As a homeowner, tax payer…

As a homeowner, tax payer and retired scientist residing in the riding of I am strongly opposed to Bill 5 “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” - specifically, the repeal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed replacement of the ESA with the new Species Conservation Act is insufficient to protect any species at risk.

Our beautiful Ontario, like Canada has unique ecosystems in rural and urban areas. Unlike most countries and regions in the world - which I have extensively travelled - Canada is known for its forests, clean abundant water and wildlife. Canada has made considerable investment in sustainable environmental stewardship. We should not be backtracking. This is a direct factor in achieving standing in the list of the world’s best countries to live.

It is the reason why so many foreign tourists visit Canada and Ontario annually - to enjoy our seasonal colours, recreation and outdoors. For nearly 20 years, the Endangered Species Act of Ontario has helped protect our province’s most threatened species and their habitat. Without the ESA, we would not have species needed to help retain the health and beauty of our ecosystems that so many seek and pay money to enjoy, contributing greatly to our GDP.

Trees, plants, animals, fungi are all inter-dependant - one nurtures the other. Their existence together helps retain our rich soil and clean our water systems (surface and ground water). These species work together, much like a house of playing cards. Removing one, causes another to fall, then others - eventually the house of cards comes crashing down, leaving us with dusty wastelands, depleted water bodies and environmental “deserts” which have a direct negative effect our own health. I have seen this firsthand in habitats in Malaysia, China, Thailand, USA, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and others.

We actually need to heighten our protection of our natural environment to combat Climate change, a scientifically proven phenomenon. Forests, woods and marshes protect against increasingly frequent extreme weather events - high winds, heavy rains, hail, tornados, flooding - that we, in Ontario are now and will continue to experience.

Even in my own backyard in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, I have seen clear cutting of forests and destruction of streams and marshes that are home to at risk species in the past two years. This has killed and displaced wildlife on our doorstep. Migrating bird flocks lack rest stops and nesting habitat, putting pressure on other existing natural habitats. Some species will never return. Myself and neighbours try to compensate by planting native trees, bushes and plants in our yards to compensate but this is not enough. The Ontario government can do so much more.

I adamantly urge the Ontario government withdraw proposed Bill 5 and retain the ESA to protect endangered species and species-at-risk in Ontario. Show that you care about our environment, tourism, recreation and the health of your fellow Ontarians. Protect our endangered species and environments in Ontario.

It is possible to grow the economy and provide affordable housing communities while sustainably stewarding our natural environment. Just look to the successful practices in Switzerland, Baltics and Scandinavia for examples. These countries consistently make the top leaderboard of the best countries in the world to live. We should be striving to do the same.

An Ontario homeowner, retired scientist and taxpayer.