As an Ontario voter, I am…

As an Ontario voter, I am disappointed in the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act and the newly proposed Species Conservation Act.

While I agree that the current housing crisis (as well as the crisis in associated infrastructure) means that efficiencies must be found, I disagree that endangered species protection needs to be sacrificed in that effort. I believe the Ontario public service employs people smart enough to accomplish both. It saddens me that our elective representatives don’t have such high expectations for its public servants.

The proposal to remove mandatory listing of endangered species following COSSARO reports, mandatory development of recovery strategies and the requirement for permits associated with endangered species leaves the people of Ontario with species conservation in name only. No substance remains in this Act.

Recovery strategies should still be required. They represent no barrier to development, but signal that the Ministry is still serious about species conservation, ensure protection and conservation actions are informed by the best available science and can inform actions of the Species Conservation Program.

As it stands, it is unclear the conditions upon which activities could be registered, or the considerations necessary from proponents as part of that registration process. Registration may be appropriate in some situations (such as species which remain relatively abundant and widespread), but permits should continue to be used in situations related to extremely rare species, or those restricted to very specific habitats. Either COSSARO or the proposed Regulation should determine which species (or situations) are eligible for registration, with all others requiring a permit.

Between the housing crisis and tariffs with our largest trading partner, Ontario is facing a lot of economic challenges. This may lead Cabinet to believe that Ontarians are desperate for growth at all costs. I want to assure Cabinet however that Ontarians expect much more from them; we expect sustainable economic growth and a secure future, while still maintaining a healthy environment within which to raise our children.