ONTARIO INVITES PUBLIC INPUT ON PROPOSED
HERITAGE HUNTING AND FISHING ACT

TORONTO - The Ontario government is starting public consultations on a proposed Heritage Hunting and Fishing Act with a posting on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry, Natural Resources Minister John Snobelen has announced.

"Hunting and fishing have been a part of the fabric of Ontario life for generations," said Snobelen. "This government recognises the social and economic benefits of recreational hunting and fishing and the important contributions made by hunters and anglers to conservation and habitat restoration."

The public will have 30 days to review the proposal and submit comment. Visit the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry at www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/er/registry.htm. To go directly to this proposal, click here.

Two years ago the Harris government made a commitment to legally recognize recreational hunting and fishing in Ontario. Recreational hunting and fishing contributes more than $3.5 billion to the provincial economy every year and supports more than 30,000 jobs. Every year more than 2.4 million Ontarians participate in hunting and fishing activities across the province.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Al Dickie
Ministry of Natural Resources
(416) 314-2103

Brett Kelly
Ministry of Natural Resources
(416) 314-1100

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2001

Proposal Title:

A legislative proposal that would legally recognize Ontario’s recreational hunting and fishing heritage and establish a Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission.

Short Description:

The Government of Ontario recognizes the important cultural, social and economic benefits of recreational hunting and fishing in the province, and the contributions made by hunters and anglers to conservation and habitat restoration and wants to ensure that the best traditions of recreational hunting and fishing are fostered.

Since 1995, the government has demonstrated its support for recreational hunting and fishing through a number of means, including establishment of the Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account, establishment of the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board, increased partnership programs, and expanding sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.

In 1999, the government committed in its Blueprint to legislate the right to hunt and fish in Ontario. The proposed legislation, if passed by the legislature, would provide for the right to hunt and fish in accordance with the law.

The proposed legislation would also establish the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission. The proposed commission would provide advice and support to the Minister in areas such as:

- The promotion of public participation in fish and wildlife conservation programs;

- The promotion of youth participation in fishing, hunting and other fish and wildlife activities

- The promotion of tourism related to fishing, hunting and other fish and wildlife activities; and

- The promotion of additional partnerships with the private sector and stakeholder groups as well as ensure the continued recognition and promotion of Ontario's hunting and fishing heritage.

The proposed legislation would have no impact on Aboriginal rights under the Constitution.

Purpose of the Proposal:

The intent of the proposed legislation would:

1. Legally recognize the right to hunt and fish in accordance with the law, and;


2. Establish the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission with advisory responsibilities associated with matters referred to it by the Minister of Natural Resources.

Other Relevant Information:

Text of the proposed legislation will be available upon its introduction at first reading in the House.

Other Public Consultation:

This posting provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to comment on the concept proposed in this EBR notice proposal.

Comments should be directed to the following Contact Person:

Deborah K. Stetson, Manager, Wildlife Section
MNR Fish and Wildlife Branch
300 Water St., P.O. Box 7000
Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 8M5
PHONE: (705) 755-1940  FAX: (705) 755-1900

All comments will be considered as part of the decision-making by the Ministry if they:
  (a) are submitted in writing;
  (b) reference the EBR Registry number; and
  (c) are received by the Contact person within the specified comment period.