On September 9, 2026, the Canadian federal government announced it will no longer pursue exemptions for certain major projects under the Species at Risk Act. The decision ends a previous consideration of allowing large‑scale developments to bypass the law's requirements.
The Species at Risk Act is federal legislation that safeguards endangered and threatened wildlife across Canada. It mandates that any activity with the potential to affect listed species undergo assessment, consultation and, where necessary, mitigation measures before proceeding.
Earlier discussions within the government had explored the possibility of creating carve‑outs for some major projects, with the aim of streamlining approval processes for large infrastructure and resource developments. Those talks did not result in formal policy changes before the recent announcement.
The new statement confirms that no exemptions will be pursued for any major projects. Officials said the move reaffirms the government's commitment to protecting wildlife and upholding the intent of the act.
By maintaining the full scope of the Species at Risk Act, developers of large projects will continue to be required to meet the same assessment and mitigation standards as other undertakings. The decision may influence project timelines and planning for initiatives that could impact at‑risk species.
The announcement did not identify specific projects under review, nor did it outline a timeline for any future policy reviews. It reiterated that existing processes and obligations under the act remain unchanged.
Overall, the government’s stance keeps the Species at Risk Act's protections intact and signals that the legislation will be enforced without special exemptions for large‑scale developments.