Dear Minister of the…

Dear Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, and its proposed repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA).
The ESA is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship in Ontario. It was established with a science-based, precautionary approach to protecting species at risk and their habitats. Replacing it with the proposed Species Conservation Act, 2025, which prioritizes economic development and gives the government increased discretion over which species and habitats to protect, is deeply troubling.
Key concerns I have include:
Loss of independent science: Decisions that affect species survival should be made by independent scientists, not influenced by political or economic interests.
Weakened habitat protection: Narrowing the definition of habitat and permitting development in sensitive areas undermines the very foundation of conservation.
“Registration-first” model: Allowing developments to proceed without meaningful oversight puts countless species and ecosystems at further risk.
Special Economic Zones: Exempting areas from environmental safeguards sends a dangerous message that conservation is negotiable.
Ontario is home to over 230 species at risk. Weakening the legal protections they rely on, especially during a time of accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, is both irresponsible and shortsighted.
I urge the government to withdraw Bill 5 and instead work to strengthen the ESA through collaboration with Indigenous communities, scientists, conservationists, and the public.
Please ensure my opposition is recorded in the Environmental Registry under ERO #025-0380.