I oppose the exclusion of…

I oppose the exclusion of the 64 species classified by COSSARO as special concern, just because they were not covered under the ESA does not mean that they are not at risk now and do not need protection. I also oppose the exclusion of the 42 aquatic and migratory bird species. Provincial and federal protections are not duplication, they are both separately important to ensure that both levels of government are working together to protect at risk species in their own capacities.

Conservation decisions should be scientifically based, “balancing the need for sustainable social and economic growth” undermines this. There is plenty of space and opportunity to develop Ontario and grow our economy without endangering the habitat of our at risk species.

As for the Registry, making the information submitted to it publicly available must be mandatory otherwise there is no transparency at all. In addition all registrants must be required to work with qualified professionals in developing their conservation plans, we cannot expect registrants to have the knowledge required to make effective ones on their own, and these plans must include mandatory recovery plans. Recovery for at risk species is a long-term project, short term strategies are not enough.

After reading the proposal laid out here, it is clear the SCA will not adequately provide protection for at risk species and their habitats. Therefore I call on the Ontario government to repeal Bill 5 and reinstate the ESA.