As a concerned citizen of…

As a concerned citizen of Ontario, I am deeply troubled by the proposed changes outlined.

The proposal grants the government discretion to add or remove species from the protected list, even if the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) has classified them as endangered or threatened. This politicization of species protection could lead to decisions driven by economic or political interests rather than scientific evidence, jeopardizing the survival of vulnerable species.​

Redefining "habitat" to focus narrowly on specific dwelling places and their immediate surroundings ignores the broader ecosystems that species rely on for survival. This limited definition fails to account for essential areas used for foraging, migration, and other life processes, potentially leaving critical habitats unprotected.​

While sustainable economic development is important, the proposed changes appear to prioritize economic considerations at the expense of environmental protection. The emphasis on reducing delays and costs for infrastructure projects should not come at the cost of weakening safeguards for Ontario's biodiversity.​

I urge the Ontario government to reconsider these proposed changes and maintain strong, science-based protections for endangered species and their habitats. The current ESA provides a critical framework for conserving biodiversity, and any amendments should strengthen, not weaken, our commitment to environmental stewardship.​