Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

I applaud changes that address efficiencies. I am a big supporter of a more efficient government, but not at the expense of wildlife that is already disappearing. I understand economics very well, but there needs to be a way that protections are in place where both conservationists and business people meet and work together to make sure projects happen in a sustainable way.

Many businesses are aware of the environment and their business footprint and believe in the bottom line first, but also understand that the environmental aspect of our world is only becoming more important. Astute businesses know that their reputation is better served working within the environmental rules and guidelines. It may take a little longer, but bridges/infrastructure/buildings are regularly built with people working together to make sure environmental protections are put in place and adhered to.

I am pleased to see that decisions are still going to be science-based and that inviting others to the table who have knowledge in these areas is being considered. I think these are both a great basis for working with each other.

I don't believe giving the Minister more delegation and authorities is in anyone's best interest. This could go in any number of different directions depending on personalities, special interest groups, lobbying by business etc. Let's keep decision making based on science and a group decision-making environment that is criteria based.

Our endangered species are all part of a balanced ecosystem. We already have tampered with it, let's give our wildlife a fighting chance, which gives our forests and wilderness better balance and a better chance of being there for decades to come. And this supports our industries that rely on our natural resources as well. Logging, hunting, fishing and tourism, especially in northern and eastern Ontario rely on our natural world for much of their revenue/income and jobs. Whether it's logging or ecotourism, these rely on having a balanced ecosystem. Endangering species and not protecting them puts this cycle out of balance and impacts our wilderness for generations to come.