Five former chairs of a committee providing advice to the Canadian government on endangered species have released a public statement expressing worries about proposed modifications to the Species At Risk Act. They argue that these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in the country. Over 600 species are currently protected under this legislation, and the suggested alterations could significantly weaken the act and its protective measures, the scientists stated in a recent press release.
The group, comprised of former chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the government last month. COSEWIC is an independent panel responsible for evaluating species at risk of extinction and recommending their inclusion in endangered species laws.
The scientists decided to make their concerns public to prevent Canadians from inadvertently contributing to the intentional extinction of Canadian wildlife species, as stated in the press release. This action coincides with the government’s contemplation of broad environmental regulation changes, including amendments to the Species At Risk Act, aimed at expediting the approval and construction of major projects.
In May, two federal discussion papers proposed granting approval for major projects before assessment and exempting certain projects from the requisite “jeopardy test” under the law if they are deemed to serve the national interest. According to David Green, a biologist and former COSEWIC chair, these proposed changes are excessive and unnecessary.
The jeopardy tests prevent the government from endorsing projects that could harm species listed under the act and their crucial habitats if such actions would jeopardize their survival. Green emphasized the significance of these tests in safeguarding endangered species, describing them as the ultimate protection for vital species.
The suggested revisions would also empower the government to establish “federal economic zones” where industrial development could be pre-approved. Additionally, the Cabinet would gain the authority to greenlight pipelines before determining their routes, bypassing federal impact assessments. While Bill C-5 currently expedites the approval process for projects deemed in the national interest, the new proposals aim to further streamline this process.
The scientists highlighted a proposed West Coast oil pipeline in their letter, which is being considered a project of national interest. This pipeline, expected to transport around one million barrels of crude oil daily, poses a significant threat to various species protected under the act, including the southern resident killer whale and the Chinook salmon, which serves as the whale’s primary food source.
Both these species and their habitats are found in the Salish Sea, where the proposed pipeline would terminate. The scientists warned that the pipeline could have catastrophic effects on the whale population through increased tanker traffic noise and habitat destruction.
The scientists expressed concern about the Liberal government’s proposed changes, considering the historical significance of the Species At Risk Act. They viewed the amendments as undermining the protections the act was designed to provide. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor specializing in climate and energy politics, described the potential legislative changes as setting an unprecedented precedent.
The scientists are awaiting a response from the government regarding their letter. The government emphasized its commitment to species conservation and recovery under the Species at Risk Act, citing the need to expedite projects to bolster the economy and reduce dependence on U.S. exports amid ongoing trade tensions.
While no decision has been made regarding the modifications to the act, the government plans to release a report summarizing feedback from Canadians before summer’s end. The public engagement period was extended following criticism from First Nations and environmental organizations, with formal legislation expected after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green advised the government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of species loss in Canada.