Please accept these comments…

Please accept these comments as part of the public consultation on the changes to the Endangered Species Act contained within Bill 108.

I strongly oppose the changes that are being considered. They will not improve outcomes for species at risk. On the contrary, they would make it easier to destroy the habitats of Ontario's vulnerable species.

I do not support changes that introduce broad ministerial discretion to the process. Nor do I support the changes that allow those that destroy habitat to pay into a fund instead of fulfilling requirements for on-the-ground reparation for the damage they do to species and their habitats.

With so many threats currently facing Ontario's biodiversity, it is vital that you enhance protections for species at risk in our province, not erode them.