Opposition to Ontario's…

Opposition to Ontario's Proposed Species Conservation Act

I strongly oppose the Ontario government's plan to replace the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the proposed Species Conservation Act (SCA). I believe that the new legislation would significantly weaken protections for endangered species.

Key concerns include:
• Narrowing the definition of "habitat" to only include immediate dwelling areas
• Removing independent, science-based species listing processes
• Shifting responsibility for migratory birds and aquatic species to the federal government
• Allowing developers to operate with minimal oversight through simple registration
• Eliminating recovery strategies that are essential for species protection
• Terminating environmental assessment for the Eagle's Nest mine in the Ring of Fire
• Failing to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples' right to free, prior and informed consent

I urge the government to strengthen the existing ESA rather than replace it, effective conservation can coexist with sustainable economic development, and healthy habitats benefit all Ontarians.