Dear Premier Ford, A review…

Dear Premier Ford,

A review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act could be exactly what wildlife need, but the government’s emphasis on creating “efficiencies for business” could make it even easier for industry to disturb and pollute nature where at-risk species need protections most.

Ontario is home to 243 species at risk of extinction. Already, routinely granted exemptions to the Act make it far too easy for development and industry to tear up and cut through critical habitat.

Please consider - for you, me, and our children, grandchildren and future generations:
• Changes to the Endangered Species Act should improve protections, not water them down even further.
• This review won’t help species at risk if it doesn’t address exemptions that make it too easy for business and industry to do even more harm to critical habitat. Clearly defined no-go zones protect wildlife – while creating efficiencies for business by making it clear where development won’t be permitted.
• We need protections that lead to recovery for species-at-risk in Ontario– we don’t need changes that will drive more species to extinction.

Please the time to go to a forest. Walk through it with your children. Breathe it in, listen to it. Acknowledge the history, the amazing ecosystems, and their vital role in sustaining us and our planet.

Half of Canada’s wildlife are in decline – by a whopping 83 per cent. Provincial governments must be part of the solution. You can do this Premier Ford. You just have to decide to.

Thank you.