I object to the proposed…

I object to the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025, as outlined in ERO notice #025-0380.

These proposals significantly weaken the protections currently afforded to Ontario's at-risk species and their habitats. Key concerns include:

Shift to a Registration-First Approach: Allowing activities to proceed immediately after registration, without prior review, undermines the precautionary principle essential for effective conservation.

Redefinition of Habitat: Narrowing the definition of "habitat" to only areas currently occupied by species ignores the importance of potential and historical habitats necessary for species recovery.

Elimination of Recovery Strategies: Removing the requirement to develop and implement recovery strategies for endangered species hampers coordinated conservation efforts.

Government Discretion Over Species Listing: Granting the government discretion to add or remove species from protection lists, despite scientific assessments by COSSARO, politicizes species conservation.

These changes prioritize economic development over ecological integrity, threatening biodiversity and the health of ecosystems that provide essential services to all Ontarians.

I urge the Ministry to reconsider these proposals and maintain robust, science-based protections for species at risk in Ontario.