The buckshot is flying over a proposal to strip some scientists of their vote in determining which of Canada's species are endangered.
Late last month, as part of a new national conservation policy, provincial wildlife ministers proposed elevating the 25-member Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, which identifies species in need of legal protection, from an advisory to a stronger decision-making panel. As part of the makeover, they want to reduce the number of voting members, which would deprive six scientists of their balloting rights. They also want to replace three other researchers nominated by conservation groups with government appointees. Government officials say the changes are needed to streamline operations.
Conservationists charge that the move will reduce the panel's diversity and politicize deliberations. But there are signs that the ministers may reconsider their plans prior to producing a final draft in March. "It's not over till it's over," says Steve Curtis of Environment Canada.
