A group of five former chairs of a committee advising the federal government on endangered wildlife has released a public letter expressing worries about proposed alterations to the Species At Risk Act. The ex-chairpersons of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) are concerned that the suggested modifications could result in the deliberate extinction of endangered species in Canada.
The scientists, who previously led COSEWIC, conveyed their concerns to the federal government in the open letter sent last month. They made the letter public to prevent Canadians from being complicit in the deliberate extinction of Canadian wildlife species.
The letter criticizes the government’s contemplation of broad modifications to environmental regulations, including the Species At Risk Act. The changes are aimed at expediting the approval and development of significant projects.
One of the former COSEWIC chairs, David Green, a biologist and professor emeritus at McGill University, described the proposed changes as excessive and unnecessary. He emphasized the importance of jeopardy tests in safeguarding endangered species, stating that these tests act as a crucial safeguard for species in need of protection.
The alterations under consideration would grant the government the authority to establish “federal economic zones” for pre-approving industrial projects. Additionally, the government could pre-approve pipelines before finalizing their routes and exempt them from federal impact assessments.
The scientists highlighted concerns about a proposed West Coast oil pipeline that could endanger multiple species, including the southern resident killer whale and Chinook salmon. The potential pipeline’s route intersects with critical habitats of these species in the Salish Sea.
The scientists underscored the risk posed by the pipeline to the survival of the imperiled killer whales, expressing concern about the potential adverse impacts on their population and habitat due to increased tanker traffic noise.
The proposed legislative changes have raised eyebrows among environmental experts and academics. Kathryn Harrison, a UBC professor specializing in climate and energy politics, remarked that the government’s actions could set a significant and unprecedented precedent by enabling the bypassing of existing laws and granting new legislative powers.
Despite the concerns raised in the letter, the government has not yet responded. The Privy Council Office reiterated the government’s commitment to species conservation and meeting obligations under the Species At Risk Act. The government justifies the potential changes as necessary for boosting the economy and diversifying exports amid trade tensions with the U.S.
The scientists await a government response to their letter, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of eliminating species from Canada. Formal legislative action on the proposed changes is expected after Parliament reconvenes in September. Green urged the government to reconsider its stance on the matter for the sake of preserving Canada’s biodiversity.