I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed bill that would remove protections for endangered species in Ontario. The proposed bill will accelerate destruction of habitat and harm species and their environments. This does not balance the needs for development and protecting the environment.

Proponents should not be able to undergo development activities once registered and before approval. This negates the need for an approval process which is necessary to ensure that development activities are well thought-out in regards to environmental responsibilities. Removing the term "harass" has no basis in protecting species recovery and it contradicts federal legislation that prevents harassment of protected species. Changing the definition of "habitat" similarly has no basis in protecting species recovery and the reduction of what is considered habitat will threaten species. Complicated definitions of habitat are needed to ensure that as many aspects as possible of a species needs are met to prevent declines of current populations and support reproduction of new individuals.

This proposed bill is not in the interest of all of Ontario or its citizens. The proposed changes are not based in science. It is corrupt and would only benefit a small handful of people. Ontarians and Canadians love, value, and respect the natural environment of Ontario. Removing protections of the ESA would cause further irreparable harm to endangered species and destroy the environment that people care so much about. This bill will not unleash the economy. It will destroy the economic services that rely on the environment which will harm Ontarians.