A group of five ex-presidents of a committee advising the Canadian government on endangered species has released an open letter expressing worries about proposed amendments to the Species At Risk Act. They fear that these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. The legislation currently safeguards over 600 species, and the suggested adjustments could undermine its effectiveness, as stated in a recent press release by the scientists.
The former committee heads, who used to lead the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), presented the letter to the federal government the previous month. COSEWIC is an independent advisory team responsible for evaluating species at risk of extinction and suggesting their inclusion under endangered species protection laws.
In a move to raise awareness and prevent Canadians from being complicit in the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife, the scientists decided to make the letter public. The letter coincides with the government’s contemplation of broad environmental regulation modifications, including the Species At Risk Act, aimed at expediting approvals and construction of major projects.
The proposed changes include allowing the approval of significant projects prior to review and exempting certain projects from the required “jeopardy test” if they are deemed of national interest. These jeopardy tests are crucial as they prevent Ottawa from authorizing projects that could harm species listed under the act and endanger their critical habitats, thus ensuring the protection of endangered species.
Furthermore, the suggested alterations would grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial development and pipelines, bypassing federal impact assessments. While Bill C-5 currently allows fast-tracking approvals for projects in the national interest, the potential changes could have far-reaching consequences on species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon.
The scientists highlighted the risks posed by a new West Coast oil pipeline, which could adversely impact the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon populations in the Salish Sea. They emphasized the potential devastating effects on these species if such projects are deemed in the national interest.
Expressing their concern, the scientists questioned the government’s motives behind the changes, highlighting the significance of the Species At Risk Act in protecting vulnerable species. They warned of irreversible consequences if species are eliminated from Canada, urging the government to reconsider its stance.
