Hello, As a conservation…

Hello,

As a conservation professional employed by a national non-profit that works with at-risk species, I am disappointed in the proposed changes to Ontario's Endangered Species Act.

Regarding the proposed changes to assessing and listing species at risk:

Science-based listing of species at risk by COSSARO and automatic protection of listed species and
their habitats are fundamental to the ESA and should not be changed. Edge of range species should not be denied protection based on their status outside Ontario.

Regarding proposed changes to Species and Habitat Protections:

There should be no change to automatically protecting threatened or endangered species and
their habitats upon listing. Allowing the Minister to remove or delay protections encourages political agendas.

Regarding changes to Species at Risk Recovery Policies:

Legislated timelines ensure that actions needed to recover species occur without undue delay, so there should be no change to the legal requirement to produce GRS within nine months of the release of Recovery Strategies or Management Plans. Failure to meet the legislated deadlines has always been a problem, and it should be addressed through improved implementation, not through increased flexibility of the law.

Regarding the proposed changes to Permits, Agreements and Exemptions to Allow Harmful Activities:

Companies should not be permitted to simply pay into a fund to allow harmful activities- they should provide on-the-ground reparation for damage done. Paying into a fund is an easy way out that reduces accountability and facilitates harm to species at risk and their habitats. Keep the current requirements to provide an on-the-ground, overall benefit to species harmed.

I hope the proposed changes are brought under harsh review. The amendments should aim to help species at risk, not bring them further harm.