The proposed changes to the…

The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the Species Conservation Act, 2025 are very concerning.

This new legislation would weaken protections for endangered and threatened species by narrowing the definition of "harm" to exclude habitat destruction, allowing activities that degrade or fragment habitats, such as logging or development, to proceed without ESA oversight unless they directly kill or injure individual animals.

They will also directly result in habitat loss which is a primary cause of species endangerment and extinction. By not considering habitat modification as harmful, the legislation could lead to increased destruction of critical habitats, undermining conservation efforts and potentially accelerating the decline of vulnerable species.

These proposed changes prioritize economic interests over scientific evidence and conservation needs, allowing local entities to cherry-pick what counts as the "best" available science.

The legislation severely limits the right for citizens to challenge federal ESA decisions in court. This reduction in public oversight could make it harder to hold authorities accountable for decisions that negatively impact the environment.

There needs to be a balance between economic development and species protection and this is not it. Canadians need to start demonstrating we value something beyond economics. When we say no to shortcuts, it simply cuts into the profits of a few. The development and progress still moves forward. You wouldn't do it fast, cheap, and dirty for your house. Don't do so for our province.

The myopic government policies in the last decade resulting in the housing shortages, poor transit systems and solutions, etc., are not an excuse to make yet another poor decision.