I firmly oppose the proposed…

I firmly oppose the proposed changes to the Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025. Biodiversity underpins the ecological services our society rely on. Removing protections in order to fast-track infrastructure and housing developments will only harm Ontarians in the long term.

The definitions used for habitat need to be rooted in scientific evidence. A plant species cannot function without its surrounding ecosystem. Similarly, habitats animals need to live extend well beyond their nesting sites or dens.

Before the government of Ontario fully commits to nonsensical definitions enshrined in legislation, an assessment of the present and future value of our biodiversity (e.g. to culture, tourism, and recreation to name a few) needs to be conducted. Instead of racing to the bottom and removing protections for our native flora and fauna, I would urge the government of Ontario to use tools like strategic assessment to provide reassurances to developers. This could include mapping the occurrence of species at risk and ecosystems that deliver high service levels for people and the environment and streamlining approvals in areas that are deemed suitable.

TLDR: Do better Ontario...