Dear Premier Ford and…

Dear Premier Ford and Members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed "Protect Ontario Act." This legislation appears to significantly weaken the protections afforded to endangered species and undermines the rights of Indigenous communities in Ontario.

The Act's provisions to allow the suspension of protective actions for newly listed species for up to three years pose a grave threat to biodiversity. Delaying protections can lead to irreversible damage to species already at risk. Furthermore, permitting developers to pay into a fund rather than directly restoring damaged habitats fails to ensure the survival and recovery of affected species. Natural habitats are complex ecosystems that cannot be easily replicated or replaced.

Additionally, the proposal to assess the overall condition of a species across its entire range, rather than focusing on its status within Ontario, neglects the province's responsibility to protect local populations. For instance, the Blanding’s turtle is endangered in Ontario but may be thriving elsewhere; this should not justify reduced protections within our borders.

Protecting endangered species and their habitats is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic one. Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services that support agriculture, tourism, and overall human well-being. Weakening environmental protections can lead to long-term economic costs, including the loss of ecosystem services and increased expenditures on species recovery efforts.

The Act also appears to overlook the rights and knowledge of Indigenous communities, who have stewarded these lands for generations. More importantly, these are not just lands Indigenous peoples “use” — they are treaty lands, with legally binding agreements that require the Crown to uphold its duties and consult in good faith. Ignoring their input on environmental management is not only unjust but also a violation of Canada's constitutional and moral obligations. Any legislation affecting land use and environmental protections must involve meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples, respecting their sovereignty, treaty rights, and traditional ecological knowledge.

In conclusion, I urge the Ontario government to reconsider the "Protect Ontario Act" in its current form. It is essential to uphold strong environmental protections, respect Indigenous rights, and base policy decisions on sound scientific evidence.