I am a biologist and a…

I am a biologist and a concerned resident of Ontario and I absolutely do not agree with the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act. Our endangered species are under ever greater threats and need more protection, not less. Here are some of my particular concerns:

- “Pay to slay” legislation is just a way for companies to harm species at risk and avoid accountability. If a species at risk will be harmed, the activity should not be allowed to proceed.
- I believe that COSSARO must remain composed of experts and decisions must be based on science-based evidence to determine whether a species is at risk. Opening up the COSSARO membership to “community knowledge” is a huge mistake because those people are not experts and could have a different agenda.
- I do not agree with removing the Minister’s requirement to consult with an expert before creating harmful regulations. Giving one person the authority to ignore all the work of scientists is never a good idea. The Minister is not a trained environmental scientist!!!!
- Once a species is deemed a species at risk, it needs to be protected immediately. The Minister should NOT be able to suspend species and habitat protection for up to three years. By this point, irreversible damage to habitats could have been done!
- Species at the edges of their range should not be deserted. They should be actively protected, especially because as the climate changes, these northern populations are essential as the species adapts to changing conditions.
- Finally, I am concerned about the delays to species protection. Species at risk need protection NOW (or even better, 10 years ago), not three years from now.

PLEASE, do not underestimate the natural, economic, and social value of a healthy and thriving ecosystem! Under the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity, we as Ontarians have a responsibility to maintain and promote biodiversity. The proposed amendments to the ESA do exactly the opposite of that. Please, listen to scientists and experts in species assessments and conservation.