An open letter has been issued by five former chairs of a committee advising the federal government on endangered wildlife, expressing their apprehension regarding suggested modifications to the Species At Risk Act. They contend that these changes could result in the “intentional extinction” of endangered species throughout Canada.
The legislation currently encompasses over 600 species. According to a press release composed by the scientists last week, the proposed government alterations would make the act—and the protections it offers—”insignificant.”
Last month, the scientists, who previously chaired the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), addressed their letter to the federal government. COSEWIC serves as an independent advisory body that evaluates species at risk of extinction and recommends their listing under the endangered species law.
The scientists chose to publicize the letter to ensure that Canadians do not become “complicit in the intentional extinction of Canadian Wildlife Species,” as stated in the press release.
This letter emerges as the Carney government contemplates extensive modifications to environmental regulations, including the Species At Risk Act, which they claim would facilitate swifter approvals and construction of significant projects.
The fate of ‘jeopardy tests’
In May, two federal discussion papers suggested the possibility of approving major projects prior to review and exempting specific projects from the “jeopardy test” mandated by the law if deemed in the national interest.
David Green, a biologist and professor emeritus at McGill University and one of the letter’s authors, remarked, “This is a sledgehammer to the law. It’s unnecessary.”
Jeopardy tests prevent the federal government from permitting projects that could harm species protected under the act and their critical habitats if such actions would endanger their survival. Green asserts that these tests are vital for safeguarding endangered species.
“[Jeopardy tests] are the final barrier. It’s the last line of defense for those that truly require protection.”
The proposed modifications would also empower Carney and his cabinet to create “federal economic zones,” allowing pre-approval of industrial developments. Additionally, the cabinet would be granted authority to pre-approve pipeline routes before they are established and exempt them from federal impact assessments.
Bill C-5 presently allows projects considered in the national interest to have their approval process, including environmental assessments, expedited.
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The letter references a proposed oil pipeline on the West Coast, currently under consideration as a project of national interest. This pipeline is expected to transport around one million barrels of crude oil daily over a distance of approximately 1,250 kilometers, utilizing a corridor akin to the existing Trans Mountain pipeline, as stated by the Alberta government.
This project would adversely affect several species protected under the act, including the southern resident killer whale, also known as Orcas. It would also threaten the Chinook salmon, which serves as the whale’s primary food source and is currently being evaluated for potential listing, according to the scientists.
Both species and their critical habitats inhabit the Salish Sea, a system of coastal waterways in southern B.C., where the proposed West Coast pipeline would terminate.
A southern resident killer whale swims past a school of salmon near the Fraser River, B.C. Chinook salmon are a main food source of the southern resident. (Keith Holmes/The Canadian Press/Hakai Institute)
The scientists wrote, “If considered in the national interest, the proposed West Coast pipeline could ultimately decimate the entire population of the endangered killer whales due to increased tanker traffic noise and significant habitat destruction affecting their primary prey.”
“Are Canadians willing to gamble this unique population of killer whales for another oil pipeline?”
There are 75 southern resident killer whales remaining worldwide.
An ‘extraordinary’ precedent
Green expressed his astonishment at the Liberal government’s proposal for these changes.
“I’m surprised because the Species At Risk Act was a significant achievement for a Liberal government 25 years ago… And now we have a Liberal government that appears intent on undermining it.”
Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor with expertise in climate and energy politics, believes that through Bill C-5 and other proposed modifications, the government is establishing an “extraordinary” precedent.
“It’s quite remarkable to enact new legislation that not only permits the government to bypass those laws but also grants it the authority to introduce new laws,” she stated.
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“Instead of amending those laws through Parliament, they’re passing a new law stating, ‘that’s no longer a concern.'”
At the time of publishing, the scientists had not yet received a response from the government regarding their letter.
The Privy Council Office stated that the government is “dedicated to the conservation and recovery of species at risk and fulfilling obligations under the Species at Risk Act,” in a statement sent to CBC News.
The federal government has defended the proposed modifications by asserting that Canada must expedite projects that bolster the economy and diversify exports away from the U.S. amid the ongoing trade conflict between the two nations.
The Privy Council Office did not confirm whether they received the open letter but mentioned that no decisions have been made regarding changes to the Species At Risk Act. The email also indicated that the government plans to publish a report summarizing feedback from all Canadians before the end of summer.
In response to criticism from First Nations and environmental groups, the government extended the period for public input, which concluded last month.
Formal legislation is anticipated after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green is urging the government to rethink its approach.
“If species are eradicated from Canada, they won’t return,” he stated.