I oppose the proposed…

I oppose the proposed regulations to enable the Species Conservation Act (SCA). These changes will further undermine the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy and existing biodiversity protections in Ontario at a time when species are already in steep decline.

The proposal lacks the detail necessary for meaningful public review, with language such as “may be required” and “being considered” used throughout. This lack of clarity prevents Ontarian's from understanding how species and habitats will actually be protected, contradicting the intent of the Environmental Bill of Rights.

I am especially concerned about the alarming proposal to transfer the responsibility for 42 aquatic and migratory bird species away from the province. This contradicts the federal-provincial Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, which calls for complementary, not diminished, conservation efforts.

To ensure accountability and meaningful protection, all activities that could impact listed species must undergo a transparent permitting process with enforceable conditions. Exemptions and “registration-first” approaches, especially given the already limited habitat protections, will not safeguard species at risk.

Ontario must restore and strengthen the Endangered Species Act, not replace it with a weaker framework. Protecting biodiversity is essential for climate resilience, ecosystem health, and the well-being of current and future generations.

Economic uncertainty cannot be used as a pretence for sacrificing Ontario's ecosystems for current and future generations and transparent governance. We need economic solutions that operate in collaboration with nature, not in conflict with it.