Dear Government of Ontario,…

Dear Government of Ontario,

As a wildlife scientist, I endorse this general message from the David Suzuki Foundation.

In addition to the points made below, I am particularly concerned at the underlying desire in the proposed changes to extend timelines for the protection of species and to life barriers to industry for developmental purposes. The idea that uncertainty in the risk posed by a development should be met with continued business as normal until proven that the development is truely a threat is ludicrous. We need to err on the side of caution. We need processes that will speed up the processes of protection and uncertainty should be met with species protection until we understand whether or not a particular action is a threat.

Thank you for the opportunity to add my voice to the public consultation on the ESA review discussion paper.

The science is clear that business-as-usual development and industrial activities continue to threaten the survival and recovery of wildlife in Ontario. What is needed is not greater efficiency for industry but, rather, greater efficiency to recover the province’s at-risk species.

We urge you to:

• Focus on habitat-protection measures that are effective for the listed species and that simultaneously improve outcomes for multiple species at risk.

• Work with other ministries to ensure coordination to limit cumulative impacts on the lands and waters that provide wildlife habitat.

• Repeal the long list of exemptions for forestry, hydro, mining and commercial development, approved by cabinet in 2013.

• Amend the law to set a higher bar for creating exemptions through regulation by ensuring they cannot jeopardize the recovery of threatened or endangered species.

• Ensure local communities benefit from activities to maintain and restore endangered species and their habitat, including rural and northern communities.

• Support the continued leadership and critical role of Indigenous Peoples in conservation initiatives.

Hoping for a thoughtful review of current policey,