Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this paper. I support protections for species at risk. We are currently entering the 6th mass extinction. When species go extinct, there are consequences for the ecosystem which in turn has consequences for us. We don’t want to go extinct too. I recognize the law has not been implemented properly in the past and this could have caused problems. To solve these problems, we should not be taking away regulations, but making strides to improve implementation of the law with planning, communications, program development and staffing.

To protect endangered species, I urge you to:
- Keep COSSARO’s current science-based listing process.
- Keep mandatory habitat protection, no discretion should be given to the minister.
- Take away the exemptions for mining, hydro, forestry, development industries that were put in place in 2013.
- Amend section 57 (1)1 of the ESA so that exemptions will only be allowed if they do not jeopardize the survival and recovery of endangered and threatened species.
- Do not allow companies to pay into a fund to compensate for their on the ground damage to endangered species.

Thank you for your time.