Eagle Lake First Nation …

Eagle Lake First Nation (ELFN) opposes the proposed repeal of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and its replacement with the Species Conservation Act, 2025. These changes will dramatically weaken protections for Ontario’s most vulnerable species and their habitats.

The proposal:

Removes the requirement for recovery strategies and progress reports;

Narrows the definition of habitat;

Makes species listing discretionary rather than science-based;

Introduces a “registration-first” approach to development approvals;

Eliminates Indigenous participation in planning processes.

ELFN's traditional territory contains numerous species at risk, and these changes put them in jeopardy. They also remove mechanisms that currently trigger the Duty to Consult. Without strong environmental protections, Ontario is not only putting biodiversity at risk—it is eroding the cultural, spiritual, and ecological foundations of our Nation.

This proposal fails to uphold UNDRIP Article 29, which requires states to ensure the conservation and protection of First Nation traditional territory. We call for the immediate retraction of these amendments and for Ontario to commit to co-developing new conservation legislation with First Nations.