Thank you for providing the…

Thank you for providing the opportunity to respond to the proposed amendments to the endangered species act, 2007.

Firstly, this does not appear to be an amendment, but rather the first step towards erasure of the endangered species act, replacing it with the proposed species conservation act, 2025.
I have a few major concerns.

1. While social and economic factors are important, these should not be able to leverage species and habitat protection in favour of said social and economic factors if they do not benefit the species and habitats in question.
2. A habitat definition that only focuses on the most critical areas needed by a species is not an effective way to manage habitat and species at risk. This is a band-aid approach that only provides some protection once the issue of habitat loss is already established. A preventative approach to habitat loss is needed, protecting quality habitat and establishing additional quality habitat for species at risk.
3. Government discretion on whether to apply protection to at risk species is not effective when a government prioritizes non-conservation activities. An endangered species act (or species conservation act) should be in place to protect species at risk from ill-informed government priorities and mandates that contradict species and habitat protection.
4. I support increased efficiency in decision making that prevents unnecessary delays and costs for social and economic undertakings, but I am not convinced that the species conservation act, 2025 truly provides gains for species at risk.

Thank you