I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly opposed the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 2007, subsequent repealing of the ESA, and establishment of the new Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA) under Bill 5: the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. All of these changes are archaic and unacceptable and are a huge step backward for the protection of species-at-risk in Ontario (and the conservation of other wild species that are currently not vulnerable).

The new Species Conservation Act would remove meaningful protections for at-risk species (e.g., Caribou, Barn Owls, and Eastern Wolves) and their habitats. Science-based recovery planning will be replaced by an process that won't protect our vulnerable, provincial wildlife. The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) should have sole discretion in assessing and classifying species in Ontario – and adding them to the list of protected species. The Provincial Cabinet lacks pertinent scientific expertise and should NOT be allowed to remove any protected species from the list. Further, removing the concept of “harass” from species protections is absolutely inane!

In addition, allowing proponents to begin development activity immediately after registering, instead of waiting for the appropriate Ministry to approve permits, demonstrates that the Province of Ontario values development above all else. Further, the Special Economic Zones Act (Schedule 9) of Bill 5 that gives unprecedented powers to the Provincial Cabinet – and could allow corporations or individuals to ignore environmental laws, safety standards, and local planning by-laws without public input – is entirely short-sighted and undemocratic. The Government of Ontario should NOT allow the by-passing of essential environmental-protection legislation or give the Provincial Cabinet unlimited powers – especially with respect to species-at-risk and conservation of the environment.

I strongly urge you to withdraw all proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, subsequent repealing of the ESA, and establishment of the new Species Conservation Act, 2025 immediately! Such changes will only serve to harm vulnerable species and the environment for the sake of development.