This bill slashes the…

This bill slashes the protection that was previously established in the Endangered Species Act under the guise of economic prosperity without considering that protecting the environment should be at the core of economic considerations. We live on a planet of finite resources and gutting protections for short-term economic gain is disgraceful and short-sighted. Especially in the face of climate change, having robust ecosystems with healthy and stable populations of plants and animals is crucial to mitigating some of the effects that are occurring and at this rate will continue to occur.

I am concerned that this law is prioritizing developers over the protections of species and the environment. It is disgraceful that we are moving backwards with regard to environmental protections at a time when we should be doing more than ever to conserve and protect this planet. However, the impression this government gives is 'what does it matter so long as more dollars can be squeezed out in the end', no matter what expense it comes at. We have an immense responsibility to future generations to prioritize sustainable change and leave them a thriving planet. The Endangered Species Act should be restored, the removed species returned, the old definition of 'habitat' and discussion of species recovery should be restored, and the ability to destroy habitat or a species with just a registration with the Ministry should be removed.