A group of five former chairs from a panel advising the federal government on endangered wildlife have released an open letter expressing worries about potential revisions to the Species At Risk Act. They argue that these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. Over 600 species are currently protected under this act, and the proposed amendments could significantly weaken the legislation, rendering its protection meaningless, as per a recent press release by the scientists.
The ex-chairs, 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 a panel that independently evaluates species facing extinction and recommends their inclusion in endangered species protection laws. They made the letter public to raise awareness and prevent Canadians from being complicit in the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife species.
The letter coincides with the Carney government’s contemplation of extensive environmental regulation changes, including the Species At Risk Act, with the aim of expediting the approval and construction of major projects. These changes involve discussions on allowing project approval before review and exempting certain projects from the essential “jeopardy test,” which ensures projects do not harm species listed under the act and their critical habitats if they threaten their survival.
David Green, a former COSEWIC chair and biology professor emeritus at McGill University, criticized the proposed alterations, stating that they are excessive and unnecessary. He emphasized the importance of jeopardy tests in safeguarding endangered species as they serve as a crucial last line of defense for species in critical need of protection.
Additionally, the proposed changes would grant Carney and the cabinet the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial development and expedite the approval process for pipelines, potentially bypassing federal impact assessments. The scientists specifically highlighted concerns about a new West Coast oil pipeline, which, if deemed in the national interest, could pose significant threats to multiple species protected under the act, such as the southern resident killer whale and the Chinook salmon.
The scientists highlighted that the proposed pipeline’s construction could have severe consequences, including increased tanker traffic noise and habitat destruction for the killer whales’ main prey. They questioned whether Canadians are willing to risk the unique killer whale population for another oil pipeline project. The article also mentioned that there are only 75 southern resident killer whales left worldwide.
Expressing shock, Green criticized the Liberal government for proposing these changes, considering that the Species At Risk Act was a significant achievement for a Liberal government 25 years ago. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor specializing in climate and energy politics, described the potential changes as setting an extraordinary precedent by granting the government broad authority to waive existing laws and introduce new regulations without parliamentary approval.
As of now, the scientists have not received a response from the government regarding their letter. The Privy Council Office affirmed the government’s commitment to species conservation and meeting obligations under the Species At Risk Act. They justified the proposed changes by citing the need to fast-track projects to boost the economy and reduce dependence on the U.S. market amid trade tensions.
While the government extended the public engagement period following criticism from First Nations and environmental groups, formal legislation is anticipated after Parliament resumes in September. Green urged the government to reconsider, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of eliminating species from Canada.
