I am a PhD student at the…

I am a PhD student at the University of Waterloo in the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability. During my undergraduate degree, I worked for twelve months with the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators group of Environment Canada where I built and analyzed the Species at Risk Populations Trends Indicator. I have become very familiar with the processes and data behind Ontario and Canada's species conservation efforts, and I can say with much authority that these efforts are pivotal to the viability of Ontario's economic, social, environmental, and political livelihood. A diversity in species creates resiliency in our ecosystems and thus our societies. Therefore, it is in the best interest of Ontario citizens and environment to revisit the ability of development approval to override the protection of species at risk. I am very concerned by the values and priorities revealed thus far regarding revisions. While there are ways of economy and environment to work together, the Endangered Species Act' purpose cannot be purely 'economic development'. The health of our environment is a direct reflection on the health of our society. Eliminating diversity in our ecosystems will limit our society's capacity of health, viability, and progress.