I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my STRONG opposition to the proposed regulatory changes under the Species Conservation Act (SCA), in particular the removal of 106 currently listed endangered and threatened species from protection, as well as the weakening of multiple environmental safeguards.

Ontario’s biodiversity is not only scientifically valuable, it is foundational to the health of our waters, forests, food systems, and communities. The removal of protections for endangered species and the shift toward a “register and proceed” model prioritizes short-term industrial and development interests over the long-term well-being of our environment and future generations of Ontarians. Once a species is lost, we cannot bring it back! Habitat destroyed today cannot be meaningfully “offset” or replaced.

Speeding up development should NEVER come at the cost of irreversible ecological damage. The claim that species remain “protected” under the new framework is not credible if oversight and safeguards are simultaneously being reduced, and if developers are allowed to move forward with activities that harm species before meaningful environmental review has occurred. The continued health of Ontario’s natural heritage should not be treated as an obstacle to growth.

I am asking the Ministry and the Government of Ontario to:

- Retain FULL protection for ALL currently listed endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, including the 106 species proposed for removal or downgrading.

- Maintain strong, science-based habitat protections that cannot be waived or weakened by registration.

- Ensure that the transition to any new regulatory system is led by ecological science, Indigenous knowledge, and conservation experts, and NOT industry interests alone.

Economic prosperity and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive, but weakening the core legislation that safeguards Ontario’s most vulnerable species is not responsible, sustainable, or in the public interest. I urge the government to reverse the removal of species protections and uphold strong environmental stewardship for the benefit of all Ontarians, now and in the future.

Thank you for considering this submission.