To: Doug Ford and Stephen…

To: Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce

RE: Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed new approach that seeks to replace the current framework for the protection and conservation of species at risk. While I recognize the challenges presented by the existing system—including timelines, complexity, and interactions with development—the solution cannot come at the expense of environmental integrity and biodiversity.

The current process, though imperfect, is grounded in scientific assessment, public transparency, and precautionary principles. It reflects our national and international commitments to protect endangered species and their habitats. Simplifying or streamlining these protections under the guise of efficiency risks weakening oversight, undermining ecological resilience, and paving the way for development projects that may cause irreversible damage to vulnerable ecosystems.

Delays and costs in housing, transit, or infrastructure projects are legitimate concerns, but they must be addressed through improved coordination and investment in environmental planning—not by diminishing the protections that species at risk depend on for survival. Accelerating development at the cost of biodiversity will ultimately create greater economic and environmental burdens in the long term.

I urge decision-makers to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term expediency. Rather than replacing the current framework, efforts should focus on improving its efficiency while maintaining robust, science-based conservation standards.

Yes, development is important. But so is clean air, safe water, and the natural heritage we pass on to our kids. Rushing through conservation decisions risks making irreversible mistakes. We need to improve efficiency, not abandon the thoughtful safeguards that protect what can’t be replaced.

Thank you for considering this perspective. I would welcome the opportunity for the public to engage further on this issue and support constructive reforms that enhance both ecological stewardship and responsible development.