I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act (SCA), 2025. While framed as a means to streamline approvals and reduce red tape, these changes prioritize short-term economic development over long-term ecological integrity and biodiversity.

By shifting to a “registration-first” model, the government is effectively allowing development to proceed before any environmental oversight takes place. This undermines the precautionary principle, weakens species protections, and increases the risk of irreversible harm to already vulnerable ecosystems.

Key concerns include:
- Weakened Habitat Protections: The redefinition of “habitat” narrows protections to specific physical features, excluding broader ecological functions critical to species survival.
- Erosion of Scientific Independence: While COSSARO retains its assessment role, the government’s discretionary power to list or delist species politicizes what should remain an evidence-based process.
- Loss of Transparency and Accountability: The removal of mandatory recovery strategies and advisory committees reduces public oversight and expert input at a time when robust, transparent governance is needed most.
- Increased Risk of Harm: The proposal removes prohibitions against “harassment” and fast-tracks project approvals, increasing the likelihood of harm to species without adequate monitoring or mitigation.
- Federal-Provincial Loopholes: Exempting SARA-protected species from Ontario’s legislation creates jurisdictional gaps and leaves many species with fewer safeguards.

This proposal signals a troubling shift away from conservation leadership. Ontario should be strengthening, not weakening its commitment to species at risk. We call on the government to withdraw these amendments and engage in meaningful, science-based consultation with Indigenous communities, conservation experts, and the public.