I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act of 2007 with the ultimate goal of scrapping it for the Species Conservation Act. Nor do I buy the rationalization for establishing the loosely defined 'special economic zones'. They are not needed and are open to abuse and corruption. In general, your government is clawing back the needed environmental and conservation laws to support a sustainable future and mitigate against the increasing number of severe weather events. Your continued centralization of decision making power across many areas is limiting participation in decisions that affect a number of stakeholders and politicizing the development process. Do the hard work of standardizing and streamlining processes and meet the demands for a sustainable future. Both can be achieved with responsible management.

More specifically, the proposed legislation will reduce the habitat for species at risk; accelerate the loss of even more of the critical wetlands; and moves decision making from independent scientific bodies to political discretion.

The creation of the 'special economic zones' is especially concerning - brings to mind policies of Communist Party of China in fact. As mentioned above, it puts too much power in your hands to allow developments to circumvent very important environmental safeguards that can affect the local communities as well as broader areas. Yet you are making sure they do not have a voice. The idea is short sighted and not needed and frankly is eroding our democratic processes.

Lastly but significantly, the 'economic zone' legislation undermines the rights of our Indigenous peoples to be consulted and fully participate in the decision making for any projects impacting or on their treaty lands and within their communities. Your government has a bad track record in this area and you can expect this legislation to be challenged in court.

Although many people are unaware of all the changes you are pushing through, there has at least been more media coverage of late and people are extremely concerned even if they have not taken the time and effort to comment. It is not easy to find the comment section on your website. You are only posting items that have been uploaded in the last seven days and only allowing comments for the least amount of time required. I had to persist to find this. I also note how much legislation you initiated while the public was distracted by the Federal Election and the limited debate in the legislature.

In closing, the Ontario government should not adopt this legislation nor roll back further the needed environmental protections nor limit the participation of those impacted by projects at the local or regional levels, including the Indigenous communities.