I believe that the…

I believe that the provincial governments plans to update the definition of a species habitats will exacerbate the loss of species in Ontario. The new definition is too narrow and does not offer adequate protection for vulnerable species. Scientific research over decades has shown that habitats loss is a critical factor in the continued decline in species at risk and these changes will lead to more species being but off in urban islands, resulting in genetic bottlenecks and limit species ability to effect respond to a rapidly changing world which is exacerbated by climate change.

The government is not independent and should have no say in which species are removed from
The protected species list. The government should also not be removing harassment from this legislation as this will encourage developers to harass species to progress their projects.

If the ESA is updated it would be better that protections for species are updated and made stronger with better compliance and enforcement. I believe that your government is not considering the value of nature and species and the services that these deliver. From flood protection, clean air, water and the multiple societal benefits including improved mental and physical health. Ontario also has some iconic species which drives tourism to the areas and some of the most beautiful intact remains landscapes in the world and these aspects should be considered before irreparable harm is allowed for economic growth purposes. As this is short sighted and in a rapidly changing world will have a future economic cost.

Shifting to a registration approach and enabling projects to begin with full and independent assessments about their impact and if there is a way for the project to proceed and the necessary mitigation and compliance required will lead to the loss of species and irreplaceable habitats for short term gains.

Any changes to compliance should be increasing the requirements and be improving regulation to deter projects from causing harm to vulnerable or at risk species or their habitats. Breaches in compliance should be linked to severe consequences including significant fines and loss of licences to ensure that projects complies with the regulation and any requirements included.