While I can appreciate some…

While I can appreciate some of the delays and the need to streamline some aspects of the Species at Risk (SAR) process implemented under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), in my experience dealing with MECP it is usually a lack of resources to effectively respond and support development applications, rather than the process itself. This appears to be self-inflicted issues by the current government stemming from the original shift of SAR from MNRF to MECP, along with many other planning policy changes that have caused further delays to development due to the implementation and poor planning (e.g., Conservation Authority mandate, regional municipalities without planning responsibilities, etc.).

Ontario is a hotspot for species extinction due to its location within the landscape (being home to many SAR and a good chunk of the reptiles in Canada), as well as the amount of populated areas, urban sprawl, etc. By dismantling the ESA that provides protection using science-based assessments, we threaten the natural heritage of this beautiful province. Corporations should not be exempt from these laws and have 'special economic zones' where species at risk protections do not apply. While registrations works for some species (e.g., Bobolink/Meadowlark), it is my opinion that many species will not be protected with the update to the 'habitat' definition (e.g., will plant SAR really be protected by only the root zone?).

From a housing perspective, there are so many vacant homes/lots in Ontario that could be repurposed, with strong planning implementation. However, it appears as thought the focus is on sprawling out into our natural and agricultural lands adjacent to existing urban areas.

I hope that the government will reconsider this change and the dismantling of protections for species at risk in Ontario.