I am supportive of the…

I am supportive of the government's goal to improve protection for species at risk. Many improvements could be achieved through procedural updates and better integration with municipal planning and land use development frameworks. Extensive legislation changes are not required.

In particular, I note:

Area of Focus 1 - Landscape Approaches & Existing Tools/Processes - A landscape approach can be beneficial not only to a Species at Risk but also for the overall biodiversity and health of our natural heritage systems. There are opportunities within the existing municipal land use planning process to improve integration of a landscape approach earlier into higher level studies. Earlier integration would also help with the coordination of various agency approvals and streamline the overall process for proponents. Conservation Authorities, where present, could provide local expertise and timely assistance to facilitate the process.

Area of Focus 4 - Activities subject to other legislature or regulatory frameworks - It could be more efficient and effective if there was better integration of ESA approvals earlier into the municipal land use planning framework.