I strongly oppose Bill 5 and…

I strongly oppose Bill 5 and any changes to the Endangered Species Act. I am a Canadian citizen, Ontario taxpayer, and nature photographer who is proud to live in a province blessed with a wide range of biodiversity that brings me income and billions of tourism dollars to Ontario.

I am shocked with the provincial government’s proposal to govern our priceless endangered wildlife with a weak Species Conservation Act. This is not “Protecting Ontario”.

The Species Conservation Act would threaten endangered species and destroy my source of creativity, spirituality, mental health, and joy. It jeopardizes iconic wildlife, like Barn Owls, Golden Eagles, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Lake Sturgeon, American Badgers, Tri-coloured Bats, Butler’s Gartersnakes, Spiny Softshell Turtles and the other 117 endangered species. Protecting endangered species involves more than shielding their nest or roots. Surrounding water, soil, air and ecosystems influence the health of every species.

The Species Conservation Act would jeopardize our Canadian identify to please the American president. It would “unleash” death on vulnerable species. The government must not use impatience and inefficiencies to justify sacrificing species already on the brink of extinction.

Clipping the threads of biodiversity in nature’s tapestry unravels ecosystems, endangering the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the many benefits we receive from the natural world. Prioritizing development at the expense of vulnerable wildlife is an attack on the environment and the health of each and every Ontarian.

Ontario must implement strong environmental protections for endangered species. I demand that the government cancel Bill 5 and not change the Endangered Species Act.

Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.