Review of Ontario's…

Review of Ontario's Endangered Species Act
I spent my career working as an environmental scientist. It is clear to me that the environment in Ontario has dramatically improved over the past 30 years, although this is not widely appreciated. This improvement is in-part due to public pressure, in-part due to improved government environmental regulation and in-part due to a more pro-environment (green) approach by business. There have been drastic reductions in emissions of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, boron, lead and arsenic largely from Ontario industrial sources but also from motor vehicles. We have seen improved use of road salt, a huge improvement in the recycling of materials as well as the storage and handling of waste in general. To say that these improvements have been a detriment to business, is simply untrue. Similarly, in protecting endangered species, businesses and individuals are forced to rethink and/or redesign projects, which is not necessarily negative for long-term business interests. Not all business ventures are good for society, the community or even the long-term prosperity of Ontario or the businesses themselves. Focusing on one species, such as a turtle, may seem extreme but this forces those involved to look at the broader landscape, habitat and toxicity issues.
A review of the Endangered Species Act is appropriate and I agree that the government has to do a better job in clarifying regulations and providing useful and easily accessible information to the public and industry. Nevertheless, the mark of a society is how it protects its most vulnerable, including species in the natural environment in general and endangered species in particular. The following comments made by the Canadian Wildlife Federation accurately reflect my concerns regarding revisions to the Endangered Species Act.
1. Landscape Approaches
I support recovering species by looking at the entire landscape and taking actions that will contribute the most to improving habitat and protecting species from harm; however, care must be taken to ensure the individual needs of each species are still taken into account. There are situations where a species-specific approach is still warranted.
2. Species Listing Process and Protections
The ability of the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) to determine the status of species, independent of government, is essential to the proper functioning of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Improved communication and transparency in all aspects of species assessment and protection is warranted to provide clarity for the public and business.
Habitat loss or degradation is a primary cause for species decline. Automatic protection, combined with clear communication on where impacts can and cannot occur, would protect species while providing certainty of what to expect for economic development.
3. Species Recovery Policy and Habitat Regulations
Delays and inaction are detrimental to species while at the same time providing little economic certainty since business is uninformed of the parameters under which they must operate. What is needed for species and economic development is for government to focus resources on quickly providing the framework for protecting habitat and taking action.
4. Permitting Processes
I am in favour of consistent application and streamlining of decisions, which must also include decisions to deny a permit for an activity that would harm a species or its habitat. Permits allowing harm to endangered species or their habitat poses considerable risk so need to come with strict conditions. Extinction is permanent.