I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025, as outlined in ERO 025-0380. These legislative changes, part of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, pose significant threats to Ontario’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and long-term environmental resilience.

1. Erosion of Science-Based Protections: Under the current Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) independently assesses and classifies species based on scientific evidence. The proposed changes will grant the government discretion to add or remove species from the protected list, overriding scientific assessments. Species classification & listing should be an independent, non-partisan decision based in scientific and traditional knowledge. This politicization of species protection undermines the integrity of conservation efforts and may lead to inadequate protection for species at risk.

2. Weakened Habitat Definitions: The proposal seeks to redefine "habitat" in a narrower context, focusing solely on immediate surrounding of an individual. This limited definition fails to account for the broader ecosystems that species rely on for survival, such as feeding grounds, migration corridors, and seasonal habitats. By narrowing the scope of what constitutes protected habitat, the legislation will facilitate increased habitat destruction, further endangering vulnerable species.

3. Shift to a Registration-First Approach: The proposed shift from a permit-based system to a registration-first approach allows proponents to commence activities immediately after registration, without prior review or approval. While this may expedite development projects, it significantly reduces oversight and the opportunity to assess potential impacts on species at risk. At a time when climate change and habitat loss are posing great risks to Ontario's natural heritage and eventually Ontarians, these proposed changes will exacerbate these challenges instead of providing concerted political will to face climate change and not just endorsing uncontrolled development.

4. Elimination of Recovery Strategies: The removal of mandatory recovery strategies and management plans for species at risk is deeply concerning. These strategies are essential for outlining the steps needed to recover and protect endangered species. Without them, there is no clear roadmap for conservation efforts, and accountability for species recovery diminishes.

The proposed legislative changes represent a significant rollback of environmental protections in Ontario. They undermine science-based decision-making, weaken habitat protections, reduce oversight, and eliminate essential recovery planning. While economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of our province's biodiversity and ecological health.
I urge the government to reconsider these changes and prioritize the protection of Ontario's endangered species and their habitats. Sustainable development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand to ensure a healthy and resilient future for all Ontarians.