Review of Ontario's Species at Risk Legislation

Consultation Summary

Context

Ontario has initiated review of its Endangered Species Act. The legislative review proposes to strengthen and update the legislation that protects the province’s species at risk and their habitats. This document provides an overview of the comments received during the public consultation phase.

Background

The Endangered Species Act, the existing legislation to protect species at risk in Ontario, is 35 years old. It was one of the first of its kind in Canada. There is a need for modern legislation that will provide stronger protection for species at risk and allow for the participation of landowners, resource users and conservation organizations in species and habitat recovery and protection.

With the legislative review, Ontario is proposing to strengthen protection and recovery measures for the province’s species at risk and their habitats by:

• developing legislation that recognizes the role of Ontarians in building strong communities;
• providing a clear and transparent process for protection of species at risk;
• demonstrating tangible and measurable recovery results;
• complementing the federal laws;
• ensuring accountability to the public through regular reporting on the status of species at risk; and
• modernizing enforcement, including increasing penalties for violators.

Aboriginal communities and organizations, partners, stakeholders, the Endangered Species Act Review Advisory Panel and the Ontario public were asked for their views on the proposed legislative measures. They have indicated strong support for modernized species at risk legislation.

We thank those who participated in the consultation for their input. All comments will be considered in drafting the new legislation. There will be further opportunities to review and comment on the legislation as it is developed.

The Consultation Process

On May 9, 2006, Ontario announced the Species at Risk Legislative Review that proposed broader protection for species at risk and their habitats. A set of nine legislative proposals were included in a discussion paper entitled “Towards Better Protection of Species at Risk in Ontario.” The public was invited to participate in the development of the new legislation and to comment on the legislative proposals that addressed:

• species assessment
• listing of species at risk emergency
• listing of species at risk
• protection of species at risk and their habitats
• emergency orders
• recovery planning
• reporting
• agreements and instruments
• enforcement and penalties.

Consultation Methods

On-line questionnaire and Environmental Registry posting - The Discussion Paper* was posted on the Environmental Registry, with an accompanying online questionnaire, for public comment from May 9 – July 7, 2006. A total of 302 comments and submissions were received in response to this posting. There was strong support for the majority of the proposals as set out in the discussion paper.

Stakeholder meetings – A broad range of stakeholder groups were invited to meet with the Ministry of Natural Resources to discuss the proposed legislative changes. Groups representing the interests of Ontario’s land developers, environmentalists, rural communities, fish and wildlife enthusiasts, municipalities, and resource industry sectors participated in this phase of the consultation.

Meetings with the Endangered Species Act Review Advisory Panel – In April 2006, the Minister of Natural Resources appointed an advisory panel of individuals with experience and expertise related to species at risk and recovery planning, to provide input into the legislative review. The Panel provided input into the development of the Discussion Paper and subsequently prepared a report to the Minister with their recommendations. The report is available: here.

Meetings with other government agencies – The Ministry of Natural Resources also met with other provincial ministries and key federal departments involved in the protection and recovery of species at risk.

Aboriginal Consultation is ongoing. The results of this process are not included here.

Summary of Comments

This PDF* table provides a summary of the on-line questionnaire responses, as well an overview of the nature of responses received through written submissions from the public and organizations. This information is provided to keep you informed as we proceed with the legislative review.

Next Steps

All comments are currently being evaluated and will be considered in determining the approach to drafting the new legislation. After First Reading, the proposed legislation will be posted on the Environmental Registry for public information and comment.