The responsible and sustainable management of fur-bearing animals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 6, 2019
QUEEN’S PARK – The Ontario Government is investing $1.1 million into the Ontario Fur Managers Federation to administer its trapping education program and licensing services for the province’s trappers and trapping instructors.
Ontario trappers play a vital role in wildlife control, population management, and in reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife – such as the loss of livestock from predation by coyotes and wolves.
“Trapping remains culturally significant for many people across the province and our trapping regulations are considered among the strictest and most humane anywhere in the world,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry during Question Period. “The province’s trapper licence and education requirements help to ensure Ontario’s compliance with international humane trapping standards.”
Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk and Parliamentary Assistant to MNRF, recently read in a petition that calls on the government to lift the ban on hunting and trapping of the eastern hybrid wolf. The petition states that the ban is causing more damage to Ontario’s ecosystems as well as increasing unnecessary encounters between wildlife and humans.
Trapping supports the government’s commitment to responsible management of natural resources. Royalties from pelts fund significant fish and wildlife management programs operated by the MNRF.
Quick Facts
- For over 400 years, trapping has been a significant part of the culture in Ontario and has offered employment for many people and their families.
- There are approximately 8,700 commercial trapping licences sold in Ontario each year.
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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at
519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
Hansard
Fish and wildlife management
Mr. Toby Barrett: A petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
“Whereas the ban on hunting and trapping in sections of Ontario to protect the eastern hybrid wolf was put in place without regard for the overall ecosystem;
“Whereas this ban has adversely affected the ability of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), hunters and trappers to properly manage animal populations and Ontario’s ecosystem;
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“Whereas this ban is no longer needed and is in fact causing more damage to Ontario’s ecosystem and increasing unnecessary encounters between wildlife and Ontarians;
“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
“That the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry immediately lift the ban on hunting and trapping set in place to protect the eastern hybrid wolf.”
I agree with the sentiment and affix my signature.