Scientists Warn Proposed Species At Risk Act Changes Could Lead to 'Wilful Extinction'
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Former government advisors argue that the Carney government's push to accelerate major project approvals would render endangered species protections meaningless.
The Carney government is considering sweeping revisions to the Species At Risk Act intended to expedite the approval and construction of major industrial projects. According to reporting from CBC News, these proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from five former chairs of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), an independent advisory panel.
In an open letter, the scientists warn that the revisions could lead to the "wilful extinction" of Canada's endangered species, some of whom are among more than 600 listed under the current law. Central to the dispute are "jeopardy tests," which currently prevent Ottawa from authorizing projects that would jeopardize the survival of listed species or their critical habitats. Two federal discussion papers from May suggest exempting certain projects from these tests if they are deemed to be in the national interest.
David Green, a biologist and professor emeritus at McGill University and former COSEWIC chair, described the proposal as a "sledgehammer to the law," noting that jeopardy tests serve as the final line of protection for endangered wildlife. Further proposed changes would allow the cabinet to establish "federal economic zones" for pre-approved industrial development and grant the power to pre-approve pipelines before routes are set, exempting them from federal impact assessments.
The scientists specifically highlighted the risk posed by a proposed West Coast oil pipeline. According to the Alberta government, the project would move roughly one million barrels of crude oil daily over 1,250 kilometres. The scientists argue this would be detrimental to the Chinook salmon and the southern resident killer whale—of which only 75 remain—both of which rely on the Salish Sea habitat. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor, told CBC News that the government is setting an "extraordinary" precedent by pursuing legislation that allows the state to waive the application of existing laws.