Hi there, Under the current…

Hi there,

Under the current Ontario Endangered Species Act (ESA) all decisions are made by an independent body, based on empirical evidence, including Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. The current ESA protects animals on the list from being killed, from harm, harassment and protects habitat.

As an Ontario resident I am very opposed to the removal of the ESA. It makes no ecological sense, and will only act to harm an already precarious and delicate system, which is already facing many threats from human encroachment and climate change.

As has been a worrying trend with the current Provincial government, the proposed amended ESA leans towards development and not conservation. With the new ESA Ontario will be able to override the independent decision making body. The government's proposed amendments are corrupt and dangerous. The habitat currently protected by legislation will be reduced for profit. Harassing endangered species is permitted under this new ESA, and a new registration based permit system will reduce the impact of consultations. Under this new ESA Ontario will no longer be required to create guidance or best practices documents.

As climate change increases rapidly and it's outcome still remains unknown, this is not the time to destroy what fragile ecosystem Ontario has left in the face of a quick buck. No matter how you slice it, the Ford government will be a blip in our shared history, whereas our collective legacy in being protectors of our land, will be handed down by generations. Choose how you plan to be woven into that story carefully, Mr. Ford and Co.

As a community, we should all be doing anything we can to preserve and build ecological health and resilience, and be acting as guardians of this land. History will see you very clearly on this, and I hope you make the choice for all generations, not just this singular blip on the Ontario timeline.