I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my firm opposition to the proposed amendments to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA), as outlined in ERO #025-0380. These changes represent a significant weakening of the protections afforded to Ontario's most vulnerable species and their habitats, undermining decades of conservation efforts.

Key Concerns:

Introduction of a "Pay-to-Proceed" System: The proposal to allow developers to pay into a conservation fund as a means to proceed with activities that harm endangered species' habitats is deeply troubling. This approach commodifies nature and permits the destruction of irreplaceable habitats, effectively allowing those with financial resources to bypass environmental safeguards. Such a system does not guarantee the restoration of lost habitats and fails to address the underlying ecological impacts .
Ministerial Discretion Over Species Listings: Granting the government the authority to add or remove species from the protected list, regardless of scientific assessments by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), politicizes species protection. This undermines the science-based foundation of the ESA and opens the door for decisions driven by economic or political considerations rather than ecological necessity .
Redefinition of Habitat Protections: The proposed changes to the definition of "habitat" and the removal of the term "harass" from species protections dilute the legal safeguards for species at risk. These modifications could lead to increased harm to critical habitats and disrupt the delicate balance required for species recovery .
Weakening of Scientific Oversight: Allowing individuals without scientific expertise to participate in decisions regarding species protection compromises the integrity of the ESA. The inclusion of non-expert voices in scientific assessments could lead to decisions that are not grounded in sound ecological science, further jeopardizing species at risk .
Conclusion:

The proposed amendments to the ESA prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term ecological sustainability. Ontario's biodiversity is a public trust that must be preserved for future generations. I urge the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to reconsider these proposals and uphold the original intent of the ESA—to protect and recover species at risk through science-based, precautionary measures.