I think the changes proposed…

I think the changes proposed to the Endangered Species Act are rash and short-sighted. In particular, it is ludicrous that the Minister has the right to make COSSARO reconsider the classification of species--the opportunity for partisanship and lobbying by industries wanted a particular species downgraded in order to build on land, or exploit resources is far too great. These decisions should ONLY be made by non-political entities, scientists and researchers dedicated to the good of the planet and the environmental health of our province.

Secondly, while the idea that COSSARO should take into account a species "broader biologically relevant geographic area" before listing a species as endangered sounds good, in fact it encourages other provinces to de-list certain species and does not take into account habitat islands that make it virtually impossible for certain species to travel/migrate in order to actually grow by breeding with populations farther away.

So while a species overall in say Ontario and Quebec might warrant a large enough population to not be considered endangered, those populations are often sequestered in smaller and smaller habitats meaning that population groups could easily die out due to in-breeding regardless of the whether the same species exists nearby.

In general, the removal of independent experts and non-partisan and of course the payment-in lieu nonsense (which would still involve the creation of red tape--your "board-governed provincial agency" to allocate funds) are all steps backward in a time when we can not afford to wait any longer to protect our environment. I want my future children to know what a painted turtle is and not just from historical documents! Our toads, frogs and birds are the ones warning us about what is to come. Massive species die-off is already occurring and these changes will make it happen even faster.