Given the threat of climate…

Given the threat of climate change, this is the time to protect and conserve nature for future generations. Bill 5 will weaken protections for endangered species in Ontario. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act is vital for protecting species that are already in delicine.

The proposed repeal of the provincial Species at Risk Act will leave gaps in habitat protection and gaps in terms of species no longer protected at all. The impact will be terrible for species under decline that need more habitat on provincial or private lands. How can the definition of habitat be restricted to just the den of a fox or the immediate root system of a plant? A healthy habitat encompasses much more - food and water supply etc.

The threat of tariffs does not justify abandoning Ontario’s strong provincial endangered species law. By letting an animal go extinct, we are destroying the natural ecosystem balance. Biodiversity benefits humans by supporting healthy ecosystems that provide essential services like clean air and water, pollination, and carbon sequestration.

Ontario does not need to copy the US by dropping environmental protections for profit. This is short-sighted. Ontario deserves a science-based approach to protecting species at risk - not one that relies on industry and developers’ voluntary support. This is not in the best interest of the Ontario taxpayer. We deserve to have our highly valued natural capital protected and enhanced.

All current provincial and municipal laws as well as environmental protections must be respected to ensure the health and integrity of our environment for current and future generations.