I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed ‘Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025’ which would alter Ontario’s approach to identifying and designating species at risk. As an environmental professional working in the conservation sector, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role that science-based decision-making plays in protecting biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of our ecosystems.

The current framework for listing and delisting species is rooted in rigorous scientific assessment, ensuring that conservation efforts are guided by empirical evidence rather than political or economic interests. The proposed changes threaten to undermine this foundation by allowing species designations to be influenced by short-term economic gains and lobbying efforts rather than ecological necessity. Such an approach not only jeopardizes Ontario’s rich biodiversity but also sets a dangerous precedent for environmental governance. The people of Ontario expect our leaders to conduct business and plan development in a way that doesn't jeopardize the natural landscape for future generations. Bill 5 would threaten the integrity of sensitive ecosystems and species, and undermine any claims of sustainability or responsibility made by the government in approving or funding development projects ranging from housing to mining.

Ontario is home to over 230 species at risk, many of which rely on strong protections to prevent further decline, and ideally, promote recovery through effective land use planning, habitat restoration and conservation of key habitat areas. The repeal of the Endangered Species Act and its replacement with the weaker Species Conservation Act would significantly reduce habitat protections, limit recovery strategies, and remove independent scientific oversight in species classification. This shift would have irreversible consequences for vulnerable species, and further jeopardize species that are sensitive to changes but are not yet considered at risk. Of particular concern is the reduction of what classifies as habitat for species at risk. Individual species are part of a complex ecosystem that depends on both biotic and abiotic factors to sustain a vast network of organisms and assemblages of species that make up our beautiful province. To weaken the definition of habitat and restrict it to the immediate dwellings or nests of individual organisms undermines the symbiosis and interdependence that is essential to all species and their role within a more complex ecosystem.

Scientific integrity must remain at the core of conservation policy. The process of listing and delisting species should be determined by independent experts using peer-reviewed research, not by political discretion. The removal of science-based protections risks accelerating species decline, disrupting ecosystems, and diminishing Ontario’s natural heritage for future generations. The people of Ontario do not want to see development at any cost. While we do need development and infrastructure to meet the needs of tomorrow, weakening protections for species at risk represents a cost that will be borne by future generations of Ontarians.

I urge your government to reconsider this bill and uphold the principles of evidence-based conservation. The protection of species at risk is not merely an environmental issue—it is a matter of ethical responsibility and long-term sustainability. I respectfully request that you prioritize scientific expertise in decision-making and ensure that Ontario remains a leader in biodiversity conservation.