I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern and unequivocal opposition to Ontario's Bill 5, which proposes significant amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and related environmental regulations. As a resident of Ontario, I believe that the proposed changes prioritize short-term development interests over the long-term health of our ecosystems, species at risk, and the well-being of our communities.

The proposed amendments would:

Narrow the definition of "habitat" to include only the immediate area around a species' nest or den, effectively removing protection for critical ecosystems essential for species' survival .
Allow developers to bypass comprehensive environmental assessments by implementing a "registration-first approach," which could lead to unchecked development in sensitive areas .
Reduce the requirement for recovery strategies for newly listed at-risk species, undermining efforts to restore and protect these populations .
Expand exemptions for early mineral exploration, despite existing concerns about the lack of enforcement and monitoring of current regulations .
These changes are particularly concerning given the findings of Ontario's Auditor General, who reported that the province has failed to adequately protect species at risk, with most approvals granted to project developers without proper review .

Furthermore, the proposed "Species Conservation Fund" would allow developers to pay into a fund instead of actually protecting and restoring habitat for at-risk species. This "pay-to-slay" approach is a dangerous precedent that undermines genuine conservation efforts and shifts the burden of responsibility away from developers .

As a province, we must prioritize science-based decision-making and uphold our commitment to environmental stewardship. I urge you to reconsider the provisions of Bill 5 and to engage in meaningful consultation with environmental experts, Indigenous communities, and the public to ensure that Ontario's natural heritage is protected for future generations.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.