Legislation recognizing the contributions of 2.5 million people who hunt and fish in Ontario has been derailed because of political maneuvering by the Ontario NDP.
During the last provincial election the New Democratic Party supported legislation recognizing the right to hunt and fish. The legislation would help boost tourism in Northern Ontario and enhance province-wide wildlife programs. The NDP promised to join the other political parties and support Bill 135, the Hunting and Fishing Heritage Act, but, when Timiskaming-Cochrane Liberal MPP David Ramsay asked for unanimous support, the promises and the passage of the legislation were blocked by the NDP.
“NDP Leader Howard Hampton and members of his party have delayed passage of Bill 135 by threatening to drag out debate. The delaying tactics come although the legislation is of enormous importance to their constituents, many of whom reside in northern Ontario communities that rely heavily on the social and economic benefits of hunting and angling,