I understand that Ontario is…

I understand that Ontario is under pressure—especially with tariff threats from the U.S.—and yes, we need to stay competitive and build faster. But speeding up environmental approvals through the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (and the new Species Conservation Act) is dangerous.

Let’s be real: this is about giving corporations a green light to move fast without proper oversight. Allowing them to start work immediately after simply registering—without waiting for ministry approval—is outrageous. That’s not streamlining; that’s cutting out public accountability.

This government is using economic pressure as an excuse to quietly strip back environmental protections. In special economic zones, they could even override key laws meant to protect wildlife. That’s terrifying. It opens the door for industry to destroy critical habitats and put endangered species at even greater risk.

Removing the need for recovery plans and giving the government discretion over what species get protected? That’s not conservation—that’s control. This is a power grab disguised as efficiency, and it threatens Ontario’s natural heritage for short-term profit.

We need development, yes—but not at the cost of the environment and without checks and balances. This plan is overreach, and it puts wildlife and ecosystems in serious danger. I strongly oppose these changes.