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We can build Canada and protect the birds we love!
With the passing of Bill C5 and the Building Canada Act, Cabinet has been given the power to exempt major projects from environmental legislation including the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Species at Risk Act. The justification, as stated in the legislation, is to “enhance Canada’s prosperity…, while protecting the environment”, however this power is not needed to enhance our prosperity. Birds Canada hopes this power is never used. What is needed is investment in the science, monitoring and conservation planning that will make it possible to make informed decisions rapidly through a more effective review process that avoids impacts to birds and nature.
Cabinet has also been given the power to approve projects in advance of the legally required reviews and permitting, with no clarity on how this can be done while respecting Indigenous rights and the duty to consult.
“This new law has the potential to push the environment and nature aside in the pursuit of economic growth through rapid approval of major development projects,” said David Browne, Senior VP Conservation and Policy, “Birds Canada will be working to ensure actions taken under the Building Canada Act are consistent with Canada’s international commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and protecting birds and the places they need for future generations.”
