I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) under Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.

The proposed changes significantly undermine the ESA's core purpose of protecting Ontario's biodiversity. Key concerns include:

Politicization of Species Protection: Granting the provincial government the discretion to add or remove species from the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List undermines the independent, science-based assessments currently conducted by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). This shift risks prioritizing economic interests over ecological evidence, potentially leading to the exclusion of species in need of protection.

Narrowing Habitat Definitions: Restricting habitat protection to breeding and hibernation sites excludes critical seasonal ranges and migratory corridors essential for species survival. This change could have devastating effects on species that rely on diverse habitats throughout their life cycles.

Removal of 'Harassment' Prohibition: Eliminating the prohibition on harassing at-risk species diminishes legal safeguards against activities that disrupt their normal behavior, such as construction near their habitats. This change could lead to increased disturbances and further decline of vulnerable species.

Weakening Recovery Strategies: The removal of requirements for species-specific recovery strategies and management plans leaves many species without clear conservation guidelines, hindering effective protection and recovery efforts.

Simplification of Permitting Process: Replacing permits with a registration-first approach reduces transparency and oversight, potentially allowing harmful activities to proceed without adequate environmental assessment.

These proposed amendments prioritize development interests over the protection of Ontario's most vulnerable species and ecosystems. I urge the Ministry to reconsider these changes and instead strengthen the ESA to ensure the long-term conservation of our province's biodiversity.

Thank you for considering my concerns.