The Endangered Species Act,…

The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) should not be revised to streamline development. The proposed changes have no true benefit to the environment. The changes would further weaken protections for at-risk species and their habitats. By removing the waiting period for proponents to recieve ministry appproval for permits you are giving the proponents the power to more relaxed about the protection rules. By re defining a 'habitat' it could open up species at risk habitat that was previously protected to no longer be considered as something to protect. The province has environmental legislation for a reason. Past wrong doing has created an imbalanced system and destruction to the environment. Ontario has legislation in place like the ESA to protect the species that are most vulnerable and at risk. Development is an important part of economic growth but it is not more important than environmental longevity and should not be done by compromosing protective measures designed at species preservation. Fast tracked development by compromising the environment and endagered species should not be done. Future generations and true environemntal considerations need to be made, with expert opinions/studies. Profit should not be the priority!