I do not feel that the…

I do not feel that the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act and the proposed Species Conservation Act adequately protect the environment, biodiversity, or the citizens of Ontario, who need and deserve a healthy environment to ensure our future health and prosperity.

I particularly object to the possibility of political interference in the defining of which species are considered "at risk," as well as the redefinition of what "habitat" means (the definition needs to include all the territory a creature requires for survival, including foraging for food and finding mates, not just the place where it sleeps). I also object to the removal of the obligation for the government to take remedial action when a species is designated "at risk"; without any action, the designation is meaningless.

And I passionately object to the notion of "special economic zones," which would justify the suspension of the obligation to conduct environmental impact assessments for new development and would waive the necessity of consulting with Indigenous communities. None of these measures is in the long term best interests of the citizens of Ontario.

Once lost, some things (e.g., wild spaces and the biodiversity they support) are gone forever.

Please do not move forward on these short-sighted and ill-advised plans.

Thank you.