A study revealed that numerous species in Canada designated as endangered have faced delays in the decision-making process for protection, leading to concerns about the changing habitat affecting their survival. Out of 288 at-risk species assessed since 2017, only 17 have reached 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 and awaiting listing decisions critical for triggering habitat protections and recovery plans.

The research points to 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, leading to prolonged delays. Peter Thompson, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Simon Fraser University, highlighted the government’s consistent failure to meet the timelines it set for itself, with delays ranging from one to two years.

One example cited in the study is the endangered Saskatchewan-Nelson River population of lake sturgeon, facing threats due to habitat fragmentation from dams and hydro projects. The study emphasized the importance of timely decisions to protect critical habitats for the survival of species like the lake sturgeon.

Under the Species at Risk Act, listing a species triggers prohibitions against harming or capturing it and requires the development of a recovery strategy, including the identification and protection of critical habitats. The study highlighted the significance of habitat protection for aquatic species, as the core prohibitions under SARA apply to them nationwide, unlike terrestrial species limited to federal lands.

The study also raised concerns about the delays affecting Indigenous communities and their cultural connections to species under consideration for protection. Andrea Reid, a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Fisheries Science, emphasized the need to balance species protection with preserving cultural traditions and connections to the environment.

The research identified various reasons for delays, such as information collection and analysis, with some cases involving Indigenous consultation. However, the lack of transparency in the decision-making process raised questions about the prioritization of conservation over economic interests.

Efforts are underway to address these delays, with proposals to list several aquatic species under SARA and expedite the decision-making process. Stakeholders emphasize the urgency of streamlining the system to ensure prompt protection measures for species in need.