I work in conservation in…

I work in conservation in Ontario, with a focus on protecting birds. I am very concerned that replacing the Endangered Species Act with the proposed Species Conservation Act will weaken protections at a time when many species are already declining.

Ontario’s current ESA has been recognized across Canada as one of the most progressive and science-based species protection laws. We should be proud of that. Ontarians value nature deeply, and protecting wildlife is a shared priority across communities and generations.

The proposed shift toward allowing more activities through registration, instead of permit review, risks reducing oversight and accountability. Once habitat is lost, recovery is rarely possible. The situation at Wasaga Beach and the extremely fragile population of Piping Plovers is a clear example: there are only a few nesting pairs left in Ontario, and even small disturbances can jeopardize their survival. Park lands and protected areas must remain safe refuges.

I urge the government to maintain and revitalize habitats, retain a broad species protection list, and continue to require full review for activities that could harm species at risk. Ontario should continue to lead, not step back, on conservation.