London environmentalists say Ontario's mining push puts endangered species at risk

Environmentalists in London and across the province say the Ontario government's push to cut so-called red tape to speed up the development of mining and construction projects could have dire consequences for endangered species.

Particularly concerning aspects of this push are moves that, according to researcher and environmental activist Brendon Samuels, weaken environmental protections in the name of short-term economic gain.

"Yes, we are in the trade war, and yes, there are major economic implications. We also need to develop certain industries and housing," said Samuels, who recently completed his PhD in biology from Western University.

"But, protecting the environment and protecting species from going extinct, according to the government's own legal mandate, is not contrary to any of those objectives."

Premier Doug Ford's government announced Bill 5 last Thursday, promising the bill would speed up the development of mines and increase the province's ability to quickly approve other projects in the name of bolstering Ontario against economic threats from the United States.

Its main function is allowing the province to designate areas of interest as "special economic zones" that enjoy quick project approvals and aren't subject to the same rules and regulations as other areas. One such zone is the Ring of Fire, a massive area in northern Ontario said to be replete with critical minerals.

Ford said other big projects could receive similar designations, including his plan to build a massive transit and traffic tunnel under Highway 401.

On top of allowing the designation of these special zones, the bill would repeal the Endangered Species Act, and replace it with the Species Conservation Act, which environmental groups like Ecojustice and Wilderness Committee claim weakens protections for species at risk.

Neither of those moves sits right with Samuels.

"We're being told that, once again, we have to remove red tape because we're in a crisis, and so that necessitates us removing protections for the environment. That's not true," Samuels said.

Near the top of his list of concerns is a belief that the Species Conservation Act will be more lenient than protections currently in place, especially with how it defines an animal habitat.

The new law would narrow the definition to only include the dwelling of an animal and that space's immediate vicinity.

"What [that's] saying is, 'We're only going to protect this species in a tiny bubble, and that's it,' but we know from many decades of studying species at risk that they move around. It doesn't align with science," Samuels said.

The change in that definition concerns Scott Gillingwater as well.

Gillingwater is a species-at-risk biologist for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. He said the work he does in the London area could be impacted by the shifting definition.

He said he's sad to see the Endangered Species Act go, calling it the gold standard for conservation laws around the world.

"In these areas the habitat is so important and has already been so heavily impacted. We see any future compromises as very detrimental to the species, especially here in Southwestern Ontario," Gillingwater said.

One species he's particularly concerned about is the Blanding's turtle. Easily identified by its yellow throat and lower neck, it's seen its habitat shrink rapidly and oftentimes shows up in spots that prevent development under current regulations.

With the changing conservation law and the creation of special economic zones, Gillingwater and Samuels both worry species like this could be even more vulnerable.

Samuels said he believes the changes would create a regulatory environment that is reactive rather than proactive.

"Instead of a developer wanting to do something that could affect an endangered species needing to get permission before they proceed, they could get immediate approval to do what they want," Samuels said.

"Then, if there's any issues, we'll find out about that after the fact. By that point, harm will likely have already been done."

Responding to a request for comment on environmental concerns surrounding Bill 5, the Ministry of the Environment issued a written statement.

"Through our government's proposed Species Conservation Act, we are focusing protection efforts where they will have the most impact," the statement reads.

The statement says the act will be supported by "an enhanced Species Conservation Program, which will see funding more than quadrupled to $20 million each year for on-the-ground projects that directly support efforts to conserve and protect listed species."

It also claimed the government is strengthening enforcement by implementing new powers to let project sites be inspected without warrants.

"Our approach will maintain strong environmental protections by establishing clear, enforceable rules for businesses to follow, with tough fines for non-compliance – there will be no tolerance for bad actors."