Dear Premier Ford, The…

Dear Premier Ford,
The Ontario government’s proposed Species Conservation Act brings to mind the book ‘The Silent Spring’. This book documented the environmental harm caused by the indiscriminate use of DDT. The title suggests that without environmental protections, the world would be deprived of the joys of birdsong.
It is the month of April, people in Ontario may now sleep with their windows open at night, allowing birdsong to breeze into the morning bedroom.
But your government’s proposed SCA may contribute to a silent spring in future generations.
The quotations below are examples that speak to this point.
The SCA states: “Under the proposed new approach, instead of waiting for the ministry to approve permits, most proponents will be able to begin an activity immediately after registering’.
One can picture backhoes roaring into action blind to the devastation done to the flora and fauna.
The SCA states: “the requirement for the government to develop recovery products for species will be removed from legislation enabling a more flexible approach.”
It is the responsibility of the government to protect endangered and threatened species, not relinquish the obligation.
The SCA states: “We are proposing to remove the concept of “harass” from species protections”.
Synonyms to harass include tire, exhaust, debilitate, and weaken. Human activity should live in harmony with wildlife.
The proposed Species Conservation Act will cause irreversible damage to the natural world of the Province of Ontario, and in the long term toward a silent spring.
Does your government want this as its legacy?

Sincerely,
Ontario tax payer