Opposition to the "Protect…

Opposition to the "Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025

Dear Minister of the Environment

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025” and the repeal of the Endangered Species Act.

While I understand the need to streamline processes for housing and infrastructure, this bill prioritizes economic development over the protection of Ontario’s most vulnerable species. The shift to a registration-first approach removes crucial oversight, allowing potentially harmful activities to proceed without diligent environmental assessment. Also concerning is the government’s new discretion to override science-based species listings, the narrowing of habitat definitions, and the elimination of mandatory recovery strategies.

These changes weaken Ontario’s environmental protections at a time when biodiversity loss and climate change demand stronger—not looser—conservation laws.

I urge you to reject this bill and instead invest in improving the existing ESA through transparent, science-led consultation that respects both ecological and economic priorities.

Thank you for your time and service.

Sincerely,

Carole