Five former chairs of a committee advising the federal government on endangered wildlife have issued an open letter expressing worries about proposed amendments to the Species At Risk Act. They are concerned that these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. The group, comprised of more than 600 species, believes that the modifications being considered by the government could strip the act of its significance and the protection it offers.
The scientists, who were part of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the federal government last month. COSEWIC is an independent advisory body responsible for evaluating species at risk of extinction and recommending them for protection under endangered species legislation.
The scientists chose to make the letter public to prevent Canadians from being complicit in the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife species. These concerns arise as the government is contemplating broad alterations to environmental regulations, including the Species At Risk Act, in a bid to expedite the approval and construction of major projects.
Recently, two federal discussion papers suggested approving major projects before review and exempting certain projects from the required “jeopardy test” if they are deemed to be in the national interest. According to David Green, a biologist and former COSEWIC chair, these proposed changes could severely weaken the law’s protective measures, particularly jeopardizing endangered species and their critical habitats.
The amendments would grant significant powers to the government, including the establishment of “federal economic zones” for pre-approved industrial development and the pre-approval of pipelines before route establishment, potentially bypassing federal impact assessments. The scientists highlight a specific concern regarding a proposed West Coast oil pipeline, which could have devastating effects on species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon.
The scientists caution that the potential impacts of these changes could be irreversible and urge the government to reconsider its approach. Despite these concerns, the government has not yet responded to the scientists’ letter. The government has emphasized the need to fast-track projects to boost the economy and reduce reliance on the U.S. market amidst ongoing trade tensions.
While the Privy Council Office asserts its commitment to species conservation and recovery under the Species at Risk Act, the fate of the proposed amendments remains uncertain. The government plans to release a report summarizing feedback received before making any final decisions. The legislation is expected to be introduced after Parliament reconvenes in September, with stakeholders urging caution in the face of potentially far-reaching consequences.
