A group of five former chairs from a panel advising the federal government on endangered wildlife have penned an open letter expressing worries about proposed alterations to the Species At Risk Act. They believe these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. The legislation currently protects over 600 species, but the potential amendments might render the act ineffective, as per a recent press release by the scientists.
The former chairs, who were part of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the government last month. COSEWIC is an autonomous advisory body that evaluates species at risk of extinction and suggests them for listing under endangered species law.
The scientists decided 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 looks into broad environmental regulation changes, including the Species At Risk Act, to expedite the approval and construction of major projects.
The proposed modifications include allowing the approval of major projects before review and exempting certain projects from the required “jeopardy test” under the law if they serve the national interest. David Green, a former COSEWIC chair and a biologist at McGill University, criticized these changes, stating that jeopardy tests are crucial for safeguarding endangered species.
Additionally, the suggested changes would empower the government to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial developments. The government could also pre-approve pipelines before determining their routes and exempt them from federal impact assessments. Bill C-5 currently permits fast-tracking the approval process for projects deemed in the national interest.
The scientists highlighted concerns about a proposed West Coast oil pipeline, which could negatively impact species like the southern resident killer whale and the Chinook salmon. These species, along with their critical habitats in the Salish Sea, would be at risk if the pipeline project progresses.
The scientists question the government’s motives behind these changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species. They expressed shock over the proposed alterations to the Species At Risk Act, calling it a significant departure from previous environmental conservation efforts. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor specializing in climate and energy politics, views these changes as setting an extraordinary precedent.
Although the scientists have not received a government response yet, the Privy Council Office reiterated the government’s commitment to species conservation under the Species at Risk Act. The government justifies the potential changes by emphasizing the need to boost the economy and diversify exports amidst trade tensions with the U.S.
The government plans to release a report summarizing feedback from Canadians before summer ends, with formal legislation expected after Parliament resumes in September. Green warns the government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of eliminating species from Canada.