I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to weaken protections for Ontario's Endangered Species. The worst part is redefining "habitat" to a very narrow definition of den/nest/hibernation sites (for plants, just the root area!). Turtle protection, in particular, will be weakened putting these species further at risk. I am also concerned that politicians will be empowered in overriding species listing, ditching permits (and the related review) in favour of just registrations and relying on federal recovery documents instead of developing provincial ones. Two thirds of Ontario's reptiles are species at risk, hopefully they will not lose their protection.