I am a resident of a city in…

I am a resident of a city in SE Ontario. I'm a birder, kayaker, member of my local Naturalist Society, and believe that all living things should be valued. I believe we need to continue to prioritize protecting endangered species over human business interests. I also support science-based approaches and the need for careful habitat protection.

I do NOT support the proposed "Species Conservation Act" legislation or the repeal of the existing Ontario Endangered Species Act.

I believe the proposed changes would trample over Indigenous rights, environmental protections, and community consultation, it would slash regulatory oversight, silence local voices, and open the floodgates to unchecked mining and industrial development.

The proposed Bill would abandon Ontario’s commitment to protecting species and ensuring their recovery. The Species Conservation Act would replace the strict criteria for habitat protection with a discretionary regime. This regime would offer very limited protection to only a tiny fraction of the habitats species need to survive and recover.

For example, the Bill would narrow the definition of “habitat” for animals to exclude areas outside of dwelling places and the immediate area around it. For example, the habitat for a fox might consist only of its den and an area essential for the den. The den would have to be currently occupied or habitually occupied. The new legislation would also eliminate provincial protection for federally listed migratory birds and aquatic species — many of which are not adequately protected under Federal legislation, leaving significant gaps.

The Act would replace the science-based listing and permitting process, and give the government broad discretion to refuse to protect species and their habitats.