Five former chairs of a committee that advises the federal government on endangered wildlife have released a public letter expressing worries about proposed 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 included in the legislation. The scientists claim that the alterations under consideration by the government would essentially nullify the act and its protective measures. The former chairs, who previously led the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), submitted the letter to the federal government to raise awareness about the potential impact of the changes.
The letter, made public by the scientists, aims to prevent Canadians from inadvertently contributing to the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife species. The concerns arise as the government explores broad modifications to environmental regulations, including the Species At Risk Act, to expedite the approval and construction of significant projects.
There is a proposal to allow the approval of major projects without a review and to exempt certain projects from the “jeopardy test” mandated by law if they are deemed to be in the national interest. This move has sparked criticism, with experts like David Green, a former COSEWIC chair, denouncing it as a drastic blow to the law’s integrity.
The jeopardy tests are crucial safeguards that prevent projects harming species listed under the act and their vital habitats. Green emphasized the importance of these tests in safeguarding endangered species, calling them the final protective barrier for crucial conservation efforts.
In addition to the jeopardy tests, the proposed changes would grant the government the authority to designate “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial development. This would also allow pre-approval of pipelines and exemption from federal impact assessments.
The scientists highlighted the potential impact on species like the southern resident killer whale and the Chinook salmon posed by the proposed West Coast oil pipeline project. The pipeline could have severe consequences on these species and their habitats in the Salish Sea, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the environmental implications.
The scientists underscore the irreversible consequences of species loss and urge the government to reconsider the proposed changes to prevent long-term damage to Canada’s biodiversity. Environmental experts and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as the government reviews feedback and prepares to enact potential legislative amendments in the coming months.