The Motions to Amend the Species at Risk Act (Bill C-5)

June 5, 2002

Our government tabled today motions that will improve Bill C-5, the proposed Species at Risk Act. These motions would strengthen the legal listing process and the protection of critical habitat on federal lands and for aquatic species, while continuing to put stewardship and cooperation first.

Our government is proud of Bill C-5 and of the consensus we have achieved on this important and complex piece of legislation.

Working with MPs, Ministers and Senators, and through them with Canadians from all walks of life, we have achieved a balanced package – one that ensures that the federal government continues to show leadership on areas of federal jurisdiction, on federal lands and for aquatic species.

Our approach puts stewardship and cooperation first, backstopped by timely action where it is needed. These amendments are consistent with this approach, guaranteeing action based on scientists’ advice and allowing time for consultations with Canadians.

Bill C-5 also remains rural friendly as it maintains the "stewardship first" approach to habitat protection on all lands. This means that landowners, Aboriginal peoples and resource users will be given the first opportunity to protect critical habitat through voluntary actions.

Today’s motions mean that:

• In regard to the listing process, the government would be required to make a decision within 9 months of receiving a species assessment from the scientists who make up the independent Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), or else the species would be automatically added to the Act's list for legal protection.
• For critical habitat on federal lands and for aquatic species, all critical habitat identified in a recovery strategy or action plan would be protected. More specifically, if after 180 days any portion of the critical habitat is left unprotected, the legal protection order must be made.

The Government has committed $180 million over 5 years in Budget 2000 to support the federal government's national strategy for species at risk.

The Government has shown flexibility through this entire process. Even before tabling these new motions, the Government accepted the majority of amendments made by the Standing Committee. And at report stage, the government has already acted to respond to other key concerns. For example:

• At the request of the Rural Caucus, the Government ensured that the commitment to developing compensation regulations was clearly stated in the legislation.
• The Government supported the introduction of an amendment to make mandatory the establishment of a National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk.