Dear Representatives, please…

Dear Representatives, please heed our call to protect our province and do not repeal our established laws. I strongly oppose the repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025.

The proposed registration-first approach eliminates the essential safeguard of permit approvals before harmful activities begin. This shift prioritizes speed over ecological responsibility and opens the door to unregulated damage.

The redefinition of “habitat” drastically limits what is protected, ignoring how most species rely on complex, interconnected environments. Stripping “harassment” from prohibited actions further weakens protections.

The economic justification behind this overhaul is deeply flawed. Healthy ecosystems are not obstacles, they are assets that provide billions in services such as clean water, pollination, and flood control. Undermining them for short-term gains is irresponsible.

Finally, removing advisory committees limits transparency and silences community and Indigenous voices, at a time when inclusive, science-informed conservation is more important than ever.

In conclusion, Ontario is facing a biodiversity crisis, not a bureaucratic one. Weakening environmental laws in the name of streamlining is a dangerous miscalculation. I urge the government to withdraw this proposal and instead strengthen the ESA in partnership with scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous communities. Please consider the long-term impact, and do not trade our future for short-term ROI!