These proposed changes do…

These proposed changes do not improve the implementation of the species at risk program. Changing the time frame in which a habitat or species is known to occur harms recovery of the species and Ontario's commitment to protecting species at risk under the ESA. Justifying the change as a shift in lenses to focus on high-priority habitat is another way of saying any medium or lower priority habitat is no longer protected. This wording is harmful as it views the change as something that would further benefit the species; by focusing on 'high priority' habitat there is no additional benefit when the alternative is removing 50% of eligibility (10 of 20 years). Renouncing the status of Barn Swallows when the known habitat loss is still actively threatening the population and furthering this loss by allowing a pay to destroy policy is not in line with the purpose of the ESA. These amendments weaken the ESA and the protection provided to species struggling with population due to causes related to human activity. This does not improve Ontario's wildlife wellbeing or future survival chances and I hope there will be reconsideration.