This is the warning that the Toronto Zoo has just given. They warn that hundreds of species are at increased risk of extinction if Ontario’s dangerous, controversial mining bill – the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act (Bill 5) – is allowed to become law. In a recent committee hearing at Queen’s Park, the Toronto Zoo’s CEO Dolf DeJong expressed his alarming concern for… He underscored the bill’s detrimental effects on our country’s endangered species and long-standing environmental safeguards.
Bill 5 represents yet another major step backwards in Ontario’s commitment to conservation, including the repeal of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. This needless repeal would strip away key habitat protections. It would further remove the mandates to create pathways for species that become endangered. Consequently, DeJong and other stakeholders worry that the reforms – as written – would cause permanent and irreversible damage to Ontario’s biodiversity.
Even more troubling is the proposed bill’s elimination of these programs. It would free companies to pursue massive projects that could destroy irreplaceable habitats and endanger crucial species without first requiring them to obtain the necessary permits. Premier Doug Ford’s government intends to use the new legislation to establish the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario as a “development zone.” This decision has led to widespread anger and protests from local First Nations communities.
DeJong stressed that, especially with these proposed changes, an “insurance policy” is needed for endangered species. He stated, “If the government decides to move forward as written, we have one ask, establish an insurance policy for these species and their well-being.”
The Toronto Zoo operates a biobank with hundreds of animal specimens. The majority of these specimens are sourced through its own collection as well as through other accredited zoos across Canada. This biobank is made up of living cells that can be used for reproductive technologies to help conserve species through propagation. Gabriela Mastromonaco, the zoo’s chief science officer, has been actively involved in expanding the repository by collecting samples from wild populations.
Mastromonaco emphasized the role of genetic diversity in bolstering conservation efforts. “We have to protect against outright genetic loss and the potential for genetic erosion where the populations are getting smaller and smaller,” she noted. DeJong echoed this sentiment, voicing concerns that the proposed bill could undo decades of conservation efforts and threaten some of Ontario’s most vulnerable species.
The Toronto Zoo’s past success with reintroduction programs like that of the dusky gopher frog shows they are ready for this endeavor. The zoo has been playing a critical role to save this endangered species by artificially inseminating frogs. They subsequently return the resulting tadpoles to their native environments. DeJong stated, “Together with Parks Canada, your Toronto Zoo has helped release more than 700 individuals into Rouge National Urban Park.”
DeJong is currently seeking provincial funding to help the biobank grow. He highlights the dire need to save Ontario species that risk extinction under the proposed legislation pic.twitter”This government needs to commit to funding to create an Ontario wildlife biobank at your Toronto Zoo,” he urged.”Our reproductive science team can play a critical role, working with partners across all walks of life to ensure we have a backup plan for future generations.”
The impact of Bill 5 stretches well past the borders of Ontario, resonating even further with worries voiced by DeJong over ecosystems that are all connected. “I think we all understand that endangered species don’t recognize political boundaries, and these policy changes make their survival on both sides of the border more questionable,” he said.
Environmental groups and conservationists all over the country are alarmed by the mining bill’s serious threats to the health of air, water and land. Critics say that its passage would represent a dramatic retreat from the province’s long stated intention to protect its natural heritage.
The battles continue to intensify at Queen’s Park. Proponents of the bill make a passionate case for it being Ontario’s most important tool to spur economic development and help create jobs. While tacitly pouring concrete on the promise of a green belt, Premier Ford has promised his constituents that this government will be environmentally conscious. “We’re always going to be very conscious of making sure that we take care of the environment,” Ford stated.
