I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act outlined in ERO 025-0380. These revisions represent a dangerous step backward for environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and Indigenous rights. In particular, the redefinition of “habitat” and the shift to a registration-first approach pose significant risks to bird populations and their ecosystems.

By narrowing the definition of habitat to only include nests and dens, the proposal ignores the ecological reality that many species, especially birds, require broad, interconnected landscapes for feeding, migration, and breeding. This stripped-down definition will leave critical areas unprotected and pave the way for habitat destruction under the guise of economic development.

The proposed changes also erode the role of scientific expertise and public accountability. Permitting harmful activities to begin immediately after registration, without prior environmental review, undermines the precautionary principle and invites irreversible damage before any oversight can occur. Moreover, weakening the requirement to develop recovery strategies removes one of the most essential tools for species conservation.

Ontario is a leader in natural heritage and biodiversity, and this legislation threatens our global commitments to environmental sustainability. I urge the government to withdraw these amendments and instead strengthen, not weaken, the protections for species at risk and their habitats. Recovery and protection are not obstacles to economic growth, they are the foundation of a livable, resilient future.