In a recent media release, AnnaMarie Valastro, spokesperson for the Peaceful Parks Coalition, attacked the Honourable Jerry Ouellette, Minister of Natural Resources and members of the outdoors community by suggesting that the Minister’s decisions are based upon bias and a blatant desire to appease anglers and hunters.
“The comments by Ms. Valastro are not only inaccurate and inflammatory, but even more disturbing given the fact that she is a paid up member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) and a recent attendee at the O.F.A.H. 75th Annual Meeting and Wildlife Conference in Hamilton, Ontario,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “Instead of working with members of the O.F.A.H. and the outdoor community to protect our valuable natural resources, Ms. Valastro challenges the integrity of the Minister and hunters across Ontario. In the end, it is Ms. Valastro whose integrity is in question, as she continues to speak out of both sides of her mouth.”
During the recent annual meeting and conference held in Hamilton, Ontario February 20 to 22, 2003, both the Minister and the Premier of Ontario praised the O.F.A.H. for the work it undertakes on behalf of fish and wildlife in the province. In recognition of these efforts, the Minister announced funding for the O.F.A.H. and two local clubs for fish stocking and habitat rehabilitation. The Premier also announced provincial funding for the O.F.A.H.’s internationally recognized Invasive Species Program which provides educational materials and public outreach on the threat that invasive species pose for our aquatic ecosystem, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and International Joint Commission.
Mr. Reader noted that, “Ms. Valastro’s comments not only indicate a double standard, but a clear lack of understanding and an unwillingness to recognize the role that hunters and anglers play in the conservation and preservation of our valuable fish and wildlife resources. As an O.F.A.H. member, it’s a shame she doesn