Whales Initiative expires as Ottawa weighs species-at-risk exemptions

Ottawa's $151.9-million Whales Initiative ends in March 2026. Legislation tabled this fall would let cabinet pre-approve projects in designated economic zones and exempt some developments from the Species at Risk Act, which lists over 600 species. Environmental groups say the 74 remaining Southern Resident Orcas face more tanker traffic through their Salish Sea habitat.