November 14, 1996
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Public consultations on Guide Certification and Guide use regulations

Beaton Tulk, Minister responsible for wildlife, today announced that public consultations on Guide use regulations and Guide certification requirements will be conducted throughout the province. The committee of MHA's, chaired by Bob Mercer, MHA for Humber East, has been tasked with undertaking public consultation meetings between November 18 to December 11, 1996.

"I have received significant representation for changes to existing Guide use regulations," said Minister Tulk. "As well, we have received complaints that the quality of service offered by some guides has at times been called into question. Therefore, I feel that it is important to air these issues in an open discussion." Currently, there are no minimum standards or licence fees for guide registration in this province. The minister emphasized that the entire guiding regime is open for review, adding: "We hope that through the process of public consultation, we are able to formulate a set of Guide use regulations and training standards that is acceptable to all stakeholders."

A background paper has been prepared by Wildlife staff titled, "Guide Certification and Guide Use Regulations." It can be obtained at local forestry and wildlife offices across the province, and can be sent out upon request.

Public consultations are slated to begin at the Airport Plaza Hotel in St. John's on Monday November 18, at 7 p.m. The committee will then travel to 12 additional locations across the province, concluding December 11 in Labrador City. The minister suggests contacting any Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods office for a full schedule of meeting times and locations.

Contact: John Blake, Wildlife Division, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-3750, or Anna Buffinga, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-2549.