Concerns regarding the…

Concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act 2007.

I am a concerned citizen living in rural
Ontario. I am an advocate for protecting the land and wildlife whilst also understanding there is a growing population that needs accessible housing and community.

Please advise on the following ammendments to the ESA 2007:

1. How will government determine which species will be removed from the Species at Risk Ontario List?

2. What constitutes "harass" that is being removed from the prohibitions regarding harms to species?

3. What "recovery products for species" will be used if government is no longer required to develop them? What other measures will be used to support species recovery?

4. Does the new proposed definition of "habitat" include a pre-determined area surrounding a dwelling place such as the "critical root zone" for vascular plant species?

5. If so, what guidelines are being used to determine the critical area?

6. Can activities that are likely to kill, harm, capture, or take a member of a species listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List be permitted if the activity has been registered or permit obtained?

7. Will possession, transportation, collection, buying, selling, leasing or trading a member of a species listed on the Protected Species in Ontario List be permitted if the activity has been registered or permit obtained?

8. Will damage to or destruction of the habitat of a species listed on the Protected Species of Ontario List be permitted if the activity has been registered or permit obtained?

9. What steps will be taken if registered projects that have started before ministry review, and/or permit approval, are breaking the rules in regulation and are causing harm and destruction?

10. What steps will be taken to ensure that Indigenous communities are consulted and meaningfully engaged in developing the proposed registration-first approach?

11. Who will ensure the steps in question 10 will be adhered to?

12. Will the public have opportunity to review projects before they begin and have meaningful engagement opportunities to advocate species protection and conservation?

Many thanks for your careful consideration.