Government of Canada Discusses Key Conservation Issues with Members of Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel

January 23, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario

Minister Aglukkaq and Minister Shea met with members of the Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel (HAAP) on January 22, 2014.

During the meeting the Ministers and the Panel had constructive discussions about the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program, the National Conservation Plan, the recommendations from the 2012 National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress, and the proposed changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations through amendments of the hunting provisions. Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials also provided an update on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) decision to uphold a European Union ban on seal products.

The HAAP, which meets twice a year, serves to advise the Government of Canada on a range of federal policies, programs and activities related to conservation, hunting, trapping and angling. Its contributions help to ensure that the government’s decisions are based on inclusive and broad-based advice from participants in these communities.

The Panel is composed of a wide cross-section of both national and provincial organizations. Members from hunting, trapping, angling and conservation organizations were appointed to this Panel in May 2012, following an announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Under The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program the Government of Canada is making $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat. Approximately 100 projects were already approved for up to $6.4 million in funding, in the first round of applications in the summer of 2013.

Quotes
“Our Government values the importance of an active and engaged hunting and angling community, and welcomes their advice on conservation issues and policies. Yesterday was the third meeting of the Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel since its creation in 2012, and I was pleased to witness the wealth of knowledge and expertise being shared around the table.”

— The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council.

“Our Government recognizes the social and economic importance of supporting a healthy and sustainable recreational fishery. The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program supports the sustainability and ongoing productivity of Canada’s recreational fisheries by bringing like-minded partners together and pooling their resources to support the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries.”

— The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.