In general, there are…

In general, there are numerous proposed changes that wont benefit species at risk in Ontario; however, I will discuss 2. First, climate change is forecasted to drastically reduce which areas many species are found. Ontario is the most northern range for many species, and climate change will eliminate much of their southern ranges. Thus, by de-listing and not protecting some abundant species, we risk the chance of loosing then completely when climate change pushes them northward (because they may no longer exist here). Another issue is the vast discretionary provisions allowed to the Minster. These include: 1) not requiring consultation with independent expert in “D” permit process, 2) allowing the Minister to reconsider the listing of species, 3) giving the Mister more leeway in automatic listings, 4) allowing the Minster to set the scope of new listings, 5) allowing the Minster to make species-specific habitat regulations (as opposed to the LGIC), 6) allowing the Minster to extend the 9-month Government Response Statement, 7) allowing the Minster to extend timelines for review of progress towards protection and recovery, 8) allowing the Minister to decide what constitutes as a guideline to direct funding, and 9) allowing the Minster to postpone protection for 3 years. These discretionary changes would not just allow for bias in the process, but absolutely removes the scientific rigor that should inform which and when species are listed. Scientists have employed tried-and-true methods to ascertain when species are threatened and at risk, and even when uncertainty is high, a precautionary approach ensures that these species are not extirpated. SARA is supposed to be centered on protecting Ontario species, not on fast-tracking business deals (which is likely the outcome of the discretionary provisions for the Minister).