I believe key protections…

I believe key protections that safeguard our environment, our democracy, human health, and Indigenous rights are crucial to our future and must be upheld. Therefore, I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to Bill 5 and the proposed repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007 and its replacement with the Species Conservation Act, 2025.

Endangered species in Ontario are facing their biggest threat in decades in the form of Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. Far from helping to protect Ontario, the so-called “Species Conservation Act” would, if enacted, declare open season on Ontario species that are listed as Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern. The proposed Bill not only determines the boundaries of a species' habitat, which doesn't reflect the realities of the natural world, but also eliminates any potential for the species' recovery. Bill 5 strips crucial powers from enforcement officers, and reduces public involvement and transparency, limiting opportunities for people to challenge decisions that could harm endangered species. With Bill 5, the legal determination of which species are endangered, threatened or of special concern becomes an arbitrary political decision, rather than a decision from an expert, arms-length committee.

The proposed Species Conservation Act would mark the end of meaningful protections for vulnerable species and their habitats in Ontario. It would represent yet another regression in environmental protection and citizens’ rights, at a time when Ontario along with the rest of the planet is facing a climate emergency and serious biodiversity loss.

Bill 5 is not in the public interest. This Bill would undermine, rather than advance, any genuine effort to protect Ontario. After years of neglect, endangered species urgently need more protection, not less.

Bill 5 should be cancelled. Instead, commit to strengthening the Endangered Species Act.