A situation exists where a species in Canada could be deemed endangered and remain in a state of uncertainty as Ottawa deliberates on its protection, while the environment essential for its survival undergoes changes.
A recent analysis discovered that out of 288 species identified as at risk since 2017, only 17 made it to the Governor in Council within the suggested timeframe. Over half, which amounts to 153 species, were behind schedule and awaiting a decision as of January 25, 2025.
Among these are populations of caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon classified as endangered or threatened, awaiting listing decisions that could initiate habitat safeguards and a recovery strategy.
The study highlights a bottleneck in the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Though Ottawa has set timelines for advancing assessments, there is no statutory deadline for a crucial stage in the process.
The researchers did not pinpoint the reasons for the delays. Critics argue that this gap allows governments to defer difficult choices between conservation and economic concerns.
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 recommended one to two-year timeline it established.
An example provided is the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, an ancient-looking fish facing endangerment with declines of around 90% since the 1960s. Despite missing a recommended deadline in January 2020, the species was still awaiting progress in the process five years later.
The stakes are high as dams and hydro projects have fragmented water systems, impeding the fish’s movement between vital areas for survival.
The protection of species depends on the formal listing or reclassification by the federal government under SARA, triggered by an assessment from COSEWIC. This process can lead to prohibitions against harming or capturing the species and mandates the identification and safeguarding of critical habitat.
Aquatic species are especially impacted as core protections under SARA apply to them nationwide, unlike terrestrial species that have limitations to federal lands.
Andrea Reid, an expert in Indigenous Fisheries Science, emphasized the significance of protecting habitats for cultural and traditional reasons, stating that it is not just about food but also about preserving heritage.
The study highlighted delays affecting various Pacific salmon populations due to ongoing data collection and analysis. Indigenous consultation was cited as a factor, but Reid stressed the need to integrate such consultations into the listing process without causing unnecessary delays.
Thompson and Yewchuk criticized the lack of transparency and suggested that the absence of a statutory timeline allows governments to sidestep conservation decisions.
Government departments acknowledged the issue, with Environment and Climate Change Canada mentioning cases requiring additional time for public, industry, and Indigenous engagement, particularly for terrestrial species assessed since 2017.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada noted the complexity of aquatic listings, emphasizing the need for timely decisions to provide necessary protections for aquatic species under federal jurisdiction.
Efforts are underway to address the delays, with the government proposing to add or reclassify 15 aquatic species under SARA. Thompson emphasized the urgency of streamlining the process to ensure species receive timely protection or decisions.