Why Special Rules For Endangered Species On Roads To Turbines?

Why should endangered species protection in Ontario be different for roads to wind turbines, as opposed to roads leading anywhere else?

Ontario has an elaborate system that allegedly protects endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), endangered, threatened or extirpated species and their habitats cannot be harmed or destroyed, except by permit or if authorized under the regulations.

Leaving aside the massive exemption regulations for industry and agriculture, endangered species and their habitats are supposed to be harmed only with the personal permission of the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNR). Most regulatory permits in Ontario are issued by civil servants; requiring that endangered species permits be issued by the Minister personally underscores that such permits are to be issued rarely and only for strong reasons.