Re: ERO number 013-4143 I…

Re: ERO number 013-4143

I have read the discussion paper of the 10 year review of the Endangered Species Act.

The third paragraph of the preamble of the current act recognizes the precautionary principle, which urges prompt action when there is a threat of significant loss or reduction of biodiversity. The current act embodies this principle. The discussion paper does not. From my reading I conclude that the issues raised in the discussion paper are issues of implementation, which are better addressed through adequate notice than through rewriting the act. Many skilled writers (see, for example, the submissions by Ontario Nature, or CELA, links below) have provided the details better than I can.

One additional comment: Ontario's biodiversity, of which species at risk is a part, is a public asset and should be protected and enhanced as such. Citizen science and bioblitzes get communities involved in understanding their natural heritage. If they were promoted and supported the claim of surprise that protected species are present in a given area would lose credibility.

Thank-you for this opportunity to comment.