The Livable Blog

Consideration of Socio-Economic Impact Irrelevant to Species at Risk

10/08/09

07:55:47 am, by pamela, 206 words

Categories: Livable Region

Consideration of Socio-Economic Impact Irrelevant to Species at Risk

Consideration of Socio-Economic Impact Irrelevant to Species at Risk Identification of Critical Habitat

9/15/2009

Janice Walton
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Just two months after its first substantive ruling interpreting the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Federal Court (the Court) has issued another, potentially more significant, decision. Unlike the previous ruling, which was grounded primarily in the facts around the designation of critical habitat for the Sage Grouse, this newer case was decided after an analysis of some key aspects of the law surrounding the definition of critical habitat, and the mandatory nature of its identification in recovery strategies. Unless the decision is successfully appealed, or SARA is amended in response, the ruling of the Court is likely to impact the recovery planning processes that are currently underway for hundreds of species, which could have far-reaching impact on resource users and landowners across Canada. In particular, businesses and landowners currently involved in the recovery planning processes are more likely to find that their concerns over the impact of the designation of critical habitat on their activities will not be considered by species recovery teams in their deliberations over what to include in recovery strategies.

rest of review: http://www.blakes.com/english/view_printer.asp?ID=3387

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Our goal as the Livable Region Coalition (LRC) is to provide a voice for those who believe that efficient and sustainable transportation is a cornerstone for the future of the Lower Mainland. We believe that through creating attractive transportation choices, encouraging urban density, and preserving green space and agricultural land, we can make our communities better places to live and grow.

We believe that the provincial government's strategy to pursue excessive development through the Gateway project is detrimental to the well-being of Greater Vancouver. The Gateway project's stated goals of reducing pollution and congestion will not materialize. Evidence for this comes from many sources. Instead, we advocate real solutions that will actually work and will be less expensive.