Comment
At a time where it is very clear that species are disappearing at a catastrophic rate, your government chooses to make decisions that set the clock back 100 years. Obliterating the Endangered Species Act, which is essentially what these so-called "amendments" do, wasn't tabled at election time, so why is this being proposed now? I understand it will be easier for developers to bulldoze and contaminate natural habitats, but how do the rest of us benefit from this open season attack on endangered species proposed in this Bill.
Are you not aware Ontario is at risk of losing numerous plant and animal species, largely due to habitat destruction? In that case, below is a link to your Government's own website where it clearly states "more than 200 species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing from Ontario", right now - today. Please take a look (while the web page is still up), and get to know the various species your government sees no value in protecting. None of them will be around much longer, thanks to your proposed amendments.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk-ontario
There is a reason the Endangered Species Act was created in the first place - to protect what little we had left of our biodiversity in Ontario. Nothing has changed in that regard - we still need this Act in its entirety, more than ever.
We need government leaders with vision. Leaders who understand the importance of bio-diversity in an ever-degraded environment. Leaders who understand the long lasting and often irreversible impact of their decisions. Leaders not in the back pocket of a chosen few beneficiaries. Leaders who will protect our land, our water, vital natural habitats and yes, the other species we share it all with - you can't have one without the other.
As the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, you are chiefly responsible for protecting and improving the quality of the environment for all Ontarians. You should be championing environmental conservation efforts, not dismantling them. You should be the first one arguing against the amendments proposed in this Bill as they are not aligned with your Ministry's purpose.
Please remove ALL aspects of the Bill pertaining to the Endangered Species Act. It is shameful that these amendments - a deplorable attack on vulnerable species - are even being tabled in this day and age.
Submitted May 16, 2019 8:42 PM
Comment on
10th Year Review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act: Proposed changes
ERO number
013-5033
Comment ID
29792
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status