I am deeply concerned by the…

I am deeply concerned by the misleading language in this proposal, particularly with regards to the habitats and welfare of birds and other animals. Federal laws do not protect habitat for migratory birds on private or provincial crown land (as incorrectly suggested in the proposal), and confining protections to the “dwelling place” or nest of these birds fails to consider the ecosystems that they rely on for survival.

The government should retain the existing habitat definition and protections of the Endangered Species Act — delays or lack of clarity can and should be dealt with through improvements in process and systems (which certainly could be streamlined), not through a change in legislation that would put Ontario's environment at considerable risk.