As a born and bread…

As a born and bread Ontarioan, I strongly believe this proposed change which significantly impacts the protection of endangered bird species, undermines the values of Ontario and the land this province holds dear. Scaling back on protections of any species, let alone endangered ones, with the purpose of easier pathways towards infostructure and economic development, is an aggressive step towards more loss of habitat crucial to our ecosystem. This proposed change in which Ontario will no longer apply provincial protection to birds and their nests, will bring forth consequential negative outcomes for compliance, enforcement, and recovery for these bird species.

Habitat loss of endangered species is one of the driving factors impacting species recovery, severe habitat loss has been shown to aggressively inhibit recovery potential. With already severe habitat loss occurring throughout Ontario, a leading factor being intensive agriculture, scaling back on protected areas would result in even greater inability for endangered species to recover.

As stated previously, I strongly believe a core value of Ontario is to protect birds and their natural environment in order to maintain thriving ecosystems for future generations of animals as well as people. I beleive in order for changes in legislation such as this one to promote a successful future for Ontario's natural areas, there needs to be far more protective measures included. This particular proposed change and the possible new Species Conservation Program, does not yet hold anywhere close to the necessary measures to maintain these species natural habitat.

Thank you.