**Subject:** Opposition to…

**Subject:** Opposition to Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act (ERO 025-0380)

Dear Minister,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the introduction of the Species Conservation Act (SCA), as detailed in ERO number 025-0380.

While I understand the government's intent to streamline project approvals, these proposed changes jeopardize the protection of Ontario's most vulnerable species. Shifting to a registration-first approach undermines the rigorous scientific assessments currently conducted by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). Allowing the government discretion to add or remove species from the protected list without scientific consensus politicizes species protection and threatens biodiversity.

Furthermore, redefining "harassment" and habitat protections dilutes the legal safeguards that prevent harm to species and their habitats. The removal of mandatory recovery strategies and management plans reduces accountability and transparency, hindering effective conservation efforts.

The proposed Species Conservation Program, while increasing funding, lacks the enforceable mechanisms needed to ensure meaningful conservation outcomes. Voluntary initiatives alone are insufficient to address the urgent threats facing at-risk species.

I urge the government to reconsider these proposals and prioritize evidence-based, science-driven policies that truly protect Ontario's biodiversity.

Thank you for considering my concerns.