The current government is…

The current government is proposing significant rollbacks to the protection of Ontario’s most vulnerable species, with deeply concerning implications for science-based conservation and biodiversity. Specifically:

Undermining Independent Scientific Expertise
The government seeks to grant itself the discretionary power to delist species from the Species at Risk registry, effectively bypassing the recommendations of COSSARO - the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario. COSSARO is an independent, non-partisan body composed of scientific experts tasked with assessing species status based on rigorous evidence. Disregarding their findings not only politicizes species protection but also undermines the credibility and integrity of conservation science in Ontario.

Narrowing the Definition of Habitat
The proposed changes would weaken the current definition of "habitat" under the Endangered Species Act. Critical areas such as foraging grounds, migratory corridors, and seasonal habitats, which are essential for the survival and recovery of many species, would no longer be protected. This regressive shift ignores decades of ecological research showing that species depend on interconnected landscapes to thrive, not just breeding or nesting sites.

Removing Oversight Before Destruction
The new rules would allow developers and other proponents to begin activities immediately after registering them, without requiring government review or approval. This effectively greenlights irreversible habitat destruction before assessing potential harm can be made. Such a "register-and-go" approach eliminates crucial checks and balances, eroding public trust and leaving species and ecosystems exposed to unchecked development.