Outdoors Caucus gives anglers, hunters and trappers the recognition they deserve

OFAH File: 842
March 22, 2006

For Immediate Release

Outdoors Caucus gives anglers, hunters and trappers the recognition they deserve

Millions of Canadians who value our deeply-rooted fishing, hunting and trapping traditions are encouraged to hear that their outdoor interests are finally getting the attention that they deserve at the federal level.

Plans for a nonpartisan Outdoors Caucus, inspired by Saskatchewan M.P. Garry Breitkreuz, are drawing keen interest from a number of other conservation-minded Members of Parliament, and support from one of the country’s largest, nonprofit fishing and hunting organization, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader, said that the O.F.A.H. has been pushing for an Outdoors Caucus for many years because it will provide another avenue for discussion on national hunting, fishing and conservation issues.

“The O.F.A.H. congratulates Mr. Breitkreuz and other Members of Parliament who obviously haven’t forgotten that hunting, fishing and trapping are important heritage activities and cultural traditions in Canada,” said Reader.

“There are approximately 5 million Canadians who participate in these outdoor activities and they have given our country a conservation legacy of which we can be very proud. It is vital that the interests of this vast group of Canadians be recognized by Members of Parliament and Senators from all parties through the Outdoors Caucus,” said M.P. Garry Breitkreuz.

According to an Ipsos-Reid Public Opinion Survey, 82 percent of those surveyed believe that hunting is a part of Canada’s cultural heritage, and the majority of respondents agreed that hunters are among the country’s most ardent conservationists.

– 30 –