I strongly opposed the…

I strongly opposed the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. These changes are not supported by science and will dismantle the existing protections for endangered species, resulting in the further loss of critical habitat and reducing in species populations. Economic growth and housing does not need to come at the expense of wildlife habitat in Ontario. The only thing this act unleashes is destruction of the environment on which the wildlife and the residents of Ontario depend. It is clear that the proponents of these changes are not educated on the devastating ecological impacts these proposed changes will have and are only looking to pave the way for unregulated destruction of habitat, urban sprawl and development projects. The government should not make decisions that are not based in good science and that are not in the best interest of the environment without following the important processes that have been put in place.
Smart growth takes into consideration the need for clean water, air and natural habitats for wildlife and balances those needs with housing and infrastructure. It doesn’t remove important protections and regulations that have been put in place to protect species at risk. An animal cannot survive in a single location that it occupies as a ‘home’, it needs land and resources to feed, raise its young, breed and migrate. Just like a human cannot survive inside a house without outside resources. This is a deeply flawed proposed approach to species conservation.
There is no scientific basis for the proposed changes, there is no common sense and they are fundamentally in opposition with the rights and needs of species at risk and indigenous peoples.
As a resident of Ontario, an ecologist, and a mother I oppose these changes and urge you to withdraw this Bill before you continue down your path of environmental destruction that has been an alarming pattern for this provincial government while in power.