I reviewed some of the…

I reviewed some of the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, and I am writing to state that I am not in favor of these changes. Firstly, I do not agree with a policy that would allow developers or others with a vested interest in destroying protected land and the vulnerable species that live on it to pay there way out of the situation. This is sending a message to developers (and the citizen's of this province) that it is okay to damage the environment and kill off species in the process IF you are willing to pay for it! My goodness, what year is this? Last time I checked it's 2019 and we are surely more educated and aware of the importance of protecting our collective environmental resources (land, water, air, habitats, species)!! Some things are not for sale. This is one of those items for which there is no appropriate price to pay. Things feels like yet another attempt by greedy developers to get their hands on land that should be protected, not bulldozed!

Secondly, I read about the numerous changes to how policies will change when interpreting what species should be protected and who will decide. I am concerned about:

- Species listed as threatened or endangered may no longer be automatically protected.

- Changes to “edge of range” species means considering populations outside of Ontario when listing a species at risk. This includes many Southern Ontarian species, allowing Ontario to simply opt out of protecting species at home.

- Opening the scientific committee to non-scientist members. This change could allow people with no knowledge or scientific background to be involved in decisions for species.

- Giving the Minister the discretion to interfere with the listing of at risk species, bringing politics into the protection of endangered species.

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

We should be strengthening our polices and enforcing rules to protect, not open the flood gates for destruction!