A certain species in Canada that is deemed endangered may face prolonged waits for Ottawa to make decisions on its protection, all the while its essential habitat undergoes changes. A recent research study revealed that out of 288 species identified as at risk since 2017, only 17 made it to the Governor in Council, the body responsible for final listing decisions, within the recommended timeframe. As of January 25, 2025, a majority of 153 species were overdue and still pending listing decisions.
Among these species awaiting protection decisions are caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, all classified as endangered or threatened. The delay in listing decisions, which could trigger habitat protections and recovery plans, is attributed to a gap within the Species at Risk Act (SARA). While Ottawa has suggested timelines for advancing assessments, there is no statutory deadline for a critical stage in the process.
According to the study’s lead author, Peter Thompson from Simon Fraser University, the government consistently fails to meet the timelines it sets for itself. For instance, the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017, missed a federal deadline in 2020 and was still awaiting further action five years later. The study highlights that obstructions like dams have disrupted the fish’s movement and access to necessary habitats.
The protection of a species under SARA depends on the formal listing or reclassification by the federal government, triggered by a scientific assessment from COSEWIC. Once listed, prohibitions against harming the species come into effect, along with the requirement for a recovery strategy identifying critical habitats. The delays in listing decisions disproportionately affect aquatic species, with marine mammals and fish facing significant backlogs compared to terrestrial mammals and freshwater fish.
The study emphasizes that the ramifications of these delays extend beyond biodiversity loss, impacting cultural traditions and heritage, especially for Indigenous communities. While government explanations for delays are often vague or absent, critics argue that the gap in the legislation allows authorities to evade making tough choices between conservation and economic interests.
Acknowledging the issue, Environment and Climate Change Canada cited the need for more time in some cases to gather public, industry, and Indigenous input. Fisheries and Oceans Canada noted the complexity of aquatic listings and the jurisdictional implications for protecting aquatic species. Moving forward, there is a call to streamline the process to ensure timely protection decisions for species in need.
