Humane Canada is the…

Humane Canada is the national federation of SPCAs and humane societies, representing
organizations in every province and two territories, in rural and urban centres. We drive
positive, progressive change to end animal cruelty and improve animal protection through the
enactment of effective legislation. Approximately 25% of Canadian humane societies and SPCAs
are empowered to enforce provincial and federal legislation, who collectively investigate tens of
thousands of complaints every year. Humane Canada members have enforced the law for more
than a century, including in Ontario until 2019.

Our organization has a long history of working to advance the welfare of all animals, including
wildlife, through legislation, regulation, and standards. It is with much concern that we review
some of the proposed changes to endangered species protections that the Ontario Ministry of
the Environment, Conservation and Parks introduced in Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing
Our Economy Act, 2025 in April 2025. Among those concerns are that the Bill proposes to
immediately introduce amendments that would weaken the Endangered Species Act, 2007
(ESA), as well as the “Special Economic Zones” that would be created where developers and
resource companies could be exempt from provincial and/or municipal laws and regulations and
the “Registration First” approach.

The government states that the purpose of the species protection legislation is to “drive species
protection and conservation while taking into account social and economic considerations,
including the need for sustainable economic growth in Ontario”. While we understand the need
for housing and economic growth in Ontario, the only thing preventing species at risk and their
habitats from being decimated is strong, consistent protection through legislation.

Our concerns are outlined in the brief attached.