I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act. These proposals would significantly weaken protections for species at risk in Ontario at a time when we should be strengthening our efforts to preserve biodiversity.

As someone who cares deeply about Ontario’s natural heritage, I’m very concerned about the shift away from science-based decision-making in how we protect species and their habitats. Allowing more political discretion and opening the door to development-driven exemptions puts vulnerable species at even greater risk. The proposed use of offsetting and compensation instead of on-the-ground habitat protection is particularly troubling — these strategies have been shown time and again to fall short of actually preserving species in the long term.

We are living in a time of global biodiversity loss. Ontario should be leading by example and upholding strong, science-based environmental protections, not weakening them. Once a species or ecosystem is lost, it cannot be restored. These changes put too much at risk — for wildlife, for the environment, and for future generations.

I urge the Government of Ontario to withdraw these proposals and commit instead to fully enforcing and strengthening the Endangered Species Act. Ontario’s natural future depends on it.