I am expressing concerns…

I am expressing concerns regarding the proposed transition from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2007 to the Species Conservation Act 2025. The rigorous regulations and procedures outlined in the ESA 2007 are essential for safeguarding species that are at risk. With climate change already affecting habitats and further limiting the available space for these vulnerable species, it is crucial to maintain stringent protections. Unchecked development without thorough analysis of its impact on species habitats could have detrimental effects.

Allowing new developments to proceed without conducting site assessments in areas that may contain endangered species habitats, undermines the fundamental purpose of protective legislation. Additionally, granting the provincial government the discretion to add or remove species from the protected list could lead to decisions driven by political considerations rather than scientific assessments, potentially compromising species protection.

The exclusion of certain species from provincial protections due to reliance on federal coverage may result in protection gaps, particularly for species not adequately covered at the federal level. For instance, species such as the Broad-banded Forestsnail, Carolina Mantleslug, and Eastern Banded Tigersnail are protected under the ESA 2007 but not under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Ultimately, these changes aimed at streamlining development pose risks to our limited green spaces and the species that inhabit them. A more sustainable approach to cost-saving and affordable housing development for Canadians could involve the redevelopment of brownfields within urban areas. This strategy would reduce urban sprawl and utilize areas with existing access to utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and internet. Moreover, there are established measures to mitigate exposure to contamination at brownfield locations during redevelopment, such as soil caps and paving.

In conclusion, while economic growth is important, it is imperative to ensure that it does not come at the expense of our natural environment and biodiversity. The long term well being of our ecosystems requires careful consideration of the endangered species that play a crucial role in biodiversity.