As an Ontarian who deeply…

As an Ontarian who deeply values wildlife and natural areas, I’m strongly opposed to the proposed elimination of the Endangered Species Act. This change is a major step backward for the protection of birds and other at-risk species in our province. The new legislation fails to safeguard the full habitats—forests, wetlands, grasslands—that wildlife depend on, offering only minimal protection for nests or dens.

Wildlife needs intact ecosystems to survive, not just isolated "dwelling places." The removal of legal habitat protections and recovery planning will leave vulnerable species with little chance of survival. Federal laws do not cover private or provincial crown lands, contrary to what the proposal suggests.

The existing Act should be strengthened, not scrapped. At a minimum, habitat on provincial crown land must remain protected. Conservation efforts on private land should be supported through funding and incentives and Indigenous leadership and knowledge must be respected and included in any future conservation strategies.

I urge the Ontario government to reconsider this proposal and recommit to protecting birds, at-risk wildlife, and our natural heritage. Future generations deserve an Ontario where all species still have a place to call home.