It is imperative that the…

It is imperative that the Ontario government upholds the current Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) program, including the existing legal habitat protections for all endangered and threatened wildlife—birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other species. I care deeply about the future of at-risk wildlife and want to see the forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other natural habitats they depend on protected for future generations. It is also imperative that the government refrain from removing protected species from the list. If anything, Premier Ford should strengthen endangered species protection so wildlife can flourish and communities can benefit from conservation. Also a concern, is the fact that the Ontario government's proposed bill also has the potential to trample Indigenous rights if it doesn’t respect the right to free prior and informed consent. Indigenous Peoples must be at the center of all discussions about sustainable economies and protecting endangered species.