At this time, biodiversity…

At this time, biodiversity in Ontario, and in fact throughout our planet, is under extreme pressure and wildlife populations are experiencing drastic declines. Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act will make it easier for critical wildlife habitat, upon which these species depend for their survival, to be destroyed. As Canadians we need to take action to help these species survive and thrive, rather than driving them to disappearance simply for the sake of so-called ‘development’.

Therefore we should:
- Not allow developers and other proponents of harmful activities to pay into a fund instead of fulfilling requirements for on the-ground reparation for damage,
- Base assessments of species status on the entire range of the species,
- Prohibit veto of automatic protections (i.e. 'discretion on protections') by the Minister,
- Not limit protections so that they apply only in specific geographies or under specific circumstances,
- Not create 'landscape agreements' for proponents undertaking harmful activities in multiple locations,
- Ensure that species assessments are carried out only by those who have expertise in this matter and the Minister must not interfere in these decisions by forcing their reconsideration,
- Maintain the requirement for the Minister to consult with an independent expert prior to creating regulations that would jeopardize the survival of a species in Ontario.

It is of the utmost importance that at this time, vulnerable species and habitats receive the protection they require so that the people of Ontario will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.