A study revealed that despite being classified as endangered in Canada, many species face prolonged delays in receiving protection decisions from Ottawa, leading to habitat changes that threaten their survival. Out of 288 species assessed as at risk since 2017, only 17 made it to the final listing decision by the federal cabinet body, the Governor in Council, within the recommended timeline. As of January 25, 2025, 153 species, including caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, were overdue for listing decisions that could trigger habitat protections and recovery plans.
The research highlighted a bottleneck in the Species at Risk Act (SARA), where there is no statutory deadline for a crucial stage of the process, causing delays. The reasons for these delays were not specified in the study, but critics suggest that the absence of a deadline allows governments to postpone difficult decisions related to conservation and economic interests. Peter Thompson, a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University and the study’s lead author, pointed out that the government consistently fails to meet its recommended timelines of one to two years for assessments.
One example of a species facing delays is the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 by COSEWIC due to significant population declines. The study highlighted that this population missed recommended federal deadlines and was still awaiting the next steps in the process after five years. Dams and hydro projects have fragmented waterways, hindering the fish’s movement between essential areas for survival.
The listing of endangered or threatened species under SARA triggers protections against harming or capturing them, along with the requirement for a recovery strategy that identifies critical habitat. The delays in listing decisions impact aquatic species significantly, as protections apply across all waters where these species are found. Indigenous consultation, although time-consuming, should be integrated into the listing process to ensure adequate protection for species while respecting cultural connections.
The study emphasized the importance of transparency in the process to determine the causes of delays and the need for more efficient decision-making to provide timely protection for species at risk. Environment and Climate Change Canada acknowledged the gaps in the system and the challenges posed by aquatic listings. Efforts are being made to address these delays and ensure the timely protection of species vital to Canada’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.