The Species Conservation Act…

The Species Conservation Act 2025 as written is not good enough to protect species in Ontario and thus Ontario itself. The Endangered Species Act, which this is replacing, was not enough either and this is a step down. Degrading protection for species is not the direction we need to be going given today's biodiversity crisis. Wildlife deserve to live and thrive, and their continued decline will negatively impact humans as well.

Please listen to experts who are probably explaining why better than me, but also please listen to all the concerned public.

This proposal will negatively impact at-risk plants and animals. It will cease even to recognize more than 106 different species at risk! These species NEED protection, not removal of protection.

This proposal makes gives Ontario authority to do whatever it wants, regardless of project impacts to wildlife and nature. That is not being accountable or responsibility, which are qualities of a good government. Protecting nature is a shared responsibility and this proposal is Ontario not doing its part. This proposal will throw responsibility on the federal government, who may have to step in by enforcing the Species At Risk Act, which can cost and delay projects more than if Ontario simply had its own proper legislation and followed it. It will complicate Ontario's relationship with the federal government. We do not need more polarization; collaboration is the best way to accomplish projects.

This proposal will allow Ontario to approve permits that would allow harmful development projects to destroy critical habitat.

This proposal needs revision. I do not support the new Act as written. I do not support delisting species and removing listing categories. I do not support lack of monitoring species. I suggest Ontario goes back to the Endangered Species Act and improve it. We need more protection for animals and plants in Ontario. This proposal is the exact opposite. It's not fair to those species. It's not right. It will not protect Ontario. Ontario depends on healthy species and their ecosystems for our food (e.g., at-risk species pollinate our food), water, air, and so much more.