I am writing to strongly…

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 2007, its repeal, and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA) under Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. These changes are regressive, harmful, and undermine protections for species-at-risk and Ontario’s broader biodiversity.

The SCA would strip meaningful protections from vulnerable species while replacing science-based recovery plans with a weakened process. The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) must retain full authority to assess and list species, not Cabinet members lacking scientific expertise. Removing terms like “harass” from species protections is nonsensical and deeply concerning.

Allowing development to begin immediately upon registration—without Ministry approval—shows a clear preference for development over conservation. Furthermore, Schedule 9 of Bill 5, the Special Economic Zones Act, gives the Provincial Cabinet alarming powers to override environmental laws, safety standards, and local planning without public input. This is short-sighted, undemocratic, and dangerous.

I urge you to withdraw all proposed changes to the ESA and halt the implementation of the SCA. Prioritizing short-term economic gain over long-term ecological protection will only lead to lasting damage.