The overall impact of the…

The overall impact of the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and establishing the new Species Conservation Act (SCA) will have a negative effect on species at risk. Our politicians and corporations need to be reminded that humans are ultimately dependent upon the health of our natural ecosystems which provide essential services to us. Negative impacts of human activities such as uncontrolled population growth, land conversion to human use (e.g. urban, agricultural, industrial expansion; and resource extraction), and decreasing habitat quality for all species (including humans) (e.g. pollution) are the causes threatening species and ecosystem health. Allowing developments to begin immediately after applications have been submitted and before proper thorough assessments are made by qualified experts will only accelerate the negative impacts of humans on species (both species currently at risk, and other species). These proposed changes to the existing legislation serve only to promote short-term benefits to some humans by enhancing economic returns to some businesses, industries, and some people. We need to invest more of our financial resources to increase protection of natural habitats, increase connectivity between natural areas (corridors), and develop more strict use and enforcement of the existing legislation; increase support to all levels of education; and to provide more support for ecological and conservation experts and NGOs to make positive changes that benefit all species and the functioning of natural ecosystems that even humans are dependent on for healthy futures. The province of Ontario is the region of Canada that has historically lost more natural habitat and harmed more species and ecosystems than any of the other provinces. We have the most urgent needs to protect and conserve species, habitats, and ecosystems and to set an example of putting ecosystem and species health (including humans) ahead of economic expansion. The proposed changes should not be approved.