Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Ontario’s proposed plan to repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with the Species Conservation Act. I am writing to express my strong opposition to this move, which would significantly weaken protections for at-risk birds and other wildlife in our province.

The Endangered Species Act has been a cornerstone of conservation in Ontario, safeguarding not only individual nests or dens but also the broader habitats like forests, wetlands, and grasslands that species rely on for survival, migration, and recovery. The proposed new legislation would narrow the definition of “habitat” to only the immediate dwelling place, such as a nest or den, and its immediate surroundings, excluding vital areas needed for feeding, foraging, and movement. This approach ignores the scientific reality that birds and other wildlife require intact, connected ecosystems to thrive, not just isolated patches.

The new Act abandons Ontario's commitment to ensuring species recovery and long-term survival by eliminating the requirement for comprehensive recovery plans and allowing development permits even when they could drive species to extinction. The shift to a “registration-first” approach for project approvals further reduces oversight and public accountability, making it easier for harmful activities to proceed before environmental impacts are fully understood.

Additionally, by removing provincial responsibility for federally listed migratory birds and aquatic species, the legislation creates dangerous gaps in protection, as federal intervention is rare and not intended to replace robust provincial action. Voluntary measures and federal backstops are not sufficient to ensure the survival of Ontario’s most vulnerable species.

Ontario’s biodiversity is already under immense pressure from habitat loss and climate change. Now, more than ever, we need stronger, not weaker, laws to protect our natural heritage. I urge the government to stop this legislation, maintain and strengthen the Endangered Species Act, and ensure that the habitats our at-risk birds and other wildlife depend on are preserved for future generations.

Please prioritize the health of Ontario’s ecosystems and the well-being of all who depend on them. Do not proceed with Bill 5 and the repeal of the Endangered Species Act.

Thank you.