I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025. These reforms prioritize speed and development over science, transparency, and ecological responsibility.

Shifting to a registration-first model removes essential checks and balances. Allowing development to begin immediately after registration, without a permit or public input, is a dangerous step backward in environmental oversight.

The redside dace, which has been found on ORC and Transport Canada lands, is just one example of a species that has halted or reshaped irresponsible development. Weakening the legal definition of habitat and removing “harassment” from the list of prohibited actions strips critical protections from these vulnerable species.

The government's increasing discretionary power to list or delist species undermines scientific independence and risks turning environmental decisions into political ones.

Ontario’s economy and environment do not need to be in conflict. True prosperity requires long-term thinking, which includes conserving biodiversity and respecting the ecosystems that sustain us.

I urge the Ministry to withdraw this proposal and commit to strengthening—not weakening—Ontario’s protections for species at risk.