A group of five former leaders of a committee advising the federal government on endangered wildlife has penned a public letter expressing worries about potential modifications to Canada’s Species At Risk Act. They fear that these changes could result in the intentional extinction of endangered species in the country. Over 600 species fall under the current legislation, and the proposed adjustments could undermine the act’s effectiveness, according to the scientists who issued a press release last week.
The former chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) dispatched the letter to the government last month. COSEWIC is an independent panel that evaluates species at risk of extinction and recommends their inclusion under endangered species regulations. By making the letter public, the scientists aim to prevent Canadians from unknowingly contributing to the deliberate eradication of Canadian wildlife.
The letter coincides with the government’s deliberations on broad environmental policy changes, including revising the Species At Risk Act to expedite the approval and construction of large-scale projects. Recent federal discussion papers proposed advancing major projects for approval before reviews and exempting specific projects from the necessary “jeopardy test” if they are deemed to be in the national interest.
David Green, a former COSEWIC chair and biology professor at McGill University, criticized the proposed alterations, particularly the potential elimination of jeopardy tests that safeguard endangered species and their critical habitats. These tests serve as crucial protections for vulnerable species, acting as the final barrier against activities that could jeopardize their survival.
The suggested revisions would grant the government the power to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial projects and enable pre-approval of pipelines before final route decisions, bypassing federal impact assessments. Bill C-5 currently allows expedited approval processes, including environmental assessments, for projects deemed in the national interest.
The letter specifically highlights concerns about a proposed West Coast oil pipeline that could endanger species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon, both of which inhabit the Salish Sea where the pipeline would terminate. The scientists warn that the pipeline could have severe consequences for these already imperiled species and their habitats.
The scientists question the government’s motivation for these changes, particularly given the historical significance of the Species At Risk Act. They believe that the proposed amendments could set a troubling precedent by allowing the government to bypass environmental regulations and potentially introduce new laws without parliamentary scrutiny.
As of the article’s publication, the scientists had not received a response from the government regarding their letter. The government, however, reiterated its commitment to species conservation and compliance with the Species at Risk Act. The government’s rationale for these changes includes the need to expedite projects that enhance the economy and reduce dependence on U.S. exports amid ongoing trade tensions.
The government plans to release a report summarizing public feedback before the summer ends, with formal legislation anticipated after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green advises against hasty decisions that could permanently impact Canada’s biodiversity, emphasizing the irreversible nature of species loss.