leaves the potential effects of the merger uncertain.

Guest speakers joined Hamilton 350 on the “Protect our Conservation Authorities” webinar on Jan 21, 2026 to discuss what we can do to help! Watch the recording here.

Sign Ontario Nature’s one-click tool to send an email to Minister McCarthy and your local MPP. Click here..

A deeper dive:

Watch the recording of Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) Staff presentation and Board discussion here

See Ford’s plan on the November HCA Special Meeting agenda here

Read Hamilton City Council’s motion detailing their opposition here