After reviewing the comments…

After reviewing the comments received by the public, I have concluded that proposed changes to the act do not reflect what people asked for.

I agree with the comments of Ontario Nature, Environmental Defence and the David Suzuki Foundation:

"The Ontario government’s shocking and irresponsible proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act will effectively remove all safety nets for species at risk in this province. The proposal will give industry a free pass to exterminate species in Ontario."

"This move is regressive and dangerous. The world is in a biodiversity crisis, and the Ontario government has proposed to gut one of the most comprehensive endangered species laws in the world. The province is bending to pressure from industry and sprawl developers when they should be working to restore and protect vulnerable habitats."

I think that species listed as threatened or endangered should be automatically protected

I do not agree with changes to “edge of range” species. Ontario should not opt out of protecting species at home.

I do not agree with introducing pay-to-proceed system on harmful activities. Developers and proponents should not be allowed to pay their way out of protecting endangered species’ habitats.

I do not agree with opening the scientific committee to non-scientist members.

I do not agree with giving the Minister the discretion to interfere with the listing of at risk species, bringing politics into the protection of endangered species.

I do not think the current proposed changes reflect the majority of comments submitted through the original 45 day review period. Please do the things people asked in the original consultation, specifically:

I support improving the implementation of the current legislation, including by increased enforcement

I support stringent protections for species at risk and their habitat

I support maintaining a science-based process

I support enabling positive outcomes for species at risk

I do not support lower protections to species at risk

I do not support Minister the discretion to interfere with the listing of at risk species

I do not support any negative impacts to species

I do not support any changes that reduce requirements and conditions of authorizations

I do not support any payment-in-lieu approach

I do not support allowing activities that will have an adverse impact to species at risk to proceed under exemption regulations

I do not think the proposed changed adequately protect species at risk or incorporate the feedback received by the public.