If the habitat for a species…

If the habitat for a species at risk isn’t protected then the species will not be able to den, roost, nest, or breed in the habitat the next year. Habitat protections are critical to the protection of species at risk populations.
If proposed projects can start habitat clearing before a review occurs there is a risk that companies will declare no SAR are present and clear the habitat. It’s hard to prove that SAR are present once the habitat is cleared. With a registration only approach, the province is essentially relying on companies to self regulate and report. There will always be strong incentives for some companies to cut corners if they feel they risk is low of adverse consequences (ie fines or other legal consequences).
The current review and permitting process for SAR is slow because of a lack of staff. It would make a lot more sense to fund the MECP properly and allow biologists to review IGFs in a more timely manner. Underfunding the agency is a choice the government has made and the solution is not to slash protections to SAR and our natural environment but rather to find the government.