Hello, I am writing as an…

Hello,

I am writing as an educator, parent, and concerned citizen.

I am strongly opposed to changes in the Endangered Species Act. This act and the processes that it outlines are in place to ensure the protection of species and their habitats for the long term. Now is NOT the time to make it easier for industry to contaminate lands and waters or destroy and desecrate the ecosystems on which species depend for their continued survival.

In my Grade 4, 5, and 6 classes, I am responsible for teaching students about the importance of habitats and of biodiversity. I am also responsible for teaching the curriculum about the role of different levels of government in protecting the rights of citizens, and of protecting Ontario's incredible natural heritage.

My students are rightfully concerned about threats to biodiversity and to the habitats of many of the plants and animals they care about. They understand that it is human activities and the consequences of human activities, such as Climate Change, that are threatening many species in Ontario and throughout the world. Through projects and research, they also come to understand that there are processes and mechanisms in place that exist to protect plants, animals, and their habitats for the good of the species themselves and the food webs and ecosystems to which they are intricately connected. This helps them to feel hopeful and empowered in a world that seems increasingly hostile to the natural world they love.

The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act will undermine the trust and hope of young people everywhere, who will know that the future of the wild spaces and creatures that they love has been compromised by short-sighted and power-hungry members of government who can only see as far as the next vote and dollar. Shame on you all for even thinking that it was remotely OK to exploit the current economic crisis to expedite resource exploitation and habitat destruction for the benefit of corporations and individuals who prioritize profit over the future of the planet and future generations.

And, that somehow the current crisis might also be exploited to disregard the responsibility to consult with indigenous communities about what happens on their treaty lands, adds insult to the injury already caused by decades of industrial activity that has caused immeasurable harm from Grassy Narrows to Sarnia.

Keep the Act as it is. SUPPORT the protection of nature, Indigenous rights, and public trust in government decision-making by calling for the withdrawal of Bill 5 in its entirety