Comments on the amended…

Comments on the amended Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) and proposed Species Conservation Act, 2025 (CSA):

Narrowing the definition of habitat: areas that the species relies on for feeding, mating and migration will no longer be protected. Areas for species recovery will no longer be protected.

No jeopardy clause: no requirement to ensure that regulations or authorized activities won’t threaten the survival of the species

No requirements to minimize impacts or do anything beneficial for the species when undertaking a project or activity

Under the SCA, there would be little (if any) oversight as most projects would qualify to register for a permit by rule

If a species is assessed by COSSARO as END or THR, there will be no requirement for the government to protect the species or its habitat at all, or set goals for it’s recovery

No requirements to plan for species recovery or for the government to demonstrate how it will protect and recover SAR

Ontario will be abdicating its responsibility for aquatic species at risk and migratory birds: conservation, protection and recovery of SAR is multi-jurisdictional and requires cooperation among levels of government

The interim ESA and the new CSA are a gift to developers and industry.