I am a citizen of Ontario…

I am a citizen of Ontario who highly values the health of biodiversity and the protection of endangered species and natural habitats. I believe that the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act do not improve protection for species at risk as claimed, but instead will put endangered species at further risk to habitat loss and degradation. Changes should be made to improve implementation rather than weaken the law.
We should not allow landscape approaches "instead of" species-specific approaches, because this adds unwanted additional risk for species already in peril.
Changing the law to allow ministerial discretion about automatic protections will politicize the listing process for species at risk, making it more controversial. The laws surrounding the CASSARO listing process should not be changed! This should be a science based process!
There is already a lot of leniency surrounding the authorization process. Challenges should be addressed through better implementation of laws. Do not simplify the exemption process!
Paying into a "conservation fund" rather than on the ground conservation and restoration action is ambiguous and makes harmful activities more likely to occur.
Species biodiversity is important for ecosystem service function. Intact natural areas with species diversity are important for ecotourism, getting people outside, and improving mental health. The public of Ontario values biodiversity conservation and this is our stewardship responsibility. I do not support environmental deregulation - we as a province should be investing in communication, the development of innovative programs, and staffing.
This is not the Endangered Business Act!!! Our environmental laws and policies are very important and highly valued for Ontario citizens. Slashing them is shameful.