Caribou

Dr Justina Ray remarks on Quebec caribou Emergency Order

Ray, J.

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WCS President and Senior Scientist Dr Justina Ray gave evidence to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on the federal Emergency Order for Boreal Caribou Protection under the Species at Risk Act

Key points

1. The Emergency Order represents a moderate, restrained approach to intervention
   • The proposed emergency order to protect three boreal caribou populations in Quebec does not fully restrict activities like mining, and could have been extended to other caribou populations that are also at risk.
2. Sufficient scientific evidence exists to act
   • Boreal caribou are extensively studied, and the relationship between habitat disturbance and population decline is well-documented across various jurisdictions.
   • Calls for additional studies are unnecessary and would only delay needed action, increasing the risk of irreversible losses.
3. This is a stop-gap measure, not a long term solution
   • The emergency order is an immediate, necessary response to prevent further population declines, however it is a temporary fix while more permanent, systemic solutions are developed.
   • Delays in taking meaningful action risk making recovery efforts more difficult and costly in the future.
4. Long-standing inaction has led to the current crisis
   • Despite public commitments, Quebec's actions have been inadequate to achieve self-sustaining caribou populations.
   • First Nations, civil society, and scientists agree that stronger measures are necessary to prevent extinction and recover caribou populations in Quebec.

Recommended citation

Ray, J. (2024). Dr Justina Ray remarks on Quebec caribou Emergency Order. Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]. https://wcscanada.org/resources/dr-justina-ray-remarks-on-quebec-caribou-emergency-order/