A group of five former chairs of a panel advising the Canadian government on endangered species has released a public letter expressing apprehensions about proposed modifications to the Species At Risk Act. They fear that these alterations could potentially result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in the country. The current legislation safeguards over 600 species, but the suggested adjustments could undermine the act’s efficacy, rendering it ineffective in providing protection, as per a recent statement issued by the scientists.
The ex-chairs, who were part of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the open letter to the government last month. COSEWIC is an independent advisory body responsible for evaluating species at risk of extinction and suggesting listings under endangered species legislation. By making the letter public, the scientists aim to prevent Canadians from inadvertently contributing to the intentional extinction of Canadian wildlife species.
The letter coincides with the government’s deliberation on broad environmental policy changes, including amendments to the Species At Risk Act, intended to expedite the approval and construction of major projects. Two federal discussion papers in May proposed granting approval for significant projects prior to review and exempting certain projects from the required “jeopardy test” under the law if they serve the national interest.
David Green, a biologist and former COSEWIC chair, criticized these proposed changes, describing them as a drastic dismantling of the law. He emphasized the critical role of jeopardy tests in preventing Ottawa from authorizing projects that could harm species under the act and their vital habitats, jeopardizing their survival.
The suggested revisions also grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approval of industrial development and the ability to greenlight pipelines before route establishment, bypassing federal impact assessments. Bill C-5 currently allows expedited approval processes for projects deemed in the national interest.
Notably, the letter highlights concerns about a new West Coast oil pipeline, considered a project of national interest, which could have severe implications for various species, including the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon. The pipeline’s potential impacts on critical habitats in the Salish Sea, where these species reside, could be devastating, according to the scientists.
Expressing shock, Green criticized the Liberal government’s proposed changes to the Species At Risk Act, considering it a significant departure from its historical conservation efforts. Meanwhile, experts like UBC professor Kathryn Harrison view the legislative amendments as setting an unprecedented precedent by granting the government broad discretion to waive and establish laws without parliamentary scrutiny.
While the government has yet to respond to the scientists’ letter, the Privy Council Office affirmed its commitment to species conservation under the Species at Risk Act. The government’s rationale for the proposed changes lies in the need to expedite projects to boost the economy and reduce reliance on U.S. trade amid ongoing trade tensions.
Despite the lack of a formal response, the government plans to issue a report summarizing public feedback before the summer’s end. Following an extended public consultation period, formal legislation is expected post-Parliament’s resumption in September. Green urges the government to reconsider, cautioning that the irreversible loss of species from Canada would have long-lasting repercussions.