Scientists warn proposed species law changes could doom Canada's endangered wildlife

Five ex-chairs of COSEWIC have publicly urged Ottawa to reconsider sweeping revisions to the Species At Risk Act, warning that the reforms could effectively cause the deliberate disappearance of listed wildlife. Their open letter claims that removing jeopardy tests and granting the cabinet authority to designate federal economic zones would fast-track projects like a proposed 1,250-kilometre West Coast oil pipeline. The scientists highlight the threat to the 75 southern resident killer whales and the Chinook salmon that sustain them in the Salish Sea.

They argue that jeopardy tests serve as the final safeguard against habitat destruction. The Carney government argues the changes are needed to accelerate economically important projects, but the Privy Council Office says no decision has been made and stresses ongoing commitment to conservation. No response to the letter has been recorded as of the article’s publication.