I am extremely concerned…

I am extremely concerned about the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act.
1) The committee reviewing endangered species must be comprised of scientists, not community members who may have political loyalties and will not have the knowledge or desire to protect species.
2) Allowing developers and industry to pay into a fund instead of taking actions that will immediately protect endangered species must not be allowed under any circumstances. When the opportunity to protect endangered species is immediately available that is the time for immediate action. This cannot be replaced by what would essentially be an exemption from taking action and sends the message that these species are not important.
3) The Minister should not have the ability to suspend protections for years because he/she does not consider the social or economic conditions ideal to protect species. The chance to save endangered species will not always be available. Time doesn’t pause during poor economic periods.
It is important that any amendments to the Endangered Species Act be made with serious intent to save the species, not simply to remove obstacles that are seen to stand in the way of “Ontario being Open for Business. This proposed amendment is clearly written for the wrong reasons. Therefore, please leave the Act unamended.