Enforcing the Endangered…

Enforcing the Endangered Species Act is a good idea, but every other proposed change is horrible and misguided. Taking advice from non-scientists and minister discretion will not lead to a better outcome. It can already be difficult to make sound decisions in a quiet room, it will become virtually impossible if you let industry and developers in to distract and pester the scientists and minister with incessant demands. The way the world works is already geared for turning wilderness into urban sprawl, the proposed changes will only accelerate this trend and make it virtually impossible to protect what remains. To rely on other jurisdictions for protecting various species that are threatened in Ontario is a bum mentality worse than expecting others to pay for us, or to paint an image that our Premier can relate with, to constantly share their beer with us. Ontario species need full protection in Ontario, protection that cannot be waived or watered down with cash. Ontario should keep all of its species, there is no excuse.

Biodiversity and wildlife is our wealth, the problem is not everyone understands this or appreciates how valuable it is. That importance can't be conveyed in just a moment with words, so I won't even try and it's simpler if those who are not totally convinced of the necessity for biodiversity, species, and healthy ecosystems would just resign. Protecting what species we still have is the very minimum to do to get a passing grade. In fact, we should be restoring nature to its former glory and beyond, for example bringing back wolves throughout the province if we still had ecosystems to support them, because predators are essential but often missing.

I wish the current Ontario government could be a champion of sustainability, for both fiscal and wildlife management. Unfortunately, it seems that the word progressive is thought to mean progress, development, and paving land over, while conservation of both species and energy is clearly not a priority based on prior actions. Therefore, to call themselves Progressive Conservatives is false advertising and the name should be changed to something more fitting, such as the Beer & Anger party. Otherwise, please prove that you can manage this province, including our rich wild heritage, with the maturity and wisdom it deserves.