My uncle was a Senior…

My uncle was a Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Environment and passed away suddenly while still employed by the MOE in 2008. It is very sad that he passed away, but I am glad that he didn't live to see these proposed changes which severely erode the substance of the Endangered Species Act. It would be crushing for him to witness the destruction of his life's work. It takes decades to build good legislation, but only minutes to destroy. The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act now counteracts the intention for which it was created. Ensuring that habitats are enshrined is the intention of the Act and now there are too many ways to encroach on fragile ecosystems so that industry and developers can destroy these areas.
Any destruction to the already fragile natural areas will contribute to a return to high rates of air pollution impacting humans as well as fragile species. Our natural forests, wetlands and agricultural lands contribute to ensuring the safety of all living beings. In fact, wetlands store Carbon at a rate 40 times higher than tropical forests. Natural lands protect us from flooding, prevent erosion, and secure soil health as well as helping to protect our waterways. By protecting vulnerable species, we are actually protecting our own species as we protect the natural ecosystems of Ontario.
Future generations will reflect on this change to legislation, if it passes, as a horrible blight on the province's history. In fact, already across this country people are sharing this draconian proposal on social media as the worst sort of example of an attack on vulnerable species. I see posts daily from friends and acquaintances from BC and Alberta. It is an embarrassment to Ontario. Climate impact is now the number one issue facing Canadians. This proposal is an attack on Canadians and our values of care for our natural world and our safety from the climate emergency which we now find ourselves in. Drop the proposed changes now!