I strongly oppose any…

I strongly oppose any efforts to weaken or undermine the Endangered Species Act in Ontario. The ESA is a vital piece of legislation that protects the province’s most vulnerable species and the ecosystems they depend on. At a time when biodiversity is in global decline and the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe, Ontario should be strengthening, not loosening, protections for endangered and threatened species.

Development of housing, infrastructure and resource development have been done in tandem for years while protecting SAR and the environment. The red tape comes when projects are over the top and will have impacts. Economic safe zones should not be allowed as this will completely disregard any environmental concerns. These zones would allow developers to ignore or bypass ESA requirements in designated areas — essentially putting profit ahead of protection.

Reducing habitat protections, delaying species listings, or creating additional exemptions for industry and development will only accelerate biodiversity loss and damage the long-term health of Ontario’s natural heritage. These changes also risk violating Canada's commitments under international agreements and may have legal consequences.

Weakening the ESA and creating economic safe zones may benefit a few industries in the short term, but they come at a high cost to Ontario’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and future generations. Strong environmental laws are essential for a healthy, resilient province — especially in the face of climate change.

I urge the Ontario government to uphold the integrity of the ESA, invest in science-based conservation, and work collaboratively with Indigenous communities, scientists, and conservation organizations to ensure that all species at risk have a chance to recover and thrive.