A group of five former chairs of a committee advising the Canadian government on endangered wildlife has released an open letter expressing worries about potential amendments 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 legislation, and the proposed modifications could significantly weaken the act’s effectiveness, according to the scientists.
The former chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) decided to make their concerns public by sending the letter to the federal government. This independent advisory panel evaluates species at risk of extinction and recommends their inclusion in endangered species laws.
The scientists emphasized the importance of preventing Canadians from contributing to the deliberate extinction of wildlife species in the country. They raised these concerns as the government contemplates broad environmental regulatory adjustments, including revisions to the Species At Risk Act, to expedite the approval and construction of major projects.
Under the proposed revisions, major projects could potentially be approved before undergoing a review process, and certain projects might be exempted from the required “jeopardy test” if they are deemed to be in the national interest. These jeopardy tests are crucial safeguards that prevent projects from harming species listed under the act and their critical habitats, thereby ensuring their survival.
The suggested alterations would grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” to pre-approve industrial development activities. Additionally, the government could pre-approve pipelines and exempt them from federal impact assessments before finalizing their routes.
The scientists specifically highlighted a new West Coast oil pipeline project that is being considered as a project of national interest. This proposed pipeline, resembling the existing Trans Mountain pipeline, could pose a significant threat to various species protected under the act, such as the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon, both of which inhabit the Salish Sea.
The letter underscores the potential devastating impact of the West Coast pipeline on the endangered killer whale population, emphasizing the risks posed by increased tanker traffic noise and habitat destruction. The scientists question whether Canadians are willing to jeopardize these unique species for the sake of another oil pipeline project.
The proposed changes have raised concerns among experts and environmentalists. The government’s rationale for these amendments is to expedite projects that boost the economy and reduce dependence on the U.S. market amid ongoing trade tensions. However, critics argue that these modifications could set a concerning precedent by weakening environmental protections without parliamentary oversight.
As of now, the government has not responded to the scientists’ letter. The government stated its commitment to species conservation and fulfilling obligations under the Species At Risk Act. The public engagement period has been extended following criticism from Indigenous communities and environmental organizations. Formal legislation is anticipated after Parliament reconvenes in September, with calls for the government to reconsider the potential impacts of these proposed changes on Canada’s biodiversity.