It's hard to remain upbeat about the future state of the environment if you're reading and paying any attention to the world around you.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is reviewing the Endangered Species Act. The law’s purpose is to protect and recover Ontario’s most vulnerable plants and animals. Canadian Geographic indicates that "we live in close proximity to many endangered species … yet, many of them fly under our radar." The following species are identified as Endangered and are known to rely on habitat currently existing in Grey Bruce: Piping Plover, American Ginseng, Red-headed Woodpecker, Butternut, Loggerhead Shrike, Spotted Turtle, Redside Dace, Little Brown Myotis, Monarch. Within these habitats are many other species that are identified as Threatened or of Special Concern under the Act.

Changes and proposals currently being considered under the Act are about deregulation and making it easier for industry and development proponents to destroy the habitats of endangered plants and animals. There are years of science-based evidence and data available that indicate what these animals and plants require to survive, yet, the primary cause of wildlife decline in Ontario (and nationally, and globally) is habitat loss and degradation, for which limits need to be set, not greater efficiencies created.

Tourism and marketing are bringing millions (people & dollars) into the area. We hear how it's benefitting businesses, but, how do we hear from the plants and animals that can't speak and … even if they could speak, do our elected "leaders" care to listen?

This is perfect … and very timely!
https://davidsuzuki.org/story/ontario-premier-asks-if-wildlife-willing-to-move-to-another-province/

Donna Mitchell
Annan