The proposed changes to the…

The proposed changes to the ESA are irresponsible, and irreparable. Just because a species is rare in Ontario because it is at it's northern limit or is found elsewhere does not justify removing protection. Don't be so stupid and shortsighted. You are setting us up to lose precious biodiversity, genetic and ecological. (look up the meaning of biodiversity if you are unaware of the implications or reduction to it). Also, adding non-scientists to the COSSARO group is ridiculous. Would you invite a person with no experience in engineering to make decisions on how to engineer your home? Finally, there is no suitable justification for delaying protection for economic reasons. There are already caveats in the law that allow for development to go ahead when necessary (for non-imminent and imminent health and safety reasons), and there is a solid process for developments to get approvals under the current system, that although not ideal as developers are hiring their own biologists to conduct the studies (sort of like letting a fox guard the henhouse), still generally serves to protect species at risk in Ontario to a small degree. The law should actually be stronger, as we are still losing species and habitat at an enormous rate. There are other ways to support continued economic health. This is completely the wrong thing to do.