Words cannot express how…

Words cannot express how disappointed I am that the government is even considering this. My concerns are as follows:

Voluntary initiatives will go nowhere for species protection or conservation.

There has been no direction of how this would actually strengthen the ability to enforce species protection laws. I strongly doubt that is will provide any benefit to enforcement and to make that claim there needs to be a strong rationale and process.

Giving the government discretion to remove listed species that have already been evaluated by COSSARO makes species listing political rather than science based. This should remain science-based.

The "area immediately surrounding a dwelling or place" is vague and since species ecology and home range differs drastically what is considered "immediately adjacent" may not be sufficient to protect the species.

Protecting only the critical root zone of a plant does not protect its habitat in the slightest. Habitats are complex and influenced by many factors. Plants are also not stagnant. Annual species do not have permanent root systems and would not grow in the same location each year. This proposed revisions allows habitats to be destroyed or negatively impacted enough to no longer support the species.

Having provincial recovery goals, objectives and approaches allows for an Ontario-specific planning tool for recovery of species at risk. Development of guidance when it is needed does not make sense. This information should be available as soon as possible after a species is listed.

The current Species at Risk Stewardship Program has no issues and is an effective system for funding recovery actions. Starting a new program is wasteful and many costs will just go to startup and administration. It is recommended you continue to use the program in place.

The Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee is a useful tool that is already in place. The government needs a way to solicit recommendations from experts and evaluate proposals for SARSP. Removing this program means that the Species Conservation Program will have no effective assessment process for applications.

Making these changes is a waste of taxpayer's money. Ontario's natural heritage should be valued and protected and the systems that promote conservation and recovery that have been in place for so long should not be butchered like this.