As a resident of Ontario, I…

As a resident of Ontario, I strongly oppose the proposed Species Conservation Act and the repeal of the Endangered Species Act. This scientifically unfounded legislation is a dangerous step back for biodiversity in our province, and puts our provinces sensitive ecosystems at risk, which is something that affects wildlife, wild spaces, and all residents of this province human and nonhuman.

Why is the province undermining scientific, transparent foundations which have precedent as the guide for species protection What scientific authority does the government have to determine which species shld be removed or added to the at risk list?

How can our government justify to the public their decision to prioritize industrial and development interests over the health of our shared ecosystems? Why is our government failing in its responsibility to steward the natural heritage of our province?

We are facing unprecedented species loss from pollution, the climate crisis, development. It is a fraught time for life in Ontario and right now is a time to protect our ecosystems rather than diminish our natural world. I'm highly concerned, disappointed, and baffled by these actions by the Government of Ontario.

Instead of condemning the existence of our natural world, the Government of Ontario must act to maintain and strengthen science-based protections under the Endangered Species Act, not replace them with a framework that leaves species more vulnerable. A healthy economy depends on a healthy environment, one that includes all species, not just those convenient for development.