Bill 5’s proposed changes to…

Bill 5’s proposed changes to Ontario’s species protection laws are a step backward for conservation. By giving the government power to override scientific assessments from COSSARO, narrowing the definition of habitat, and removing protections against harassment, this bill prioritizes short-term economic interests over the survival of at-risk species. Ecosystems rely on interconnected habitats not just breeding sites and weakening these safeguards risks irreversible harm to biodiversity.

Ontario’s environment shouldn’t be sacrificed for unchecked development. True sustainability requires enforcing strong, science-based protections, not politicizing species recovery. I urge the government to abandon these reckless changes and uphold its duty to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats for future generations.