These proposed changes to…

These proposed changes to Ontario’s species at risk legislation would seriously undermine the protection currently afforded by the act to species that we are at risk of losing. It prioritizes economic development over scientific oversight and habitat protection. This is short-sighted and short-term thinking that risks long-term damage to ecosystems that we should be safeguarding for future generations. Some key concerns:
• Allowing government discretion over species listings raises concerns about political influence potentially undermining science-based conservation efforts
• Narrowing the definition of habitat to “dwelling place” excludes the broader ecosystems that species rely on for migration, feeding and survival. This change could severely weaken protections, making it easier for development projects to proceed without considering the full ecological needs of at-risk species
• Replacing permitting with a registry system shifts to a self-registration model that allows projects to start immediately after registering without needing to demonstrate mitigation plans or overall benefits to species. This removes accountability and scientific oversight and could potentially lead to unchecked habitat destruction
• Eliminating recovery strategies and progress reviews means there will be no formal plans to restore populations of endangered species.
At a time when we need to increase protection for our natural world to halt species extinction and address the global biodiversity crisis, these proposed changes will serve to do the opposite. While I acknowledge the need to address the housing crisis in Canada and reduce barrier to development, short-sighted and poorly planned development will only serve to create more crises in the future. These changes are also contrary to Canada’s obligations to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Restoring biodiversity is more expensive than protecting and mitigating its loss.