I’m writing because I’m very…

I’m writing because I’m very concerned about the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA). This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife across the province, and without strong provincial protections, many species could fall through the cracks. Development in Ontario has continued for years alongside a strong ESA, and there’s no reason that can’t continue. Ontario is uniquely positioned to support incredible biodiversity, with a wide range of plant and animal species that depend on healthy habitats. But as development and climate change increase pressure on those ecosystems, we need strong provincial laws more than ever. The federal Species at Risk Act can’t do the job alone—without robust support from Ontario’s ESA, many species won’t get the protection they need. Weakening this law would make it ineffective—a hollow framework that fails to safeguard the very species it was created to protect.

Here’s why this matters:

1) Most of Ontario’s land is under provincial control.

Species at Risk Act (SARA) only applies to about 5% of Ontario — places like national parks or military land. The rest, including private property, Crown land, forests, and wetlands, is covered by provincial laws. If Ontario weakens its ESA, species on most of the land won’t have strong protection.

2) Ontario’s ESA was once a leader.

When introduced in 2007, it was one of the strongest in North America — based on science, automatic habitat protections, and recovery plans with deadlines. It’s already been weakened, and further changes would make it even harder to help species recover.

3) The federal government rarely steps in.

Even though SARA exists, the federal government usually relies on provinces for action. Emergency orders are rare and slow. If Ontario steps back, there’s often no backup.

4) Local action matters.

Ontario’s ESA supports tailored local efforts. Without it, protection efforts risk becoming slower, less coordinated, and less effective.

5) Ontario has incredible biodiversity.

Over 240 species at risk call Ontario home — including monarchs, Blanding’s turtles, and eastern meadowlarks. With development and climate change, weakening the ESA could speed up their decline.

In short, the SARA can’t do it alone. Ontario needs strong provincial laws. Weakening the ESA risks turning it into a hollow law — one that looks good on paper but fails to protect the species and their habitats it’s meant to save.