Dear Government of Ontario,…

Dear Government of Ontario,

Thank you for the opportunity to add my voice to the public consultation.

Clearly development and industrial activities continue to threaten the survival and recovery of wildlife in Ontario.

The Ontario Endangered Species Act is a last line of defence against extinction in an era that scientists have termed the sixth mass extinction on the planet.

Stronger and more effective action is the key to protection and recovery of Ontario’s endangered species.

I ask you to allow the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario to continue determining the status of species independent of government. Automatic habitat-protection measures should be in place for listed species, limiting impact on the lands and waters that provide habitat.
Exemptions should be consistent and transparent and should not be issued if doing so would jeopardize the recovery of threatened or endangered species. I support a strong Endangered Species Act in Ontario that protects our biodiversity.