I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) under the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. While streamlining processes may benefit developers and industry, doing so at the cost of meaningful species protection is unacceptable. Shifting to a “registration-first” approach effectively removes the oversight that ensures projects are rigorously evaluated for their environmental impact before harm is done.

Replacing a science-based permitting process with a system that allows proponents to proceed immediately after registration significantly weakens safeguards for Ontario’s most vulnerable species and habitats. It prioritizes economic convenience over ecological responsibility. The ESA was designed to protect species at risk—removing its protections under the guise of "efficiency" is a clear step backward.

Ontario's biodiversity cannot be protected through voluntary programs and post-hoc enforcement alone. True conservation requires proactive, evidence-based decision-making and government accountability. I urge the Ministry to reconsider these changes and strengthen—not dismantle—the province’s commitment to species protection.