Ontario’s outdoors heritage and the province’s highly successful fish and wildlife programs have been recognized with the passage of Bill 135, the Heritage Hunting and Fishing Act.
The Act, that passed with all party support, recognizes the right to fish and hunt and affirms the past, present and future efforts of the outdoors community and their enormous contributions to natural resources management.
“Wildlife in Ontario is thriving, and one of the most significant contributors to this success story are the hunters and anglers who support programs that protect and enhance wildlife habitat,” said Mike Reader, Director of the 83,000-member Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
“Recognition of those contributions speaks volumes about this government that, despite a very vocal cabal of anti hunting, animal rights activists, took the high road and followed through with a welcome acknowledgement of Ontario’s 2 million anglers and hunters,” Reader adds.
The Act does not change the way in which natural resources are managed in Ontario, but it does help promote outdoor activities, which in turn will lead to more participation by residents and tourists alike. Increased participation means more licence and permit sales, more revenues directed to fish and wildlife management programs including research, conservation law enforcement, and more volunteers giving time and money to our natural resources.
Ultimately, people who are more active in the outdoors are also far more likely to volunteer their time and money to further protect and enhance our fish and wildlife. The Act also creates a Fish and Wildlife Commission that will advise the Minister of Natural Resources on fish and wildlife related issues.
For more information contact O.F.A.H. Government Relations Manager Greg Farrant at 705-748-6324, fax to 705-748-9577, e-mail ofah@ofah.org