As a resident of Ajax living…

As a resident of Ajax living near Ontario’s Greenbelt, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act under Bill 5.

This region is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and forested areas, including ecologically sensitive corridors like Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. These areas not only support endangered species but also protect us from flooding, purify our air and water, and offer irreplaceable natural beauty and recreational space.

I am deeply concerned that:

The shift to a registration-based system will allow harmful development to proceed with minimal oversight;

Granting the government discretion over species listings could politicize scientific decisions and weaken protections for already vulnerable wildlife;

Redefining “habitat” and removing “harass” from legal language dilutes the meaning of protection and could lead to irreversible harm to species during critical periods;

These changes directly threaten the integrity of the Greenbelt, a globally significant conservation area.

This bill prioritizes short-term economic gains at the expense of our natural heritage, climate resilience, and long-term public interest. I urge you to withdraw or significantly revise this proposal to ensure science remains central in environmental decision-making and that strong safeguards are in place to protect Ontario’s rich biodiversity.