The Endangered Species Act…

The Endangered Species Act should be left largely as is, and if updated the changes should be in line with the main purpose of the Act – to preserve diversity and protect species at risk. The policies have been effective so far, and relaxed standards for development will lead to an increase in problems the Act aims to prevent, such as habitat loss, overdevelopment and pollution. If anything, the province should implement an increase in the funding devoted to protecting species at risk. Increased funding for environmental protection is an investment in our province's future – Ontario's economy and the health of its people depend on a clean, healthy and diverse environment. It is important to ensure that the long term benefits of proper environmental protection are not compromised by a desire to cut costs or streamline authorization processes that facilitate short-term development.