Like the repealing of the…

Like the repealing of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), this proposal is one that does not reflect the wants or needs of Ontarians. I want a government that protects the species which uphold the ecosystems that provide us with clean air and water, protection against flooding and pollution, and hold so much cultural importance for Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians.

The Special Concern (SC) classification was created for a reason. The decision to no longer recognize SC species signals a short-sighted, counterintuitive approach that focuses on mitigation rather than prevention. While the delisted species will receive some federal-level protections, the Species Conservation Act (SCA) negates almost all provincial responsibility for adequately protecting critical habitat on provincial and private lands.

It is a misrepresentation to all Ontarians that these changes will simply save time and resources. They are harmful, and fuel a biodiversity crisis in the midst of a worsening climate crisis.

I am a young person who has to face the fact that my future will be compromised by these preventable crises. Watching my government, who is supposed to serve the best interests of its constituents, sacrifice our environment is disheartening to say the least.

I am appalled by the repealing of the ESA. I am appalled by the rejection of basic ecology and biology within the SCA.

The ESA was created to support the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, which outlines the responsibility of provincial governments to prevent human-caused species extinction. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) acknowledges that Canadians have the right to a healthy environment. Healthy environments require biodiversity. They require species protection and recovery.