Comment on ERO# 025-0380:…

Comment on ERO# 025-0380: Opposing Proposed Changes to Endangered Species Act

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act outlined in Bill 5. These amendments would severely weaken critical protections for Ontario's most vulnerable species at a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating worldwide.

The shift to a "registration-first" approach instead of permits, narrowing habitat definitions to just nests or dens, and removing recovery strategy requirements will have devastating consequences for species already struggling to survive.

Ontario's at-risk species are already facing immense pressure. Blanding's turtles have declined by 60% over three generations, and Bobolinks have lost 77% of their population since the 1970s. The Auditor General's 2021 report revealed that approvals to harm species increased by over 6,000% between 2008-2020, with 96% granted through exemptions.

True economic progress depends on healthy ecosystems. Once these species are gone, they're gone forever. I urge you to strengthen, not weaken, protections for endangered species by maintaining science-based assessment processes, comprehensive habitat protections, and mandatory recovery strategies.

Our children deserve to inherit an Ontario with thriving biodiversity, not a province where economic expediency trumped our responsibility to protect vulnerable species.