The ESA Discussion Paper’s…

The ESA Discussion Paper’s suggestion that current species’ listing is unclear, causes uncertainty, or not transparent is inaccurate. The process is clear.
The ESA Discussion Paper’s suggestion of longer time lines for species recovery policies won’t protect the endangered. Science states that 2/3’s of wildlife will disappear by 2020, and populations have plunged 60% since 1970. Governments need to take action now.
The idea of adding eight more tools for developers to gain approval for developing endangered species habit will further weaken the ESA. One of the biggest dangers with the current Endangered Species Act (ESA), is the ease developers receives an ESA Permit. During the past decade, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has denied very few, if any, ESA Permit applications, yet our endangered species list continues to grow. ESA Permits should be held to higher scrutiny and not approved in every case. In addition, ESA Permits should never be granted when a development is under appeal at an OMB or a Tribunal Hearing.