I want to comment to record…

I want to comment to record my objection to Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025.

It clearly states that: "Under the proposed new approach, instead of waiting for the ministry to approve permits, most proponents will be able to begin an activity immediately after registering." Essentially saying, instead of doing due diligence to ensure there is no adverse environmental outcomes, companies are free to start destroying places immediately, with no understanding or record of the impact they are causing. It is clearly a bad idea.

It also states the: "independent science-based committee responsible for assessing and classifying species in Ontario, will not change. However, the government would have discretion to add extirpated, endangered, and threatened species to the list of protected species. The government would also have discretion to remove protected species from the list." Which is to say that despite what experts may say, the government can ignore the science-backed conclusions and make changes to suit their own purposes. There's no good reason for this change.

It also proposes to narrow down what is considered habitat, I suppose so they can legally leave less for endangered species.

Another awful inclusion is: "Under the proposed new SCA, activities that are harmful to species cannot proceed unless the person carrying out the activity has registered the activity, or in limited situations, obtained a permit." So activities that are deemed harmful CAN be done under these new rules, they just need to make sure they announce they are doing it first and get a permit. That's objectively terrible.

In order to cut down on red tape they state: "The proposed amendments to the ESA would remove the requirements to develop recovery strategies and management plans, government response statements, and reviews of progress from legislation." If this isn't mandated, companies/municipalities etc. won't do it. It will not get done, there will be no recovery or management of any sort.

I also don't agree with it's intention to get rid of the Species Conservation Action Agency (SCAA), the removal of "the express ability to establish an advisory committee" and the intention to do away with the Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee.

I'm sitting at home with migraine typing this out, futilely trying to stop the Ford government from wrecking even more of this province then it already has. Do not pass this bill.