Save Ontario Species

Save Ontario Species

Our most vulnerable species are on the chopping block.

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is misleading the public by claiming that its recently proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act, 2007  (ESA) will “improve outcomes for species at risk.” On the contrary, the changes put forward in Schedule 5 of Bill 108 would improve outcomes only for sprawl developers and industry laggards who want the unfettered ability to sweep aside protections for our most vulnerable plants and animals.

The list of damaging changes is long and wide-ranging. If the changes go forward, the Minister will have ...

Our most vulnerable species are on the chopping block.

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is misleading the public by claiming that its recently proposed amendments to the Endangered Species Act, 2007  (ESA) will “improve outcomes for species at risk.” On the contrary, the changes put forward in Schedule 5 of Bill 108 would improve outcomes only for sprawl developers and industry laggards who want the unfettered ability to sweep aside protections for our most vulnerable plants and animals.

The list of damaging changes is long and wide-ranging. If the changes go forward, the Minister will have broad discretion to interfere with the science-based listing process, to suspend and limit protections, and to ignore legislated timelines for policies and reporting. At the same time, new loopholes for developers and other proponents of harmful activities will grease the wheels of destruction. These include a “pay-to-slay” scheme that would allow them to pay into a fund in lieu of fulfilling requirements for on-the-ground reparation for the damage they inflict on species and their habitats.

There’s more – much more – ensuring that the forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers that provide habitat for species at risk would be open for destruction.

Ontario Nature is working alongside our friends, supporters, partners and allies to oppose these changes. We hope you will stand with us. You can make the strongest impact by contacting your MPP about these proposed amendments. Please phone, send a letter, or request a meeting with your representative and let them know that the people of Ontario are not okay with these proposed amendments. Your MPP needs to know that their constituents care and are paying attention.

Photo: Prothonotary warbler © Bill McDonald, Video: ESA press conference © John Hassell

+

Sign our letter to Minister Phillips and your local MPP

With your help, we can remind the government that this is the Endangered Species Act, not the Endangered Business Act. The law’s purpose is to protect and recover Ontario’s most vulnerable plants and animals.

Please sign and, if possible, personalize the letter below to Minister Phillips and your local MPP. Their decision will profoundly affect the fate of species at risk and their habitats.

*Please note that to more easily find your local rep through this form, please include the municipality or township with your residential address. If you still have trouble finding your MPP, please send your name and address to Noah at [email protected] and he will make the submission on your behalf. 

Compose your email

Email Tips +

Please personalize your email and add any anecdotes that you believe will be impactful – ideally do so in the first paragraph or near the beginning.