A study revealed that many endangered species in Canada face delays in receiving protection while their habitats continue to change. Out of 288 species assessed as at risk since 2017, only 17 have reached the final decision-making body, the Governor in Council, within the recommended timeline. The remaining 153 species, including caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, are still awaiting listing decisions that could trigger vital habitat protections and recovery plans.
The delay bottleneck is attributed to a gap in the Species at Risk Act (SARA), where there is no statutory deadline for a crucial stage of the process. This loophole allows governments to postpone difficult decisions related to conservation and economic interests. Peter Thompson, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University, noted that the government consistently fails to meet the timelines it sets for itself.
One example highlighted in the study is the endangered Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, which has been awaiting a federal listing decision since 2017. Dams and hydro projects have fragmented waterways, hindering the fish’s movement between crucial areas for survival.
The delay in listing endangered or threatened species under SARA prevents the implementation of crucial protections, such as prohibitions against harming the species and the identification of critical habitats. The study emphasized the importance of habitat protection, particularly for aquatic species, as it directly impacts their survival across Canada.
Indigenous consultation was also cited as a factor causing delays, but experts stress that consultation should be integrated into the listing process rather than seen as a hindrance. The lack of transparency in explaining the delays raises concerns about the prioritization of species conservation over competing interests.
Both Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada acknowledged the gaps in the process and the complexities involved in listing aquatic species. Efforts are being made to streamline the process and provide timely protections for species in need.
Overall, the study underscores the urgency of improving the efficiency of the species listing process to ensure endangered species receive the necessary protections promptly.
