CP NewsAlert: Feds drop plans to skirt species at risk act for major projects

The federal government has abandoned its plan to exempt certain projects from the Species At Risk Act after receiving a large number of negative responses during consultations. However, environmental groups warn that Ottawa can still bypass the act through other means. The government is set to introduce new legislation in the fall to expedite approvals for major projects, a promise made by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The discussion papers released in May suggested giving cabinet ministers limited power to exempt projects from the "jeopardy test" for species at risk, provided it was in the public interest and the proponent had made all reasonable efforts to avoid or reduce impacts on at-risk species. However, a government source confirmed that the government is no longer planning to proceed with this aspect of the proposal.

The decision comes after feedback from over 26,000 submissions, with several Indigenous participants expressing concerns about the proposals. While many stakeholders supported streamlining reviews, there was opposition to measures that could weaken environmental safeguards. Environmental groups argue that removing one pathway to protect species from extinction is positive, but they remain concerned about the potential impacts on species despite the change in approach.