I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my complete disagreement with the whole concept of Bill 5. In particular, I am very concerned about the proposal to eliminate Ontario’s Endangered Species Act that has been a cornerstone of environmental protection for 20 years. This is not how a so-called advanced Western democracy should be treating our biodiversity and environment. It seems that this government has not even heard of the worldwide biodiversity crisis or, more likely, they just don't care.

It is frankly embarrassing to live in a province where we are going backwards in so many ways.

The proposed removal of “recovery” plans and not working toward ensuring that at-risk species are able to survive, with a stable population as a goal, is reprehensible. The new Act would virtually ensure continued decline, extinction, or extirpation.

I certainly do not agree with getting rid of the scientific committees that designate which species require protection. The idea that the Cabinet would have the power to decide which species deserve protection, effectively making protection a political choice, is ridiculous.

The proposal to define an animal's “habitat” to mean only the nest, den, or immediate area around it — not the forests, wetlands or feeding grounds they need to survive is so stupid that I can't believe people actually come up with such nonsense.

By getting rid of the requirement for developers to apply for permits when projects threaten species or their habitat will lead to decreasing populations of at-risk species, which is the opposite of what we should be doing. Proposing to create an online registration process for development proponents with no oversight before habitat destruction begins makes no sense.

This entire bill needs to be scrapped!

Since we just had an election a few months ago, why was there no discussion of the changes included in this Bill during the campaign? Is it because the government knew they are controversial and didn't want to defend them in debates, etc.? So much for transparency.