I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed changes as outlined. Ontario’s biodiversity and ecosystems are already under immense pressure, and weakening existing protections would have devastating long-term consequences.

• Economic growth must not come at the expense of species protection. Conservation must be the priority, not an afterthought to development.
• Scientific evidence must remain independent. Political vetoes of scientific findings undermine evidence-based conservation and erode public trust.
• Habitat definitions must remain broad. Narrowing the definition of “habitat” ignores the importance of future restoration zones that are critical for species recovery.
• Mandatory recovery plans must be reinstated. Long-term recovery strategies, not short-term fixes, are essential for preventing extinction.
• The Advisory Committee must be restored. Independent oversight and transparency are vital—silencing expert voices only weakens protection efforts.
• Aquatic species and migratory birds must be included. Excluding them removes essential protections for biodiversity and for the ecosystems that keep Ontario healthy and secure.
• Permits must remain open to public comment. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable when it comes to decisions that affect species survival.

Ontario has an opportunity to be a leader in protecting biodiversity. These proposed amendments move in the opposite direction. I urge the government to reject these changes and instead strengthen Ontario’s commitment to evidence-based, transparent, and comprehensive species conservation.