I’m writing to express my…

I’m writing to express my strong concern regarding the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, outlined in ERO notice 025-0380.

The proposal introduces several changes that, if enacted, would significantly weaken protections for at-risk species and their habitats. While the government states its goal is to streamline processes and promote sustainable development, the amendments raise several critical issues:

1. Undermining Scientific Integrity: The shift in decision-making power from independent experts (COSSARO) to government discretion opens the door for political or economic interests to override science-based assessments.

2. Weakened Habitat Protections: Redefining "habitat" to focus only on immediate dwelling areas ignores the broader ecosystems species depend on to survive, such as migratory routes and foraging grounds.

3. Reduced Oversight: Allowing most activities to proceed upon registration—without prior permit approval—undermines proactive conservation and increases the risk of irreversible harm to species and their environments.

4. Loss of Recovery Planning: Removing the requirement for recovery strategies weakens coordinated efforts to protect and restore species populations.

5. Regulatory Gaps: Eliminating provincial protections for species covered federally under SARA could lead to confusion and inconsistent conservation efforts across jurisdictions.

6. Less Public and Indigenous Input: The removal of advisory committees like the Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee limits meaningful community and Indigenous involvement.

7. Prioritizing Development Over Conservation: Reframing the purpose of the Act to include “sustainable economic growth” risks shifting the balance away from biodiversity protection toward short-term development gains.

Ontario has a responsibility to uphold strong environmental protections rooted in science and transparency. I urge you to reconsider this proposal and maintain the integrity of the Endangered Species Act.