Bill 5 must be withdrawn as…

Bill 5 must be withdrawn as it weakens the protection of species. The government will be less equipped to protect vulnerable species, as the bill weakens habitat definitions and disregards both the ethical and practical responsibilities we hold to safeguard biodiversity. Due to the interconnections between our health and well-being and biodiversity, weakening species protection is a threat to health that we cannot support. While our society depends on a sound economy, unsustainable development that erodes protections for biodiversity sets up future generations for failure, as clearly stated in the urgent actions recommended in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

This bill would have far reaching impacts on species who call Ontario home. The ESA would be required to focus on “sustainable economic growth,” rather than prioritizing the survival and well-being of species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Habitat definition changes in Bill 5 will also endanger these species by failing to consider the full lifecycle needs of species and focusing only on the immediate surroundings. Cabinet should never have the authority to arbitrarily ignore science-based recommendations to list a species at risk, although this would be permitted with these changes in Bill 5. Decisions to list a species must be made in consideration of the available evidence, and it is perilous to biodiversity to allow for cabinet to arbitrarily deny a species to be added. Lastly, it is critical that the government maintain the obligations to create recovery strategies and provide transparent reporting on species recovery efforts. We recognize the critical importance of the biodiverse life of Ontario for our human well-being and the roles they play within ecosystems and must urge withdrawal of Bill 5.