Protecting our species and…

Protecting our species and natural environment is a proud legacy. Please do not weaken ESA.

10th Year Review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act: Discussion Paper (ERO 013-4143)
Public Comment Period January 18, 2019 - March 4, 2019 (45 days)

As an Ontario resident and Taxpayer I am opposed to weakening Ontario's environmental legislation including but not limited to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA was struck to protect endangered species and steps to reach that goal should not be avoided simply for convenience or economic benefit. To that end, I support the following recommendations:

1. Exemptions from the ESA must be the exception. Exemptions should only be used in very limited situations where the level of risk and the level of complexity are low, and where the impacts of the activities are well understood and can be adequately addressed.

2. Improve implementation of the ESA. Don’t weaken the law. Keep the need to get a permit before construction or logging takes place. Permits ensure that there is overall benefit to the species as per the ESA. Anything less is contrary to the purpose of the ESA, which is to protect and recover endangered species.

3. Registration for an exemption must be mandatory. In rare situations where an exemption may be appropriate, the proponent must be required to register with the Ontario government, outlining the nature of the activity, the anticipated impact, and the plan to achieve overall benefit for the species and monitor results.

4. To address budgetary issues, the government can recover the costs of permitting. Make those who will benefit from the permit pay for it.

I expect careful consideration of the following:

- The sale or destruction of Canada’s non-renewable resources including species at risk demands caution precisely because the assets are non-renewable.
- Non-renewable resource assets are not ours alone – they also belong to future generations.
- By virtue of diminishing supply, non-renewable assets will be worth more money in the future, therefore selling them now means selling at a reduced rate.
- The extraction of natural resources does a lot of environmental damage, makes indelible change and presents environmental risks to air, water and soil.
- Extraction may be warranted if the benefits outweigh the cost, however, benefits and cost must be calculated in full. Current legislation, policies and regulations are not conducive to full cost accounting.
- Budgetary and financial shortfalls mean reduced monitoring and enforcement. Close monitoring and enforcement are necessary to minimize damage from unforeseen circumstance.
- A strong independent Environmental Commissioner's Office provides accountability and transparency for Ontarians.
- Species need protection for future generations, future economics and to ensure bio-diversity.

I am opposed to weakening Ontario's environmental legislation including the Endangered Species Act. As elected officials and government employees, YOU are the lead stewards of our land. Please ensure we leave a legacy of significance for our children -- fresh air, clean water, good food, productive soil, ample green space, healthy lifestyle and environment.

Protecting our species and natural environment is a proud legacy.