Protect Ontario's Environment: Urgent Call to Action Against Legislative Changes

Impact of Proposed Legislative Changes on Endangered Species

As you may have already heard, the Ontario government has introduced a bill that would significantly reduce environmental protections, including those for endangered species. Among other things, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” would repeal the existing Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has aimed to protect and recover at-risk species since 2007, and replace it with the Species Conservation Act (SCA).

Ostensibly meant to maintain species protections while “reducing red tape,” the new Species Conservation Act is poised to shift how the Province treats endangered species and the habitats they rely on. The changes proposed in this legislation raise serious concerns.

Key Proposed Changes to Environmental Protections

The new bill would introduce significant alterations to existing protections. Here are some key changes that have been proposed:

• Narrowing of Habitat Definitions: The definition of habitat would shift to refer only to an animal’s immediate dwelling place, such as a nest. This means protections for rare plants would extend only to the individual plant’s roots, rather than the broader ecosystem in which they thrive.

  
  

• Harassment of Species: The bill aims to remove the prohibition on “harassing” species at risk. This could allow actions that scare animals away from their preferred nesting locations. As a result, habitat protections might not be triggered, leading to increased risks for vulnerable species.

  
  

• Permit Removal for Harmful Projects: The requirement for permits for projects that could harm species at risk would be eliminated. Instead, an online registration system would be introduced. This change would undermine the ability of the government’s environmental experts to review plans. Without this oversight, the potential harm to species is likely to increase.

  
  

• Elimination of Recovery Strategies: The bill would also remove the requirement for provincial recovery strategies and management plans aimed at protecting species at risk. This lack of structured responses could exacerbate the threats these species already face.

  
  

Increased Power for Industries

In addition to the Species Conservation Act, a separate proposed bill called the Special Economic Zones Act would also allow industries to bypass provincial laws and municipal bylaws. This at-risk approach disregards the due process under which those laws and bylaws were originally created. Such a framework would give industries unprecedented power to operate without sufficient environmental oversight.

The Call for Rethinking Environmental Protection

Freshwater Conservation Canada is calling on the Ontario Government to reconsider this proposed legislation. When the Endangered Species Act was created, the Province of Ontario demonstrated true leadership. They recognized the ecological, social, economic, and intrinsic value of biological diversity for future generations.

The ESA takes a science-based approach. It considers the life history and ecology of various species. This approach is particularly crucial for many species that rely on freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic and amphibian species are already identified as being at greater risk of extinction due to their reliance on multiple habitats throughout their life cycles.

The Importance of Strong Environmental Protections

It was acknowledged in 2007, and we are reminded today, that environmental protection and strong economies can coexist. We do not have to choose between one or the other. Strong environmental regulations enable sustainable development. They ensure that we protect biodiversity while allowing economic growth.

Take Action: Share Your Voice

The Province is accepting comments on the proposed legislation until this Saturday, May 17th, at 11:59 PM. Your voice is vital in shaping the future of environmental protections in Ontario. Comments can be submitted here.

Support your local wildlife and ecosystems. Our natural environment deserves protection, and you can help influence decision-makers by expressing your concerns. The legislative changes proposed could have long-term consequences for countless species.

Photo of a Queensnake, an endangered snake in Ontario that exclusively hunts crayfish in the water. Last year, Freshwater Conservation Canada’s Middle Grand Chapter did work benefiting the Queensnake habitat.

In conclusion, we must rally together to protect our environment. The fight for conservation has never been more critical. Ensure that the future we leave behind supports both wildlife and a thriving community. Your actions can inspire change. Together, we can safeguard Ontario's rich biodiversity.