I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025, as outlined in ERO 025-0380.

As a concerned citizen and business owner in Ontario, I am deeply troubled by the direction these changes suggest:

Opposition to Bill 5: The "Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025" appears to prioritize economic development over environmental protection. While economic growth is important, it should not come at the expense of our province's rich biodiversity and natural heritage.

Concerns Over Reduced Oversight: The shift towards a "registration-first" approach for species-related authorizations raises significant concerns about the lack of public and scientific oversight. By allowing activities to commence immediately after registration, without thorough review, we risk irreversible harm to vulnerable species and their habitats.

Need for Stronger Environmental and Endangered Species Protections: Ontario's ecosystems are already under pressure from various threats. Now is the time to strengthen, not weaken, our environmental laws. Removing terms like "harass" from species protections and redefining habitat in narrower terms could lead to gaps in conservation efforts.

Opposition to Special Economic Zones Overriding Environmental Laws: The introduction of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), where regulatory requirements can be moderated, is alarming. Such zones could become loopholes that allow industries to bypass essential environmental safeguards, leading to unchecked exploitation of natural resources.

As a business owner, I am committed to sustainable practices and believe that economic development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. However, if Ontario proceeds with these changes that undermine environmental protections and public oversight, I will have to reconsider operating my business in this province.

I urge the government to reconsider these proposals and engage in meaningful consultations with environmental experts, Indigenous communities, and the public to develop policies that truly balance economic growth with the imperative of conserving our natural environment.