Other Authorizations

Recognizing that, in some cases, a broad restriction may not be practical or even possible, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) allows the Minister the discretion to grant different types of permits or other authorizations, which apply to particular circumstances and include conditions, for activities that would otherwise not be allowed. These authorizations are intended to ensure that Ontario’s businesses and residents continue to prosper while protecting and recovering the province’s at-risk animals and plants.
Permits are one of the main types of authorizations issued under the ESA. Other authorizations include registration, agreements and exemptions.

Agreements in the Act

An agreement is drawn up between two parties who agree on a set of provisions. An ESA agreement is a signed contract between a person, company or organization and the Ministry. There are two specific types of agreements listed within the Act:

• Section 16 of the Act: Stewardship agreement, for the purpose of assisting in the protection or recovery of listed species
• Section 19 of the Act: Agreements with Aboriginal organizations, bands and councils

Navigating the process

Exemptions and Registrations

Exemptions and registrations are similar to permits and agreements as they enable activities that would otherwise not be allowed under the ESA, if a set of specific conditions outlined under Regulation 242/08 are met. Conditions can include, but not be limited to:

• the requirement to register the activity with the Ministry of Natural Resources prior to starting it,
• undertaking measures to minimize the adverse effects of the activity on species at risk,
• creating and following a mitigation plan and
• monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of mitigation measures

Find out more about these authorizations