A study reveals that despite being classified as endangered in Canada, many species face delays in receiving protection decisions from Ottawa, leading to changing survival conditions. Among 288 at-risk species since 2017, only 17 reached the final decision-making body, the Governor in Council, within the suggested timeframe, while 153 were overdue as of Jan. 25, 2025.
This delay affects various species like caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, causing uncertainty around habitat protection and recovery plans. The study highlights a loophole in the Species at Risk Act (SARA) where no statutory deadline exists for a crucial stage, allowing governments to defer conservation choices for economic reasons.
Peter Thompson, a researcher at Simon Fraser University, notes that the government consistently misses its self-set timelines, such as the one to two-year recommendation for assessments. For instance, the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017, missed the federal deadline for assessment progression in 2020 and remains pending.
The protection delay impacts species’ legal status under SARA, triggering restrictions on harming or capturing them. Recovery strategies and critical habitat identification are essential, especially for aquatic species, as SARA mandates their protection nationwide. Indigenous consultation is also vital in the listing process to balance conservation with cultural connections.
The study emphasizes the need for a more efficient process to ensure timely protection decisions for species facing threats. Environment and Climate Change Canada acknowledges the issue and cites the complexity of aquatic listings, which fall under federal jurisdiction. Efforts are underway to address these delays and provide necessary protections for endangered species.