Ontario’s wildlife and…

Ontario’s wildlife and ecosystems are not isolated parts of our landscape, they’re interconnected systems that keep our air, water, and communities healthy. Protecting a species’ nesting site alone is not enough. The surrounding habitat where they forage, breed, and shelter is just as essential for their long-term survival. A nest means nothing if the environment around it is destroyed or disturbed.

Migratory species, including birds and fish, depend on Ontario as a key part of their life cycle, even if they only pass through seasonally. Removing protections for these species or their stopover habitats will have far-reaching consequences. These animals play critical roles in pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and maintaining the balance of our natural systems, functions that our agriculture, tourism, and water quality all rely on.

Conservation is not at odds with economic growth. A strong economy depends on stable, functioning ecosystems on clean water, healthy soil, pollinators, and the natural services we take for granted. When we degrade the environment, we increase the costs of disaster recovery, infrastructure repair, healthcare, and climate adaptation. Investing in biodiversity is one of the most financially responsible choices a government can make.

Ontario has always been defined by stewardship by caring for one another and for the land we share. I urge the government to uphold that legacy by rejecting any proposal that weakens species protections. A short-term economic gain is not worth the permanent loss of the species that define our province and sustain our future.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my concern.