I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed Species Conservation Act, 2025 (Bill 5). These amendments gut Ontario’s Endangered Species protections and put wildlife at serious risk.
• The new definition of habitat is dangerously narrow, excluding feeding and migration areas.
• The removal of “harass” from prohibitions weakens safeguards against disturbance.
• Recovery plans become optional, undermining science-based recovery.
• Government gains unchecked discretion to deny species listings and approvals.
• Developers can harm species first, “register later,” reversing the precautionary principle.
• Indigenous rights and consultation obligations are sidelined.

This legislation prioritizes short-term development over ecological survival. Ontario must maintain robust, science-based species protections and halt Bill 5 immediately.