This proposal is shameful to…

This proposal is shameful to Ontarians. It masks the weakening of species protection under the guise of efficiency. With the serious and escalating threats brought by climate change, we need to strengthen our species protection, not undermine it. The government's consideration of "sustainable" economic growth is concerning as the proposal seems to prioritze development. Narrowing the definition of "habitat", to seemingly exclude other critical areas for a species is deceptive and can ultimately cause serious and perhaps irreperable environmental harm, whose effects may be unknown and thus disastrous. The definition of "habitat" should NOT be narrowed. It is also shameful that non-listed species would essentially receive no protection. It is ridicilous that non-listed species are not protected, so much so that the government's actions and disregard for that species can ultimately cause that species to become listed! Lastly, abolishing obligations for the government to create recovery strategies and report on species recovery efforts is outright wrong and problematic. The government needs to look out for our future and interests, which necessarily includes the environment and protecting species. I urge you to stop Bill 5 from weakening the government’s capacity to safeguard species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern. Species' protection is crucial in our current and future environment.