I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA) and the accompanying amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These changes drastically weaken protections for Ontario’s vulnerable wildlife by narrowing habitat definitions, allowing political interference in species listing over scientific advice, replacing rigorous permits with a simple registration system for potentially harmful projects, and eliminating mandatory recovery strategies. Experts warn these changes prioritize economic considerations over conservation needs and will be catastrophic for biodiversity, effectively gutting protections for species at risk and undermining environmental assessment processes.
Therefore, I request the withdrawal of the Species Conservation Act, 2025, and the related amendments to the ESA. I urge the government to maintain and strengthen the existing ESA, ensuring decisions are science-based and prioritize the protection and recovery of species and their habitats. I further call for the upholding of Indigenous consultation rights. I implore the Legislative Assembly to reject these harmful proposals and commit to safeguarding Ontario’s natural heritage for future generations.