A particular species may be classified as endangered in Canada and yet face prolonged delays in Ottawa’s decision-making process regarding its protection, all the while experiencing changes in its essential habitat.
According to a recent study, out of 288 species evaluated as at risk since 2017, only 17 have been presented to the Governor in Council – the federal cabinet body responsible for the final listing decision – within the recommended timeframe. As of January 25, 2025, 153 species, more than half of the total, were past due and still awaiting a decision.
Notably, various populations such as caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon have been identified as endangered or threatened while awaiting listing decisions that could trigger crucial habitat protections and recovery strategies.
The study highlights a bottleneck in the Species at Risk Act (SARA), pointing out that while Ottawa has proposed timelines for advancing assessments, there is no statutory deadline for a critical phase of the process.
The study does not pinpoint the reasons for these delays, but critics argue that this gap allows governments to postpone challenging decisions related to conservation and economic priorities. Peter Thompson, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in biology at Simon Fraser University, noted the government’s consistent failure to meet its self-imposed timelines.
For instance, the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 by COSEWIC due to substantial declines, missed a federal deadline in 2020 and remained in limbo five years later. The fragmentation caused by dams and hydro projects has severely impacted the fish’s ability to navigate their essential habitats.
The protection of species under the Species at Risk Act hinges on the federal government’s formal listing or reclassification. Listing a species as endangered or threatened can trigger prohibitions against harming or capturing it, necessitating the development of a recovery strategy including the identification and protection of critical habitats.
Aquatic species face unique challenges as SARA’s protective measures apply nationwide to them, unlike most terrestrial species with protections mainly on federal lands. The delays in listing aquatic species were particularly pronounced in the study, with a significant number still awaiting decisions by early 2025.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the broader cultural and traditional significance of preserving these species, as highlighted by Andrea Reid, an expert in Indigenous Fisheries Science at the University of British Columbia. Delays in listing can have far-reaching implications beyond biodiversity loss, affecting the cultural connections and traditions tied to these species.
The lack of transparency regarding the delays in the listing process has raised concerns among researchers. Drew Yewchuk, a legal expert at UBC, noted that the absence of a statutory timeline allows governments to sidestep challenging decisions related to species conservation and economic interests.
While acknowledging the gap in the Species at Risk Act, Environment and Climate Change Canada emphasized the need for additional time in some cases to gather public, industry, and Indigenous input. Fisheries and Oceans Canada highlighted the complexity of listing aquatic species under federal jurisdiction, pledging to expedite the listing decisions for several aquatic species post the study’s cutoff date.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgency of streamlining the listing process to ensure timely protection for endangered species and their habitats.