I am strongly opposed to the…

I am strongly opposed to the five proposed regulations under the Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA) and urge decision-makers to reconsider before irreparable harm is done to Ontario’s biodiversity. Firstly, shifting to a registration-first approach for activities that impact protected species fundamentally lowers the bar for oversight — allowing development to proceed before full environmental assessment. Secondly, narrowing the definition of “habitat” to only dens, nests and immediate surrounding areas removes protection for many vital ecological functions (such as feeding, migration, hibernation) that species depend upon. Thirdly, granting government discretion to remove species from the list of protected species undermines scientific rigour and creates regulatory uncertainty for conservation. Fourthly, exempting certain permits and orders under the SCA from the public participation requirements of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 erodes transparency and the democratic right of Ontarians to engage in decision-making that affects nature. Finally, by carving out aquatic species and migratory birds already covered by federal law, the SCA’s scope is weakened — leaving potential gaps in protection and encouraging jurisdictional shifting rather than integrated conservation. Together, these regulatory changes appear to prioritise economic expediency over ecological integrity. Ontario’s species at risk deserve robust, science-driven safeguards — not narrower definitions, fewer protections and weaker public oversight. I urge the ministry to withdraw or significantly revise these proposed regulations so that conservation outcomes are not sacrificed for short-term gains.