A study revealed that despite being designated as endangered in Canada, many species have faced significant delays in receiving federal protection, leading to ongoing changes in their critical habitats. Out of 288 species assessed as at risk since 2017, only 17 made it to the final decision-making stage by the federal cabinet body, known as the Governor in Council, within the recommended timeframe. As of January 25, 2025, more than half of the assessed species, including caribou, beluga whales, and lake sturgeon, remained overdue for listing decisions that would trigger habitat protections and recovery plans.
The study pointed out a bottleneck in the Species at Risk Act (SARA), where there is a lack of a statutory deadline for a crucial stage of the process, causing delays in species protection. While the reasons for these delays were not specified in the study, critics argue that this gap allows governments to postpone difficult decisions concerning conservation and economic interests.
For instance, the Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, designated as endangered in 2017 due to a drastic decline in numbers, missed federal deadlines for assessment advancement, hindering conservation efforts for the fish species. Dams and other infrastructure have disrupted their natural habitats, impeding their survival.
Under SARA, listing a species as endangered or threatened triggers various protections, including prohibiting harm, capturing, or taking of the species, and mandating the identification and protection of critical habitats. However, the lack of specific timelines within the Act has led to prolonged delays in the listing process, especially impacting aquatic species that require nationwide protection.
Indigenous consultation, information collection, and analysis were cited as common reasons for delays in the study. Andrea Reid, a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Fisheries Science, emphasized the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives in the species-listing process to preserve cultural connections.
The study’s authors and experts highlighted the need for a more efficient and timely process to ensure species receive the necessary protections promptly. The government has acknowledged the issues raised by the study and has taken steps to address delays in listing decisions for aquatic species. However, concerns remain about the transparency and effectiveness of the current conservation framework, urging a more streamlined approach to safeguarding Canada’s biodiversity.
