Industry supports species-at-risk legislation in principle

Over the past several weeks, The Northern Miner has run several columns critical of the federal government’s efforts to bring forward legislation for protecting species at risk [see T.N.M., Feb. 28-March 5/00]. I am increasingly concerned that these columns may be creating the impression that the mining industry opposes all efforts to protect species at risk. That is certainly not the case.

For two years, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has worked alongside the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association (CPPA), the National Agriculture Environment Committee, the Canadian Nature Federation, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club of Canada to advise on endangered species policy in Canada.

The goal of this unlikely coalition, the Species at Risk Working Group (SARWG), was to develop a practical approach to species-at-risk protection and recovery that could operate effectively within the Canadian system of government. The group came together because of the divisiveness caused by the federal government’s first attempt to introduce species-at-risk legislation — an attempt that failed because it was vehemently opposed by industry, environmental groups and provinces. SARWG members wanted to avoid a repetition of that divisive debate by formulating proposals that work, both for species and for people.

Our industry’s participation in SARWG was made possible because leading companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to habitat protection and enhancement through their actions. Also, some provincial associations have played a constructive role, which has served to enhance our credibility. SARWG has succeeded, and a consensus paper, released in November 1998, was submitted to provincial and federal ministers and endorsed by the MAC’s board of directors.

The MAC got involved because our industry believes in responsible resource management and multiple land use. Our industry sells most of its products to foreign markets and has brought conerns over market access to the attention of federal, provincial, and territorial mines ministers.

Responsible resource stewardship is essential to preserve market access. The people who work or invest in our businesses are no different from other Canadians: they cherish healthy wildlife populations and expect industries to accommodate the needs of species-at-risk within a framework that allows responsible mine development to proceed.

Responsible action within a workable and predictable policy framework that recognizes business needs is also necessary in order for mine developers to gain access to capital markets, manage schedule risks and attract and retain the best employees.

For all of these reasons, the MAC and its member companies support the federal government’s efforts to adopt species-at-risk legislation as a tool for advancing sustainable development.

The MAC’s work within SARWG has paid off. Federal Environment Minister David Anderson’s proposed legislation is a substantial improvement over the federal government’s previous effort. It does not allow for citizen’s suits, offers the potential for compensation to landowners and land-users whose economic activity is adversely affected by efforts to protect species at risk, and outlines a recovery planning process that should provide for strong industry and local stakeholder participation. The legislation is based on co-operation and is accompanied by funding for voluntary stewardship efforts by landowners and companies.

The proposed legislation falls short of our expectations and is problematic in some areas. Industry and other stakeholders should offer constructive and balanced advice to improve the bill to ensure that Parliament enacts legislation that works for Canadians and for wildlife. We will not be alone in doing so. But saying that the MAC or the mining industry has some concerns with the federal government’s proposed legislation is different from opposing legislation outright.

David Rodler

Senior Vice-President

Noranda Safety and Health

Noranda Inc.