Re: ERO 025-0380 -…

Re: ERO 025-0380 - Opposition to the Proposed Interim Changes to the Endangered Species Act and the Species Conservation Act, 2025

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to Ontario's endangered species protection framework. These amendments represent a dangerous weakening of protections for our most vulnerable wildlife at a time when biodiversity loss is accelerating globally.

The proposal fundamentally compromises species protection by:

1. Removing scientific integrity from species listing: Allowing the government to override COSSARO's independent scientific assessments by adding or removing species from protection lists at their discretion undermines evidence-based conservation. This politicizes what should be a purely scientific process.

2. Narrowing habitat definitions: The proposed habitat definition drastically reduces protected areas to only immediate dwelling spaces, ignoring critical foraging areas, migration corridors, and seasonal habitats essential for species survival. This change will lead to habitat fragmentation and species decline.

3. Eliminating recovery planning requirements: Removing mandatory recovery strategies and management plans eliminates accountability and structured conservation efforts. Without these frameworks, species recovery becomes optional rather than obligatory.

4. Shifting to registration-only system: Allowing most activities to proceed immediately upon registration, without prior review, removes critical oversight. This "act first, monitor later" approach risks irreversible harm to endangered species.

5. Removing harassment protections: Eliminating protection from harassment ignores significant impacts on species behavior, breeding success, and survival.

The claim that current protections cause "unnecessary delays" for development ignores the existential crisis facing Ontario's biodiversity. This legislation prioritizes short-term economic gains over our natural heritage and environmental responsibility to future generations.

My kids struggled in school, but that all went away now that they are at school that emphasizes outdoor learning and connecting with Ontario’s flora and fauna. Nature had propelled them from struggling students to straight A ones who excel academically and socially. I want my grand kids and my great grand kids to have the same experience.

I urge the government to withdraw this proposal and instead strengthen protections for endangered species, adequately fund conservation efforts, and recognize that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to Ontario's long-term economic wellbeing.