I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act and the new Species Conservation Act (2025). These amendments:

1. **Politicize species protection** by letting the government ignore scientific assessments (COSSARO).
2. **Drastically narrow habitat definitions**, leaving critical ecosystems vulnerable to destruction.
3. **Replace permits with weak "self-registration"**, removing oversight before harm occurs.
4. **Eliminate mandatory recovery plans**, relying on voluntary measures that fail at-risk species.
5. **Prioritize developer convenience over biodiversity**, accelerating extinctions.

Ontario’s wildlife needs stronger protections, not loopholes for industry.

I suggest:
- Binding COSSARO listings, no political overrides.
- Full habitat protections, not just fragments.
- Science-based permits, not unchecked self-registration.
- Mandatory recovery plans with enforceable deadlines.

Scrap this dangerous proposal.
Strengthen the ESA instead.