I oppose the proposed…

I oppose the proposed Species Conservation Act (Bill 5) due to its drastic weakening of species-at-risk protections in Ontario:
1. Removes essential habitat and species protection

The Act narrows “habitat” to only a species’ immediate nest or den, eliminating broader ecosystem safeguards.
It excludes 42 federally protected aquatic and migratory bird species—and 64 “special concern” terrestrial species—from provincial protection.

2. Undermines science-based decision-making

Cabinet gains override power over scientific listings, and the Act shifts to a “registration-first” model, reducing independent oversight.
WWF-Canada warns this replaces independent, science-based accountability with political discretion, threatening extinction for over 270 species. [wwf.ca]

3. Creates loopholes for “Special Economic Zones”

These zones allow developers to bypass environmental oversight entirely, jeopardizing sensitive ecosystems in Northern Ontario and the Ring of Fire. [wwf.ca]

4. Severely weakens Indigenous and public rights

The reforms risk stripping away Indigenous rights to free, prior, and informed consent, and remove archaeological assessments tied to Indigenous oversight.
Over 100 organizations—including Ontario Nature, parties sustained by 13,000+ Ontarians—demand restoration of the ESA, citing this as a rollback of nearly two decades of progress.

5. Economic justification is misleading

Environmental Defence criticizes this Act as a “body blow” likened to regressive U.S. policy, noting it could effectively ban clean energy projects by excluding foreign-made components.
Proponents offer no data showing current laws substantially delay development; meanwhile, experts warn habitat loss will erode vital ecosystem services like clean water and pollination.

Bill 5’s replacement of the Endangered Species Act with the SCA represents

a retreat from science- and ecosystem-based protections,
a threat to biodiversity and Indigenous rights,
and a thinly veiled strategy to prioritize short-term development over long-term environmental resilience.

Ontario must strengthen, not dismantle, its species protections—preserving healthy habitats that support clean air, water, climate stability, and human settlement. Please vote against the proposed Species Conservation Act.