I wish to thank the…

I wish to thank the Government for allowing me to comment on the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). I am aware there is a need to allow for development across the province, whether it be for housing or business. Such development must be well thought out and complete and full analysis MUST be completed to determine what, if any, impact there would be on the environment and and life forms, including humans, that could or would be negatively impacted by such development. Further, our natural world sustains all life and as such we have an obligation to ensure the on going well being of all living things, whether human, plant, insect, etc. We cannot allow unrestricted use of our lands and properties. As such, many of the proposed changes to the ESA would be a detriment to the natural world and in many instances provide carte blanche to developers to eradicate natural lands and species for the sake of making a dollar...or more.

The idea that developers and others to pay into a fund in lieu of completing on the ground repatriation is harmful and will only increase government coffers and not rehabilitate damage habitat.

To allow members to be appointed to the COSSARO who do not have adequate expertise in species assessment will do nothing to enhance the work of the COSSARO. To allow the Minister to require the COSSARO to reconsider its science based listing decisions removes the expertise of the COSSARO. Why have such a body of the Minister can wreak havoc over it? Further, the proposal to allow the Minister to have greater discretion on protections, which would include suspending protections for up to three years all without public consultation could lead to the eradication of some species.

The ESA cannot be limited to specific geographies or under specific circumstances as this could exclude important habitats from protection. And the allowance of multiple delays for the listing, planning and reporting of species at risk will undermine species recovery.

Development is necessary to better the lives and conditions for all. But any development must be well thought out and all risks must be, as much as possible and with as much consideration as possible, be sought out and addressed.

Being pro business and development is a worthy objective, but not at any cost.

Respectfully submitted,