I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the protection and conservation of species at risk, which are being framed as a way to eliminate delays and reduce costs for development. This shift prioritizes short-term economic interests over the long-term survival of vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems that are already under immense pressure.

Ontario’s current system for protecting species at risk may be complex, but that complexity reflects the seriousness of the task—ensuring the survival of species that are disappearing due to human activity. Streamlining these protections to make way for faster housing, transit, and infrastructure development risks turning Ontario’s environmental safeguards into meaningless formalities.

Wildlife cannot be relocated or replaced. Once a species is lost, it is gone forever. Removing rigorous environmental reviews or introducing weaker, “faster” alternatives could lead to irreversible harm—not only to plants and animals, but to the health and resilience of entire ecosystems that communities rely on for clean air, water, and climate stability.

Conservation should not be seen as a barrier to progress. It is an essential part of responsible development. I urge the government to uphold and strengthen Ontario’s commitment to protecting species at risk—not dismantle it for the sake of expedience.