I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007. As a professional wildlife biologist, I have witnessed firsthand the precarious state of Ontario’s species at risk and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing landscape. The proposed regulatory changes would significantly weaken protections for our most vulnerable species and could accelerate their path to extinction.

Urban expansion, habitat fragmentation, and ecosystem degradation are already the primary drivers of biodiversity loss in Ontario. Allowing potentially harmful activities to proceed simply through a registration process—without rigorous environmental assessment, independent oversight, or mandatory mitigation—undermines the very intent of the Endangered Species Act. This approach prioritizes short-term development interests over the long-term health of Ontario’s ecosystems and the survival of the species that depend on them.

We must recognize that biodiversity is not a luxury—it is essential to the resilience of our natural systems and the well-being of future generations. There are sustainable and scientifically sound alternatives that support development while safeguarding critical habitats. Ontario has the expertise and innovation to find these solutions. What we need now is the political will to uphold our responsibility as stewards of the natural world.

I urge you to reject these proposed changes and uphold the integrity of the Endangered Species Act. Our collective future depends on the choices we make today.