I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my firm opposition to the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, as outlined in the draft Species Conservation Act, 2025. These changes will significantly weaken protections for endangered species and their habitats at a time when bold, science-based conservation action is more urgently needed than ever.

While the proposed reforms are described as a “simplified, streamlined process,” this language masks the reality: these amendments prioritize administrative convenience and economic development over the survival of vulnerable species. Allowing the government discretion to determine which species are protected — rather than mandating automatic protection based on COSSARO’s independent, science-based assessments — undermines the objectivity and credibility of Ontario’s species-at-risk framework. Science, not politics or economics, must guide decisions about species protection.

Moreover, shifting to a "registration-first" approach for activities that impact species-at-risk is deeply concerning. Making it easier and faster for proponents of harmful activities to proceed, while relying on self-registration with minimal oversight, invites non-compliance and weakens accountability. The reduced requirement for permits and the potential for broad exemptions further erode safeguards that are critical to preventing habitat destruction and species decline.

Equally troubling is the revised definition of habitat and the removal of protections from harassment for certain species. Habitat protection is the cornerstone of species conservation. Weakening its definition or scope makes it harder to enforce meaningful conservation outcomes.

Ontario’s previous Endangered Species Act (2007) was internationally recognized for its strong, science-driven provisions. These proposed reforms represent a dangerous step backward and will accelerate biodiversity loss in our province.

I urge the government to abandon these changes and instead strengthen our existing legislation — by fully implementing COSSARO recommendations, ensuring habitat protection, and maintaining rigorous, enforceable permitting and compliance mechanisms.

The public expects Ontario to lead on environmental stewardship, not dismantle the very tools that safeguard our irreplaceable wildlife.

Sincerely,
Shane Curless