This consultation was open from:
September 18, 2023
to November 2, 2023
Decision summary
We have finalized the government response statement (GRS; species-specific policy) that outlines the actions that we will lead and support to protect and recover Black Ash in Ontario.
Decision details
Ontario provides protections for species at risk and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). We are working with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples, and the public to improve the effectiveness of the species at risk program, so that we can continue to help preserve Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.
As required by the ESA, the province has published the government response statement for Black Ash.
Government Response Statements (GRS) are species-specific policies that identify and prioritize the actions the government intends to lead and support to protect and recover a species. These statements provide policy direction to the government and partners about what should be done to recover the species at risk.
As a result of the input received through consultation, and from provincial ministries and the federal government, we made modifications to the proposed government response statement to:
- address relevant concerns
- improve clarity and accuracy
Effects of consultation
Most comments received were neutral with respect to their position on the proposal. Several of these comments provided general recommendations on:
- making introductory information or recovery actions more clear
- expanding or clarifying context with respect to the species’ biology and threats
Several comments supported the GRS focusing on:
- addressing the primary threat of Emerald Ash Borer
- different actions based on geographic location
Some commenters identified that new information suggests that all areas of the province are likely susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer.
Comments also supported continued preservation of Black Ash in Ontario and recognized the cultural importance of the species to Indigenous peoples.
Feedback received from Indigenous communities indicated an interest in Indigenous participation and integration into recovery actions for the species.
Ministry response
In response to comments received, we made the following revisions to the final government response statements:
- the proposed policy approach continues to reflect the overwhelming threat of the invasive species
- revisions were made to the short-term goal, introductory information and recovery actions to address relevant concerns and improve clarity and accuracy
- additional context/clarity was added about the need to restore Black Ash in areas where it has experienced significant decline in order to support cultural relationships and use of the species
- emphasis was increased on undertaking recovery actions in collaboration with Indigenous communities and Indigenous Knowledge Holders and that their knowledge and perspectives should be considered and integratedwhere they are shared
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
300 Water Street
North tower, 5th floor
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Sarah Parna
300 Water Street
5th floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Description of policy
Ontario is developing this government response statement to identify and prioritize actions to protect and recover Black Ash, in response to recommendations in the recovery strategy prepared pursuant to s.11 of the ESA . This proposed government response statement provides policy direction to government and partners about what should be done to recover Black Ash in Ontario.
In developing this draft government response statement, we considered the advice and input from:
- the recovery strategy
- the public
- stakeholders
- Indigenous communities and organizations
Species at risk in Ontario
In Ontario, once a species is listed as endangered or threatened, there is a process for gathering information and developing policy guidance to support the protection and recovery of each species.
First, the province engages external individuals and organizations with expertise on the species to prepare recovery strategies. These documents form the foundation of scientific advice and can include knowledge from:
- the public
- stakeholders
- Indigenous communities and organizations
Once recovery strategies are finalized, the province develops a government response statement for each recovery strategy.
Learn more about species at risk in Ontario.
Proposed government response statement for Black Ash
We are proposing a government response statement in relation to the recovery strategy for Black Ash.
You can read the recovery strategy for Black Ash, which was finalized on September 6, 2022.
Purpose of policy
The proposed government response statement provides species-specific direction on the actions the government intends to lead and support in the protection and recovery of Black Ash.
The purpose of this notice is to:
- inform the public that the proposed government response statement has been prepared
- seek feedback on the proposed government response statement
The province will consider comments as the proposed government response statement is finalized. Please reference Environmental Registry number 019-6990 in the comments you submit.
Concurrently with this posting the province is seeking input on a regulatory proposal for Black Ash. To view and provide input on that proposal please see 019-7378.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
300 Water Street
North tower, 5th floor
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from September 18, 2023
to November 2, 2023
Connect with us
Contact
Leanne Jennings
300 Water Street
North tower, 5th floor
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
8By email
7By mail
0