I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed repeal of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and its replacement with the Species Conservation Act, 2025 (ERO #025-0380). This proposal is a blatant rollback of hard-won protections for Ontario’s most vulnerable species, and I urge you to reject it in the strongest possible terms.

The Endangered Species Act was one of the most respected pieces of conservation legislation in North America. Its science-based approach ensured that decisions about species protection were grounded in evidence and ecological need. The proposed legislation does the opposite — it puts species at risk of extinction for the sake of political expediency and short-term economic gain.

Specifically, I am deeply alarmed that the proposal would:

Allow the government to ignore scientific recommendations from COSSARO regarding species listings;

Weaken the definition of “habitat” and remove protections from critical life functions like breeding, nesting, or overwintering;

Introduce a registration-first model that prioritizes development over biodiversity, with minimal oversight or enforcement;

Strip protections against the harassment and harm of endangered species;

Further erode public trust in Ontario’s ability to act as a responsible steward of its natural heritage.

These changes do not “modernize” species protection — they gut it. In a time of global biodiversity collapse, Ontario should be leading the charge in conservation, not undermining it for the benefit of industry.

I demand that the government:

Withdraw ERO #025-0380;

Reaffirm its commitment to the Endangered Species Act, 2007;

Ensure that science and conservation, not politics and profit, guide species protection in this province.

I stand with countless other Ontarians who believe that we have a moral and ecological responsibility to protect the species that call this province home. Our endangered plants and animals cannot speak for themselves — but I can, and I will continue to do so until their future is secure.