Five former chairs of a committee advising the government on endangered wildlife have penned an open letter expressing worries about proposed amendments to the Species At Risk Act. They fear these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. The legislation currently safeguards over 600 species, but the suggested alterations could render the act ineffective, as stated in a recent press release by the concerned scientists.
The ex-chairs, who were part of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), dispatched the letter to the federal government last month. COSEWIC is an independent group that evaluates species at risk and recommends their inclusion in endangered species laws.
In a bid to prevent Canadians from unknowingly contributing to the extinction of Canadian wildlife, the scientists opted to make the letter public. This move coincides with the government’s contemplation of broad environmental regulation changes, including revising the Species At Risk Act to expedite approval and construction of major projects.
Under the proposed modifications, major projects could be greenlit prior to review, and certain projects might be exempt from the crucial “jeopardy test” mandated by the law if they are deemed to serve the national interest. According to David Green, a former COSEWIC chair and a biologist at McGill University, these changes pose a substantial threat to endangered species, as jeopardy tests serve as vital safeguards against activities that could harm these species and their habitats.
Additionally, the amendments would grant the government powers to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial development and to pre-approve pipelines before finalizing their routes, sidestepping federal impact assessments. While Bill C-5 currently enables fast-tracking project approvals deemed in the national interest, the proposed alterations could have far-reaching consequences, especially for species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon.
The scientists emphasized the potential adverse effects of a contemplated West Coast oil pipeline, highlighting its impact on the southern resident killer whale population and their critical habitat in the Salish Sea. They raised concerns that such a project, if deemed in the national interest, could jeopardize the survival of these imperiled species.
Expressing disbelief at the government’s proposed changes, Green and other experts underscored the significance of the Species At Risk Act in safeguarding wildlife. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor specializing in climate and energy politics, labeled the amendments as setting an “extraordinary” precedent by granting the government sweeping authority over environmental laws.
The scientists await a response from the government regarding their letter, expressing their hopes for a reconsideration of the proposed changes. The government, on its part, maintains its commitment to species conservation under the Species at Risk Act while justifying the amendments as necessary for economic growth amid trade disputes with the U.S. The formal legislative process is anticipated to resume after the summer break, with stakeholders urging caution in preserving Canada’s biodiversity.