I am deeply saddened to hear…

I am deeply saddened to hear that Ontario is planning to eliminate the Endangered Species Act. This represents a major a step backwards, during a critical time for biodiversity. We are lucky to live in a province where wetlands and forests are host to a plethora of fascinating and beautiful species, and the proposed new Species Conservation Act simply does not do this any justice.

For instance, protecting the "dwelling place" of a bird (i.e. the nest) sounds all well and nice, but such action would be ignorant of ecology. I can't imagine hearing the magical sound of a Wood Thrush song anywhere else but deep in the forest, for instance, the habitat it depends on to survive, mate, build nests and care for nestlings. Yet that would be at stake with this new proposed Act, which seems to be making room for economic growth and development at the expense of other lives.

Not to mention, it is despicable to think that the new act would abandon plans and actions to help with the recovery of endangered species. This could result in the loss of beautiful species like the Prothonotary Warbler and the Piping Plover, to name only a few. These lives are all precious, and I think that it is time to stop putting our own voracious appetite for economic gain over them. Its time to get real and do the work to repair our broken relationship with nature.

On this matter, I would suggest our province to seek more input from Indigenous voices. We must respect the obligation to consult with Indigenous leaders on proposals like these, especially reguarding our relationship with the land.

Numerous species in Ontario are under tremendous stress due to pollution, loss of habitat, the spread of invasive species, and of course, climate change. A real plan that respects the Ontario's lives is needed to address this.