A group of five former chairs from a committee advising the federal government on endangered wildlife has penned an open letter expressing worries about proposed modifications to the Species At Risk Act. They argue that these changes could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada. The Act currently safeguards over 600 species, and the potential alterations could significantly weaken the legislation’s protective measures, as stated in a recent press release by the scientists.
The individuals, all former chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), sent the letter to the government last month. COSEWIC is an independent panel that evaluates endangered species and recommends their inclusion under the endangered species law.
In a bid to raise public awareness and prevent potential harm to Canadian wildlife, the scientists made the letter public. They fear that proposed alterations could pave the way for the deliberate extinction of various wildlife species in the country.
The concerns arise as the government contemplates broad environmental regulatory changes, including revisions to the Species At Risk Act. These changes could expedite the approval and construction of major projects, including a new West Coast oil pipeline. The proposed pipeline, considered a project of national interest, could have severe repercussions on species like the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon, both present in the Salish Sea region.
The modifications also grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial developments and to expedite the approval process for projects deemed in the national interest. This could potentially exempt certain projects from federal impact assessments.
The letter underscores the potential detrimental impact of the proposed West Coast pipeline on the southern resident killer whale population and their critical habitats. It questions whether Canadians are willing to risk the unique population of killer whales for the sake of another oil pipeline.
The scientists have yet to receive a response from the government regarding their concerns. While the government stresses its commitment to species conservation and recovery, it justifies the proposed changes as necessary to bolster the economy and reduce reliance on the U.S. market amid ongoing trade tensions.
The government has extended the public engagement period following criticism from various stakeholders, with formal legislation expected after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green, one of the former COSEWIC chairs, urges the government to reconsider, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of species loss in Canada.
