"The current approach to the…

"The current approach to the protection and conservation of species at risk is complicated, takes too long to complete, and causes unnecessary delays and costs for housing, transit, and critical infrastructure." - This is a ridiculous critique of the ESA. When species are already going extinct every year and our natural world is already under significant threat from climate change, it is ridiculous to think that we should repeal what protections our ecosystem has. The biodiversity of Ontario's habitats cannot be overvalued and any delays or costs incurred by construction projects pale in comparison to the long-term pricelessness of the flora and fauna of this region. We have life here that does not exist anywhere else - it's beyond unreasonable to consider reductions to the safeguards in place for a condominium or housing development that could go, literally, anywhere. I cannot think of a more selfish perspective than to value industry over the green space that Ontario has held as a point of pride for so many years.

Even outside of Ontarian considerations: Nature does not incorporate human-made borders. Any changes we make can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems outside of our province - migratory birds, the transit of seeds and plants, our waterways. It is short-sighted to enact a bill that will allow short-term monetary gain at the cost of long-term ecological health and the wellbeing of our planet.