I urge this government to…

I urge this government to reconsider the proposed legislation that significantly weakens protections for endangered species and ecosystems and also sidelines the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples. This bill represents a serious departure from evidence-based policy, responsible governance, and Canada's legal and moral commitments.

Environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights are not impediments to development; they are essential pillars of a resilient, just, and forward-looking economy. Any legislation affecting biodiversity, land use, or water resources must be created through transparent, inclusive processes involving Indigenous governments, scientists, environmental organizations, and local communities. This bill was drafted without adequate consultation and moves us away from best practices in policy development.

The proposal to grant government discretion to add or remove species from protection lists is especially alarming. Decisions about species-at-risk must be rooted in scientific evidence, not driven by political convenience. Allowing political interference in species listing undermines the credibility of our environmental protection framework and risks leaving vulnerable species without adequate safeguards.

The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) was created specifically to ensure that species assessments are science-based and free from political influence. Undermining this body marks a dangerous shift away from sound environmental governance.

Equally concerning is the bill’s redefinition of “habitat.” Narrowing protections to limited physical features, such as nesting sites or root zones, ignores how species actually survive through movement, interaction, and access to the broader landscapes they rely on. Fragmenting habitats into disconnected patches surrounded by degraded land is a recipe for biodiversity collapse.

Ontario has the opportunity to lead with legislation that is both environmentally sound and socially responsible. I understand that current processes can cause delays in development, however, this is not the path forward. I urge this government to withdraw the current proposal and instead initiate a process of genuine engagement with Indigenous partners, scientific experts, and community stakeholders. Protecting endangered species is not optional. It is a legal obligation, a reflection of good governance, and a necessary step toward ensuring ecological and economic stability for generations to come.