Endangered species need help

Dear Editor,

Doug Ford’s government is reviewing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is alarming news, based on his government’s past record.

This is a critical moment for endangered species. Some of Ontario’s most beloved animals are at risk of disappearing forever. Caribou, polar bears, songbird and turtle species are in decline in this province. The list of endangered species is growing.

The biggest problem with the Endangered Species Act is that it has never been properly enforced. Successive governments ignored deadlines, made minimal efforts, and watered down the rules.

Industry enjoys massive exemptions from the ESA’s strict measures. This has to stop. The government must get rid of the sweeping exemptions to the ESA, then enforce the rules.

Based on the content of the review, the Ford government seems focused on making it even easier to logging, mining and other industries to destroy the ecosystems that endangered species – and we – need for survival.

It is urgent that we take action. Ontarians must push Ford to address the real problem – the decline in our endangered plants and animals.

Each one of us can take action by writing to our MPP and participating in the ESA public consultation. Endangered species are depending on us for their survival.

Bryan McCarthy