The proposed Species…

The proposed Species Conservation Act would more aptly be named the Refusal to Protect Species at Risk Act. It essentially silences people who know and care about species at risk, and gives those who have a vested interest in destroying habitats carte blanche to do exactly that.
Even the most species-at-risk-loving politicians, developers and mine owners do not have the knowledge and skills necessary to determine which species are at risk, and what their habitat requirements are. This is particularly true where conditions are constantly changing due to the effects of climate change.
That's why scientists have been key players in the creation of the Species at Risk Act and the Species at Risk in Ontario list.
It is ludicrous to expect Ontarians to believe that species at risk can actually be protected without input from scientists who are not funded by industry, and who have training in biology and ecology.
Environmental Defence has pointed out the following shortcomings of the proposed Species Conservation Act:
"The new legislation would 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.
This legislation would also erode the consultation rights of Indigenous people, by eliminating permits over a wide range of destructive activities."
We don't have to destroy the environment in order to be profitable. Ontarians are proud of our wildlife and I think the majority of Ontarians don't believe we have to choose between the environment and business. We can have both. But not without meaningful input from third-party, trained scientists and indigenous peoples. Failure to include these voices can only lead to one result: The total destruction of our province's precious and irreplaceable natural heritage.