I oppose any changes to the…

I oppose any changes to the Ontario Endangered Species Act which jeopardize protections for species to allow human development or business benefits. Many such species have very specific habitat requirements and limited ranges, and even moderate habitat loss in the wrong place can result in severe impact for these species. I'm very concerned at the language surrounding "streamlining" applications for exceptions to the Act, and the seeming belief that concessions should be made for development if at all possible.

Any environmental restrictions on development and business do have to consider a need to support the province's economy. However, the issue is not equally two-sided, because economic development can and will be adjusted to adhere to environmental regulations. But once sensitive habitats are damaged or destroyed to make way for human activities, it is very hard or impossible for them to recover.

The global species extinction rate is already many-fold higher than it should be as a result of human activities. Ontario should be trying to move in the opposite direction, not exacerbating this.

AM, south-western Ontario