John Tory visits O.F.A.H. headquarters to announce his promise to restore M.N.R. fish and wildlife funding

OFAH FILE: 842
August 2, 2007

For Immediate Release

John Tory visits O.F.A.H. headquarters to announce his promise to restore M.N.R. fish and wildlife funding

Today’s announcement by provincial Conservative Leader, John Tory, to restore matching funding for the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Fish & Wildlife program is a much needed commitment applauded by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.).

Joined by Natural Resources Critic Norm Miller M.P.P. and Peterborough PC candidate Bruce Fitzpatrick, Mr. Tory chose the O.F.A.H. headquarters, in Peterborough, to deliver this major announcement.

“Over the last decade, government funding for fish and wildlife programs in Ontario has been declining to the point where angling and hunting license revenues have been paying for 80 percent of all M.N.R. fish and wildlife programs. The infusion of an additional $35 million over two years will restore that balance, and Mr. Tory should be commended for taking a significant step forward to show his commitment to our natural resources,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.

For the past ten years, the O.F.A.H. has worked tirelessly to reverse successive government cuts to essential M.N.R. programs, including fish and wildlife research, monitoring and enforcement. Over the years, grossly inadequate government funding for the Ministry has reached a point of crisis, as reaffirmed by a recent report by the Environmental Commissioner. In demonstrating the importance of a sound, government-supported fish and wildlife and enforcement program, the O.F.A.H. has fought for sufficient M.N.R. funding at the highest possible levels including the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance and directly with the Minister of Finance.

“The additional $35 million will finally allow the M.N.R. to properly fund fish and wildlife programs, and the commitment to additional funding for the Community Fish and Wildlife Involvement Program (C.F.W.I.P.) and Conservation officers is good news for all Ontarians who value our natural resources,” said Reader.

With over 81,000 members and 655 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit conservation-based organization in Ontario.

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