Five former chairs of a committee advising the federal government on endangered species have penned an open letter expressing worries about potential amendments to the Species At Risk Act. These alterations, as per the scientists, could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada, impacting over 600 species protected by the law. The scientists, who were previously in charge of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the government last month, emphasizing the importance of the act’s protection provisions.
The proposed adjustments being considered by the government could significantly weaken the act, making it ineffective, according to a press release by the scientists. The jeopardy tests, which prevent projects that could harm endangered species and their habitats from being approved, are seen as crucial safeguards by the scientists. These tests act as a final barrier to protect species facing extinction.
The potential changes also include granting authorities the power to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approved industrial developments. Additionally, the government could pre-approve pipelines before finalizing their routes and exempt them from federal impact assessments. The current legislation, Bill C-5, already allows expedited approval processes for projects deemed of national interest.
Of particular concern is a proposed West Coast oil pipeline that could pose a severe threat to species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon, both listed under the act. The scientists warn that this pipeline could have devastating effects on these species and their habitats in the Salish Sea region.
Critics, including former COSEWIC chairs, are alarmed by the proposed changes, with some describing them as a significant departure from environmental protection norms. The government’s rationale for these changes is to boost the economy and reduce dependency on the U.S. market amidst ongoing trade disputes.
As of now, there has been no official response from the government regarding the scientists’ open letter. The Privy Council Office has reiterated the government’s commitment to species conservation and recovery under the Species at Risk Act. The government plans to release a report summarizing public feedback before summer ends, with formal legislation expected after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green, along with other critics, urges the government to reconsider these changes, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of species loss.