The Ontario government’s…

The Ontario government’s proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 basically guts its effectiveness to protect at-risk wildlife. The overall goal of the Act is being changed, which could shift the focus away from strong protection of species at risk.
The definition of what counts as a species’ “habitat” is being significantly narrowed to a point where it will no longer enable the species to survive.
The government will be able to choose whether or not to list those species which have been assessed as being endangered or threatened by the scientific experts of COSSARO. Species that get listed will no longer get automatic, temporary protection while full regulations are developed. The government will no longer be required to create action plans or agreements to help species recover.
Permits to damage or destroy species or their habitats can be granted more easily, with fewer conditions and no right to a hearing. Stop orders are removed, and new orders like mitigation orders are added, giving more control to the Minister and provincial officers.
The flow of money into the fund used for species recovery is being stopped and the agency that helps implement the act is being shut down.