If I were a Caribou…
A recent internal memo between two federal departments indicated that 15 species at risk—various mammals, birds, amphibians and plants—could be impacted by the proposed 1200 km Gateway pipeline from northern Alberta to coastal BC. These include woodland caribou in Alberta and mountain caribou in BC.
A bull caribou (Rangifer tarandus) grazing in early spring in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. © Wilf SCHURIG / WWF-Canada
Not surprising really, that a project that big, and that long, would bump into critical habitat somewhere along the way. And both these caribou ecotypes have proven to be sensitive to such disturbance, which is why they are listed under Section 1 of our federal Species at Risk Act.
Since I’m a contrarian by nature, my first instinct is not to panic, but to ask, “So what? If I were a caribou, should I really be concerned?”
Well, this news comes at a time when the federal government is signaling that Canada will experience “500 new economic projects, worth $500 billion, over the next ten years.” If that happens, and if the natural beauty and biodiversity of our country are not to be degraded in the next decade, Canadians deserve to be assured that adequate regulations will be in place to at least mitigate harm to the environment.
This would be the exact wrong time to weaken such laws.
Therefore government has to come to the table with clear, science-based, and enforced requirements. But experience shows that for caribou in particular, regulations are only part of what’s needed. Lasting solutions also require collaboration between industry and conservation groups, working closely with First Nations and other community representatives who need to “own,” champion, and lead such measures.
So, what are the chances of all this being in place around the Gateway project?
If I were a caribou, I’d be nervous.
First, it remains to be seen whether recent changes to Canada’s environmental regulations will be up to the job—many conservationists and scientists think not.
Industry’s environmental background work is currently undergoing regulatory hearings, and getting a rough ride.
Many First Nations and municipal councils have passed resolutions of opposition.
WWF has taken the view that there should be no pipeline, as planned, through the Great Bear Rainforest , or associated tankers in adjacent marine areas, in northern BC.
Some places are sacred, which is why we invite you to become a Canadian for the Great Bear. If I were a caribou, I’d seriously consider joining as well.
