(025-0380, Proposed Changes…

(025-0380, Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act, into the Species Conservation Act)
I strongly disagree with the proposal to scrap the Endangered Species Act and redefine habitat. I work as a conservation biologist, and see every day how important the places that organisms feed, travel, and live in are, not just the places in which they reproduce. These organisms in turn help the economy; ecosystem services like flood prevention, water filtration, and pest management save our governments millions each year.

This change claims to help the economy, but it comes at the expense of the environment. One could argue that nearly every other regulation and legislation already caters to the economy and development, and that the ESA is the only one actually dedicated to a non-redundant goal. Ontario's strength is in its diversity, be that its people, its biology, or its ability to handle multiple priorities. We need at least one piece of legislation dedicated to actually protecting the environment rather than being solely aimed at development.

I strongly oppose the scrapping of the ESA and the redefinition of habitat. It is not based in science or the good of Ontario's constituents.