I am very concerned about…

I am very concerned about the business-first approach of this proposal. For example, the suggestion of "longer transition periods or ministerial discretion on whether to apply, remove or temporarily delay protections for a threatened or endangered species, or its habitat" would undoubtedly put endangered species at risk. An animal is automatically added to the endangered species list when it meets the factual requirements for being endangered. Giving the public more notice before an animal is added is simply a way to ensure that businesses have time to do their potentially damaging work before they are prohibited, resulting in more damage to the landscape and species.

I want to see the government living up to the promise in the summary of this paper to continue to provide "stringent protections for species at risk, [and] continuing to work with stakeholders and
Indigenous peoples."

We do not have time to be callous about the environment, environmental protections need to be taken seriously, not play second fiddle to corporate profit.