Good afternoon, and thanks…

Good afternoon, and thanks for the opportunity to comment on the review of the Endangered Species Act.

I have thought on, and reviewed, the information provided for the proposed changes for the past couple of weeks. Overall, I am disappointed in this change. As you will likely know, the David Suzsuki Foundation (https://davidsuzuki.org/), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) (http://www.wwf.ca/newsroom/?29421/Species-at-risk-habitat-shouldnt-be-o…), and many local organizations (such as local branches of DUCKS Unlimited, GreenUP, and others) throughout Ontario have all spoken out about the danger of habitat loss, degradation, and the consequences of removing legislative projects for wildlife.

The alterations suggested will place the more than 230 species in Ontario are currently at risk in significant danger. As you will also note, The Endangered Species Act already provides significant exemptions to industry. In a time where Ontario, and our neighbours in Quebec, are facing significant flooding that will alter the habitat for years to come it is important to place environment and green-planning at the heart of all of our economic development decisions. Any government that fails to recognize sustainable planning, environmental protections, and our wildlife and habitat at the centre of its economic development plan fails to understanding the critical and valuable relationship of the economy and our environment.

I, therefore, am asking you to:

- Prioritize the recovery of at-risk species over the demands of developers.
- Repeal the industry exemptions under section 55.
- Ensure that habitat is protected and restored to facilitate species recovery, instead of merely mitigating the adverse impacts of harmful activities.

I am all for supporting economic development in our region this, however, must not come at the cost of our climate, our planet, and our wildlife diversity. Placing any threat to this is irresponsible and a failure to uphold the values of this important legislation.