I am a biologist who has…

I am a biologist who has studied species at risk in Ontario, including the Bank Swallow, and I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. Renaming it to the "Species Conservation Act" is misleading and misinformed - in fact, the proposed changes will undoubtedly result in species declines and extinctions within my lifetime. The new definitions of "habitat" are laughable and go completely in the face of decades of science on species' habitat usage and requirements. Habitat loss is THE primary driver of species decline and we need MORE protection, not less. Ontario is home to some of the largest and most populous Bank Swallow colonies in North America, yet the Ontario population has declined by about 7% per year in recent decades and continues to decline today. If we continue to destroy Bank Swallow colonies in the name of development, this trend will only continue.

The "register first, act questions later" model also flies in the face of conservation science, which requires that we be precautionary in our actions because conserving species in the wild is FAR easier (and less expensive) than trying to restore them once they've been extirpated. The new act would hinder Canada's already slow progress towards our international biodiversity and conservation goals, and also moves us backwards on what progress we've made towards reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples by completely ignoring their rights and needs. Not only are Doug Ford and his government are NOT acting in the best interest of Ontarians, but they are being dishonest in trying to pass these changes off as beneficial. I am ashamed that he is our premier. Do better.