You will find attached…

You will find attached Biigtigong Nishnaabeg’s comments on the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025 (ERO #025-0380). Names and contact information have been redacted per the above privacy disclaimer.

In brief, this letter outlines Biigtigong Nishnaabeg's strong objections to Ontario's proposed interim amendments to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the proposal for the new Species Conservation Act, 2025. The proposed changes pose not only a serious threat to the protection of at-risk species but also undermine the constitutional rights of First Nations throughout Ontario.

While Biigtigong Nishnaabeg holds deep and serious objections to numerous aspects of Bill 5 (Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act) - specifically due to its blatant disregard for our inherent Aboriginal tights and our active claim - those concerns are addressed in a separate correspondence. This letter focuses on our grave concerns with Schedule 2 (immediate amendments to the Endangered Species Act, 2007) and Schedule 9 (introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025), which further erodes provincial treaty implementation, co-management, and environmental stewarship.

We demand that the province immediately halt the progression of Bill 5 through the Ontario Legislature until meaningful two-way dialogue on this matter can be held and a more balanced solution can be developed.