A study revealed that in Canada, endangered species often face delays in receiving protection decisions from the government, leading to changing habitats that impact their survival. Out of 288 species assessed as at risk since 2017, only 17 reached the final decision-making body, the Governor in Council, within the recommended timeline, while 153 were overdue as of Jan. 25, 2025.
Critics argue that a gap in the Species at Risk Act (SARA) allows governments to postpone conservation decisions in favor of economic interests. Peter Thompson, a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University, highlighted that the government consistently fails to meet its self-imposed timelines for species protection.
One such example is the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 due to significant declines. However, it missed federal deadlines for assessment progression, hindering efforts to protect its fragmented habitats.
The protection of endangered species hinges on formal listing under SARA, which triggers prohibitions against harming them and mandates habitat recovery plans. This delay particularly affects aquatic species, as protections for them apply across Canada, unlike terrestrial species limited to federal lands.
Indigenous communities also face challenges in the species-listing process, as restrictions can impact cultural connections to important species. Andrea Reid, a Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the need to balance species protection with cultural preservation.
The lack of transparency in delays and vague explanations have raised concerns about the government’s commitment to conservation. The absence of a statutory timeline for decision-making allows governments to evade tough conservation choices. Efforts are underway to expedite the process and provide species with the necessary protections promptly.
