Act
Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025
Regulation Number(s):
Endangered Species Act
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Endangered Species Act
Summary of Proposal:
Under the current Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) program, the process to obtain a permit is slow and complex, causing unnecessary delays and costs for housing, transit, and critical infrastructure. To help speed up project timelines and provide greater certainty for proponents, while protecting species, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is proposing a number of changes to its approach to project approvals.
The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 is proposing to make immediate amendments to the ESA and would later repeal the ESA and enact the new Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA), once proclaimed.
Collectively, the proposed changes would provide a reasonable, balanced approach to protecting species in Ontario and would:
• ultimately shift nearly all species-related authorizations to a registration-first approach - a process already successfully used for many species and other environmental authorizations
• establish a framework for setting clear expectations and rules for proponents to follow, ones that are focused on those activities that are most likely to have a direct negative impact on species
• establish a new Species Conservation Program to support voluntary initiatives like habitat restoration that protect and conserve species
• strengthen our ability to enforce species protection laws to ensure that all proponents comply with the rules and expectations of this new approach
Under the proposed new approach, instead of waiting for the ministry to approve permits, most proponents will be able to register and proceed with their activities as soon as they meet all requirements. Requirements will be laid out in new regulations that the ministry looks forward to developing in consultation with the public and Indigenous communities over the coming months.
The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 is proposing to make immediate amendments to the ESA and would later repeal the ESA and enact the new Species Conservation Act, 2025 (SCA), once proclaimed.
Collectively, the proposed changes would provide a reasonable, balanced approach to protecting species in Ontario and would:
• ultimately shift nearly all species-related authorizations to a registration-first approach - a process already successfully used for many species and other environmental authorizations
• establish a framework for setting clear expectations and rules for proponents to follow, ones that are focused on those activities that are most likely to have a direct negative impact on species
• establish a new Species Conservation Program to support voluntary initiatives like habitat restoration that protect and conserve species
• strengthen our ability to enforce species protection laws to ensure that all proponents comply with the rules and expectations of this new approach
Under the proposed new approach, instead of waiting for the ministry to approve permits, most proponents will be able to register and proceed with their activities as soon as they meet all requirements. Requirements will be laid out in new regulations that the ministry looks forward to developing in consultation with the public and Indigenous communities over the coming months.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
Ontario's current system for issuing permits is slow and complex, causing unnecessary delays and costs for housing, transit, and critical infrastructure. By streamlining project approvals and strengthening compliance, our proposed changes will help create jobs and keep Ontario businesses competitive, while driving economic growth. We are currently analyzing the effects of this proposal on businesses.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
25-MECP005
Posting Date:
April 17, 2025
Comments Due Date:
May 17, 2025