I am an Oakville resident…

I am an Oakville resident who cares deeply about biodiversity and the future of our planet. I urge you to rescind the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act: keep scientific committees staffed only by scientists,rs; do not ignore threats to any Ontario species just because it happens to do OK elsewhere (for now); do not sell off critical species and habitat protection to businesses for payment to a "fund"; and do not add delays and reconsiderations that would waste critical time and endanger species further.

1. Keep scientific committees staffed exclusively by scientists to avoid distorting knowledge. Community opinions are not knowledge. Science is the only way to find the facts reliably, so that everyone can check, even community members. Community members can write to scientists to explain what they think they know. Scientists can test if it is really knowledge or opinion. Adding community members to science committees can bias the results based on self-interest. Given the money at stake, some community members may even try to bully the scientists. Self-interest and policy opinions have their place - in open public discussion, in light of the best available science.

2. Do not discount the threat to a species just because it happens to exist (for now) outside of Ontario. Habitat diversity ensures vital genetic diversity. Ontario is a critical route for species to move north due to climate change - we must not block that route just because some members of a species still survive south of us.

3. Do not sell off critical habitat or species protection to businesses in exchange for contributions to a "fund". Habitats and protections are not interchangeable. Moving species can endanger them further.

4. Do not add delays and requests for reconsideration to the Act. Foot-dragging and needless work for scientists will endanger species, not save them.

The planet's suffering from a Great |Extinction of species. The total number of animals (other than humans) has shrank by more than half in 40 years. And climate change is making things worse. Ontario must do its part to save Earth's life diversity - on which our own lives depend.