I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed interim changes and plan to eliminate the Endangered Species Act. As a scientist and environmental advocate, I work to raise awareness about the challenges birds face and to provide meaningful opportunities for conservation action. I have dedicated my time and energy to protecting endangered species because of my passion and love for birds and the natural areas they occupy. The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act directly undermine the work that myself and others do to support species recovery. Watching protections be stripped away from species we know and love is heartbreaking. These changes would be a significant step backwards for conservation of birds and other species in the province. Since the 1970s, North America has lost an estimated 3 billion birds. Habitat loss and urban development are among the leading drivers of bird mortality, and both would increase under the proposed changes.

The proposed Species Conservation Act would only protect nests and their immediate surroundings, not the habitats birds actually need to survive (for example, foraging areas, stopover sites used during migration, wintering grounds, and the broader landscapes that support breeding, shelter, and movement). The claim that federal law covers this gap is misleading. Migratory bird habitat on private and provincial Crown land is not meaningfully protected under federal law and this new legislation would leave those areas vulnerable. Ontario must retain and enforce the current habitat protections in the Endangered Species Act, which provide a clearer and stronger framework for protecting the province’s most vulnerable species. If there are issues with implementation, they should be addressed through improved processes, not weakened protections. Any proposed legislation must also fully respect Indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and leadership. Indigenous peoples are vital stewards of biodiversity and their voices must be centered in any conservation effort.

I strongly believe Ontario should be increasing protections for habitat for migratory birds and other animals. Biodiversity is fundamental to the health of our ecosystems, our communities, and our collective future. There are better ways to support development that don’t come at the expense of nature. I believe that Ontario can find solutions that work for both people and wildlife.