As an environmental…

As an environmental biologist, I am strongly opposed to the proposed repeal of the Endangered Species Act and its replacement, after an interim period, with the proposed Species Conservation Act.

Ontario used to be a leader in species-at-risk legislation and protection. Repeal of the Endangered Species Act -- instead of making improvements to it to reduce delays and to grant permits -- would make Ontario the laughingstock of all Canadian provinces and US states. The Endangered Species Act was originally passed by the Ontario Legislature in 1971 -- legislation that Ontarians were justifiably proud of. A hallmark of the Act and its implementation is that it has been species-at-risk scientists on COSSARO (the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario) who have decided the at-risk status of species. While the proposed Species Conservation Act would retain COSSARO and its role, what is completely unacceptable is that the government would have the discretion to remove protected species from the list of species-at-risk. In other words, politicians instead of scientists could remove protected species. This proposal is almost incredible!

My late husband, a conservation forester and professor, was the person who was largely responsible for getting at at-risk species of bird listed as endangered in Ontario under the Endangered Species Act in the late 1970s. He would roll over in his grave to hear that the Ontario government is proposing to repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with the weakest species "protection" legislation imaginable.

The limits on habitat protection for at-risk species under the proposed Species Conservation Act are shockingly inadequate.

Please withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety. It is an embarrassment to the people and the government of Ontario. At a time of climate crisis and biodiversity crisis, Ontario cannot afford to weaken protections for species-at-risk to the massive degree envisaged by Bill 5.