I fully oppose the repealing…

I fully oppose the repealing of the ESA and any amendments laid out in Bill 5.

The Bill systematically defunds and undermines both of the spirit and the letter of environmental protection regulations.

The redefined version of "habitat" is scientifically untenable. The new "definition" is not only unclear, but misunderstands and misrepresents the ecological definition of habitat, which is not just the area of immediately surrounding a den or nest, but includes elements of the ecosystem that provide territory, shelter and feeding opportunities.

Unfortunately, this redefinition of a scientific construct by a government with no ecological training is just one of many problems with the Bill.

The provision for special economic zones is democratically unsound, as it grants undue oversight and command of resources outside the jurisdiction of the province and undercuts municipal government's powers and responsibilities.

I urge all lawmakers to withdraw the Bill to prevent unnecessary future costs to Ontario taxpayers when this law is predictably challenged in the justice system.