The proposed Species…

The proposed Species Conservation Act, 2025, and the interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, should not proceed because they represent a significant rollback of essential protections for at-risk species and their habitats. By narrowing the definition of habitat and eliminating the requirement for recovery strategies, the bill undermines science-based conservation practices and jeopardizes the long-term survival of vulnerable wildlife. The introduction of a “pay-to-proceed” system, allowing developers to pay into a conservation trust instead of taking direct action to mitigate environmental harm, commodifies species loss and shifts the focus away from actual preservation. Furthermore, expanding enforcement powers while reducing meaningful oversight by scientists opens the door to abuse and poor decision-making driven by economic interests rather than ecological integrity. Critically, the bill also infringes on Indigenous treaties and sovereignty by failing to uphold the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous Nations on decisions that directly impact their lands, waters, and responsibilities as stewards of the environment. These legislative changes disregard the nation-to-nation relationship and erode Indigenous rights to protect culturally and ecologically significant species, undermining reconciliation efforts and violating constitutionally protected treaty obligations.

This should not proceed.