I am concerned that the time…

I am concerned that the time from when the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry is to receive a report from the committee on the status of species at risk in Ontario has been extended to 12 months from 3 months. I am worried that the Minister can order COSSARO to review their findings and Indigenous knowledge might not be included in the Minister’s opinion. Having a lower classification based on areas outside of Ontario could be damaging to species inside Ontario. I believe automatic protections on habitat and wildlife are a good thing which could help reduce flooding as well. With 1 million species at risk having more protection of habitat should be considered a good thing. I believe suspending species and habitat protections for up to three years is reckless and could cause other species to be lost and increase flood risks for properties costing taxpayers more than if the habitat remains protected. One of my major concerns is that the government can pick and choose which species receive protection for political reasons. An example being that the Government Response Statement development can be extended. I am angered by the suggestion that this registry is a duplication and don’t feel that payments to allow the destruction of habitat or species is good policy.