Good morning, I am an…

Good morning,

I am an Environmental Compliance Officer with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and I am deeply concerned by the changes proposed to the Endangered Species Act.

The measures set forth in this legislation are intended to protect our fragile ecosystem and the species that call it home. Overriding it for the sake of convenience sends a message to Ontarians that the almighty dollar reigns supreme in this province. This government seeks to create "barrier-free" opportunities to businesses and developers by fast-tracking their projects and bypassing common-sense regulations; what you fail to highlight is the cost to taxpayers long after these projects have been completed. As an ECO, my role is to inspect and audit projects exactly like those you are attempting to hasten. I have seen first-hand the damage caused by proponents when they fail to follow the conditions set forth in their Species At Risk permits. Ironically, the legislation is already lacking in powers I have as a Provincial Officer to mitigate damage done by a proponent when they've been found to be in contravention of the Act. Now the objective is to take this Act from bad to worse?

What point is there in creating a registry if there are no requirements that the necessary studies and reports take place before work commences? You intend to "...remove the requirements to develop recovery strategies and management plans, government response statements, and reviews of progress from legislation." What will be left, if not the core purpose of the Act? You state you are "...supporting voluntary activities that will assist in the protection and conservation of species". Why are you comfortable allowing corporations to self-regulate in a field that can see permanent consequences when not taken seriously? Are we pretending that financial gain will not trump every decision a builder makes when it comes to mitigating the damage they're causing to our species at risk? You state that under the new registration system, "...proponents will be able to get projects started as soon as they have completed their online registration, provided they are following the rules in regulation." Says who, them? Will they tick a box that says "I am following the rules!" and that will be sufficient? Would you be comfortable allowing new drivers to simply register for a driver's license, check a box that says they won't crash and harm others, and then put them behind the wheel? Or is that too asinine, because nobody is directly profiting from it financially?

To say that I am disappointed in the government that I serve is an understatement. I've spent my career promoting compliance with environmental regulations and championing new initiatives that see businesses and residents alike informed of Ontario's unique and beautiful natural landscapes. Perhaps you should take some time to do the same, so you can see firsthand what you would be destroying by signing this amendment. While I respect and understand the need for progress in this province, it shouldn't come at the cost of our protected species. This legislation exists for a reason, and while sometimes inconvenient, the processes in place are desperately needed to keep our ecosystem healthy and our businesses HONEST. Voluntary self-regulation will fail spectacularly, and our species at risk will pay the price.

Respectfully,
A concerned ECO