Protecting species without…

Protecting species without protecting the surrounding habitat they depend on to survive will greatly put Ontario's most at-risk species a further risk. Habitats are not limited to “dwelling places” or nests and their immediate surroundings. They also include foraging habitat and habitats for various other activities as currently defined by the habitat definitions in the current Endangered Species Act. The existing habitat definition and protections of the current Endangered Species Act should be retained. They provide a clear approach to conserving Ontario’s most at-risk birds and other wildlife, and any issues with delays or lack of clarity can be dealt with through improvements in process. Designating “special economic zones” in which “trusted proponents” would be given the authority to undertake projects without regard to provincial and municipal laws, and terminating comprehensive environmental assessments for current and future projects is simply wrong. Please retain existing protections for birds and other wildlife under the current Endangered Species Act and invest in improvements to the current process to increase efficiency and help Ontario’s economy. Doing otherwise is simply irresponsible.