I am writing to register my…

I am writing to register my concern that the stated objective of 'creating efficiencies for business' rings an alarm bell with me during the proposed review of Ontario's Endangered Species Act.

It's all to easy even now for businesses to come up with excuses to rip through an endangered habitat. It is profit for free to them - they can walk away and leave it destroyed and it won't cost them a penny. But for Ontarians that 'business' leaves the legacy of a species lost forever! It is a very scary thought that this wonderful province of ours, with it proliferation of wildlife, is going to be subjected to the almighty demon of profit and greed. A full 83% of Canada's wildlife is in decline - this is terrifying for not just our future and our children's future, but for the future of the province, the country and the planet. We need PROTECTIONS that lead to recovery for species at risk in Ontario, not changes that will drive more species to extinction.

This review will not help species at risk if it doesn’t address exemptions that make it too easy right now for business and industry to do even more harm to critical habitat. Clearly defined no-go zones must be established to protect wildlife. There are plenty of efficiencies for business that can be created but we must make it clear where development WILL NOT be permitted.

Please ensure that any changes to the Endangered Species Act improve protections and do not water them down even further. They are already way below where they are in other provinces as well as in other countries, especially Europe.

If this government really is a government FOR the people - then listen to us, the people, who want to protect this beautiful province and all its species.