I do not support Bill 5 and…

I do not support Bill 5 and the changes it's causing to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The reduction in protection for species is synonymous with a disregard for environmental protection. Especially considering many of the areas Bill 5 intends to target will increase mining activities, which have intense negative ecological impacts if not managed properly.

Making species protection voluntary will mean it will not happen. The way the new team is structured to make decisions on species designations does not include experts, meaning there will be biased decisions lacking scientific judgement. Improving processes does not look like this.

Many reputable agencies have also voiced strong opinions against this Bill and also to the changes it enacts to the ESA, such as Nature Canada (https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/unleashing-our-economy-or-unleashing-…). The province needs to heed the voices of concern coming from residents of Ontario and the myriad of groups and organizations.

In conclusion, the proposed changes to the ESA are not the way to achieve sustainable development, as is the disregard for Indigenous Rights and the implications of the "special economic zones". The changes to the ESA need to be re-thought and the Bill not moved forward.

Thank you for your time.