I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act and its replacement with the Species Conservation Act. The ESA has served as a cornerstone for biodiversity protection in the province, and the proposed SCA significantly undermines that role in the following critical ways:

1. Weakening Habitat Protections
Narrowing habitat definitions will leave crucial feeding, breeding, and migratory areas unprotected, undermining entire life cycles of species at risk.

The move away from regulatory protection to voluntary conservation efforts is insufficient, especially in southern Ontario where habitat loss is already critical.

2. Politicizing Species Listings
Giving cabinet the final say over which species receive protection introduces dangerous political and economic bias into what must remain a science-based process.

The removal of "recovery" language signals a reduced commitment to long-term species survival.

3. Prioritizing Development over Biodiversity
The legislation appears crafted to fast-track development, particularly mining and infrastructure projects, at the expense of ecological integrity.

This trade-off not only threatens vulnerable ecosystems but also contradicts Ontario’s climate and sustainability goals.

4. Shifting Responsibility Without Accountability
Offloading responsibilities to the federal government creates gaps in protection, especially for migratory birds and aquatic species not covered under provincial law.

Ontario must take full responsibility for its biodiversity instead of relying on external jurisdictions.

5. Public Opposition and Call to Action
I join the many voices — scientists, conservation organizations, and concerned citizens — who are calling for these changes to be withdrawn.

The government should strengthen the ESA, not dismantle it.
These changes represent a step backwards for biodiversity protection in Ontario. The province must preserve strong, enforceable environmental laws grounded in science, not weaken them for short-term economic gain.