As a resident of Ontario…

As a resident of Ontario deeply committed to environmental conservation, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025. 

While I acknowledge the need for efficient processes in project approvals, I am apprehensive that the shift to a “registration-first” approach may compromise the thorough assessment of potential impacts on species at risk. The current permitting process, though complex, ensures that activities undergo rigorous evaluation to prevent harm to vulnerable species. By allowing proponents to commence activities immediately after registration, there is a risk of unintended consequences that could negatively affect biodiversity.

Furthermore, granting the government discretion to add or remove species from the protected list, even when classifications are determined by the independent Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), raises concerns about the potential politicization of species protection. It is crucial that decisions regarding species conservation remain grounded in scientific evidence to maintain the integrity of our environmental policies.

I urge the Ministry to reconsider these proposed changes and to engage in comprehensive consultations with environmental experts, Indigenous communities, and the public to develop a framework that balances economic development with the imperative of protecting Ontario’s rich biodiversity.

Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter.