A study discovered that despite being deemed endangered in Canada, numerous species have faced prolonged delays awaiting decisions from Ottawa on whether to provide protection. Among 288 species assessed as at risk since 2017, only 17 have made it to the Governor in Council within the recommended timeline, leaving 153 species overdue and awaiting decisions as of January 25, 2025.
This delay affects species like caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, which face threats to their habitat while awaiting listing decisions that could trigger protective measures and recovery plans. The bottleneck in the process is attributed to a gap in the Species at Risk Act (SARA), where recommended timelines exist for assessments but no statutory deadline for a crucial stage, leading to recurring failures in meeting government-set timelines.
For instance, the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 due to a significant decline, missed a federal deadline for assessment advancement in 2020 and remained in limbo five years later. The issue is exacerbated by human activities like dam construction that disrupt the fish’s movement between vital habitats.
Protection under SARA is crucial as it prohibits harming or capturing endangered species and mandates the identification and protection of critical habitat. However, the lack of explicit deadlines in the process has led to delays, especially for aquatic species, where protections apply nationwide. Indigenous consultation, though time-consuming, should be integrated into the listing process to ensure conservation without compromising cultural connections.
The study highlighted delays in listing decisions for various species, with reasons for delays ranging from data collection to analysis, with some cases not clearly explained. Critics argue that the gap in the act allows governments to sidestep decisions between conservation and economic interests, prolonging the process and undermining species protection.
Acknowledging the issue, Environment and Climate Change Canada stated that some cases require additional time for public, industry, and Indigenous input. Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognized the complexity of aquatic listings but emphasized the importance of timely decisions to provide much-needed protections for endangered species.
Efforts are needed to streamline the process and ensure timely decisions to safeguard species at risk and their habitats.