I strongly oppose 025-0380…

I strongly oppose 025-0380 as it is presented. While there are improvements to be made to the species at risk act the proposed changes are more than modifications; gutting important provisions in the current ESA. The proposed changes will likely be detrimental for everyone with the exception of bad actors.

The ESA has been an example of what can be accomplished through best practices; species at risk receive some protection,there is industry oversight while allowing projects to move forward where and when they should, overall benefit clauses benefit species at risk, the environment, provide positive sentiment towards industry and benefit all ontarians ensuring our natural heritage is preserved for everyone.

The proposed changes are backwards, rolling back any meaningful provisions in the ESA, absolves the government of its responsibility to protect SAR, implements a “register-to-kill” system for industry and undermines the current practices for SAR designation by allowing direct political interference in what has been an independent process following independent experts using the best available information.

This appears to be a completely unreasonable, unbalanced approach to protecting species in Ontario; the new definitions for protection in particular need to be revised by competent individuals as the proposed definitions of habitat are unacceptable for anyone with even the most basic knowledge of biology and ecology. Policies need to be based on sound knowledge.

I strongly hope that Ontario will reconsider the proposed repealing of the ESA until such a time as a more effective, responsible alternative is developed. Ontario needs to remain an example for other jurisdictions to look up to, not a cautionary tale of failure.