I would like to thank you…

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes to Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. I firmly oppose the changes that are being considered.

Please consider the removal of Schedule 5 from Bill 108, the “More Homes, More Choice Act.”

In particular, I am concerned by the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act including:

- consequential delays and interference regarding the listing of species at risk;
- mechanisms and exceptions for proponents to escape prohibitions;
- large limitations on government’s actions to protect and recover species at risk;
- industry exemptions listed under section 55;
- delisting species near the edge of their range in Ontario;
- landscape agreements that would allow proponents to harm some species at risk in exchange for benefitting others; and,
- the proposed “pay-to-slay” option. A new regulatory charge proponents can pay in lieu of protecting and restoring species or their habitats.

There are more than 230 species in Ontario currently at risk. The degradation and loss of habitat are the major drivers of their decline. Thus it is more important than ever to strengthen protections for all wildlife, especially those already at risk. The proposed changes in Bill 108 will not improve outcomes for Ontario’s species at risk.

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on this matter. Thank you.