Five former leaders of a committee that advises the federal government on endangered species have penned an open letter expressing worries about proposed alterations to the Species At Risk Act. They argue that the changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. Over 600 species are currently protected under this legislation. The scientists, who previously chaired the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the government last month. COSEWIC evaluates species at risk of extinction independently and recommends their inclusion under endangered species laws.
The scientists chose to make the letter public to prevent Canadians from being complicit in the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife species. The letter coincides with the government’s consideration of significant environmental regulation modifications, including the Species At Risk Act. These changes aim to expedite the approval and construction of major projects.
The potential amendments would eliminate the requirement for a “jeopardy test,” allowing for the pre-approval of major projects deemed in the national interest. This move has been criticized by David Green, a former COSEWIC chair and biologist at McGill University, who considers jeopardy tests crucial for safeguarding endangered species. He describes them as the final safeguard for species in critical need of protection.
Additionally, the proposed changes would grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial development and pipelines without federal impact assessments. While Bill C-5 already expedites approval processes for projects of national interest, the new West Coast oil pipeline is a cause for concern among the scientists. This pipeline could have detrimental effects on species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon, both present in the Salish Sea where the pipeline is slated to end.
The scientists highlighted that the West Coast pipeline could have devastating impacts on the endangered killer whale population and their habitat, questioning if Canadians are willing to risk their extinction for another oil pipeline. The proposed alterations to the legislation have raised alarms, with experts like Kathryn Harrison expressing concerns about the government’s unprecedented authority to waive laws and introduce new ones without parliamentary approval.
Despite the scientists’ public letter, the government has not responded. The Privy Council Office emphasized the government’s commitment to species conservation and compliance with the Species at Risk Act. The government’s rationale for the changes is rooted in the need to boost the economy and reduce reliance on the U.S. market amidst trade tensions. Feedback from Canadians on the proposed changes is expected to be released before summer ends, with formal legislation anticipated after Parliament resumes in September. Green urges the government to rethink its stance, emphasizing that once species are lost, they cannot be recovered.