I am deeply concerned with…

I am deeply concerned with the proposal to eliminate Ontario's Endangered Species Act. As a proud Ontarian, it is disappointing to see the province taking steps backward in conservation.

The proposed modification in the new Species Conservation Act that will only provide protection for the "dwelling place" of a species discounts the importance of habitat for essential activities such as feeding and mating.

Other proposed changes, such as eliminating the need to develop provincial recovery plans means that the new Species Conservation Program will not be able to set priorities, and businesses and the public will not have guidance on the most important places to protect and actions to take for species at risk.\

The proposed legislation must also respect Indigenous rights and the duty to consult prior to development on their traditional territories. Indigenous leadership, voices, knowledge and ongoing work on the land are critical for species to thrive in sustainable ecosystems.