Repealing the Endangered…

Repealing the Endangered Species Act is detrimental to our environment and provides overreaching and discretionary decision-making power to the Cabinet. It is key that elected officials act for what is good for Ontario and representative of the people of Ontario. This government is making decisions to line the pockets of officials and corporations rather than doing what is right for the province. RECONSIDER the repeal of the Endangered Species Act.

Weakened habitat protection: The definition of "habitat" is narrowed to include only the immediate dwelling place (like a den or nest), rather than the larger areas species rely on for feeding, migration, and other life processes.

Removes recovery strategies: The new law no longer requires the creation of recovery strategies to ensure a stable population for species at risk.

Political, not scientific, decision-making: Cabinet ministers can now make decisions on which species are listed as endangered or threatened, overriding scientific advice.

Activity registration: Activities that could harm species or habitat will now require registration, but critics argue this system lacks mandatory criteria and mitigation measures, and is largely voluntary for industry.

"Special economic zones": Bill 5 also allows the cabinet to create special economic zones where projects can be exempt from various provincial and municipal laws, including environmental regulations.