As a proud Ontarian and…

As a proud Ontarian and environmentalist, I strongly oppose the proposed changes in ERO 0250380.

Replacing the Endangered Species Act 2007 with the proposed Species Conservation Act 2025 is not a modernization. It is a dangerous weakening of one of Ontario’s most critical environmental safeguards. The shift from permits to a registration first system is especially alarming. It would allow developers to move forward with potentially destructive projects before proper environmental oversight or mitigation plans are in place. That is reckless.

The proposed removal of protections like the term “harass” and the narrowing of what counts as “habitat” send a clear message. Convenience for industry is being placed ahead of science, ecosystems, and the survival of vulnerable species. These changes erode public trust and make it easier to sideline biodiversity in favour of short term development goals.

I believe conservation is patriotic. It is our responsibility as Canadians to defend the land, wildlife, and natural systems that define this province and protect them for future generations. Water, wetlands, forests, and at risk species do not get a second chance once they are lost.

We do not need to gut our environmental protections to build housing or infrastructure. We need to plan smarter and hold developers accountable to the values Ontarians care about: sustainability, transparency, and a healthy environment.

This proposal must be rejected.