I do not support the…

I do not support the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. Firstly, habitat is *the* most important factor in protecting Ontario's biodiversity. Allowing development to continue by paying into a conservation fund is absurd (Yes, even for species like the butternut tree). No amount of conservation funds can bring back vital habitat. Not all habitat is equal. If an area is already supporting species at risk, developing it and saving another random section of habitat is not an equal exchange. Furthermore, I strongly believe in protecting local biodiversity. "Considering" the status of species at a global scale is unhelpful for 1) protecting the biodiversity of Ontario 2) protecting the species as a whole. Many local populations of animals have adaptations tot local environments that help them persist. If these populations are lost, those adaptations are lost forever. Local adaptation will be incredibly important as the climate continues to change, and many species are pushed out of their fundamental niche. Lastly, ANY delay to the protection of listed species is inexcusable. For many animals, 3 years of delay, and any habitat degradation or mortality that occurs in those 3 years, could spell disaster for the species. It already takes many years to collect the required data to have a species listed. I implore the ministry to consider the statements of conservation organizations and wildlife biologists. I have seen first hand how difficult it is to enforce the ESA as it is; any weakened version would be disastrous.