I am strongly opposed to the…

I am strongly opposed to the new proposed legislation, which would effectively dismantle and destroy protections for endangered wildlife and their habitats in Ontario. As stated in the proposal, the purpose is to “…drive species protection and conservation while taking into account social and economic considerations…” , which is simply not true because the current terms of the Endangered Species Act already does that. Ontario is home to many Species-at-Risk, and even with the current ESA we are seeing declines in many of these populations. Loosening restrictions and allowing more development in the province is not only going to cause more habitat loss and further declines of our endangered wildlife, but further loss of the habitat that they need to recover. As a conservation biologist I can confidently say that the government should not have discretion to remove protected species from the list. This completely undermines the valuable work of wildlife biologists and scientists who guide science-based conservation efforts and decisions to protect the declining species of this province without any incentive aside from protecting species from extinction.

The “duplication” process that is mentioned throughout the proposal is not a barrier to development, but rather, a form of protection for endangered species in Ontario. The “duplication” of provincial and federal legislation exists because proposals to demolish sensitive and pristine habitat (for whatever purpose) should be examined by my multiple experts who have science-based knowledge and education on this matter. Stating the ESA rules are “too rigid” is simply complaining about having to follow rules and regulations, and implies a distinct lack of education and compassion for endangered wildlife in Ontario.

This proposal has been strategically worded in a way to convince the general public that endangered species are standing in the way of economic growth for this province, which is a fabrication. Bulldozing sensitive habitat that’s home to endangered species should not be considered a “complication”, it is our duty as stewards of the land to co-exist and preserve the remaining species we have on this planet. We are currently in the 6th mass extinction in earth’s history, which is primarily human-driven; the audacity to use our turmoil with the US as an excuse to completely gut an act that protects wildlife in Ontario is simply inexcusable and ridiculous. Aren't premier Ford's friend rich enough already? We can do better as a province.

I strongly urge the government to withdraw this proposed legislation and consult environmental experts, wildlife biologists, indigenous communities, and the general public regarding this matter. We have a moral and legal obligation to protect endangered species and our beautiful greenspaces in Ontario, not make it easier to demolish them.