The following statement was issued today by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Inland Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council and Provincial Conservation and Stewardship Stamp

It gives me great pleasure today to announce to the Honourable House of Assembly two very important initiatives in managing the fish and wildlife resources of this province. The first relates to the establishment of an Inland Fish and Wildlife Advisory Council, and the second, is the approval of the Conservation and Stewardship Stamp Program. Through these initiatives, this government is demonstrating its strong commitment to include the public and resource users in the decision-making process for the inland fish and wildlife resources of this province.

The advisory council will be responsible for providing comments and advice on a wide range of issues related to provincial inland fish and wildlife conservation programs. The council will be invited to review and provide recommendations on resource management strategies, policies, operational plans, and regulations related to the conservation of inland fish and wildlife resources.

Tomorrow, a select group of individuals will be sitting down to the inaugural discussions on just how this advisory council will work - its structure, its operational procedures. This group was invited from a comprehensive list, which included: the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Federation, Trappers Association, Outfitters Association, Salmonoid Council, Natural History Society, Environmental Network; the Partridge Forever Society, the Labrador Inuit Association and INNU Nation, the Conne River Indian Band, Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Wilderness and Ecological Advisory Council, Labrador Outfitters Association, Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Stewardship Association of Municipalities. Two members-at-large will also be included.

One of the first activities to be taken on by this council will be the Provincial Conservation and Stewardship Stamp Program. I am pleased also today to be able to announce to the Honourable House of Assembly that this government has approved the development of this Conservation and Stewardship Program. The advisory council will be responsible to define and administer this Stamp Program, and will approve projects submitted by proponents in the area of fish and wildlife conservation.

The establishment of this program, will create a fund which will allow hunters and anglers to make a direct contribution and pave the way for corporate contributions to the maintenance and enhancement of wildlife and fish habitats. Funding will be obtained by the purchase of a Conservation Stamp which will validate any fish and wildlife licence administered by the government.

This initiative will be similar to the national conservation stamp program run by Wildlife Habitat Canada and they have offered their expertise in helping to set up the program in Newfoundland. Similar projects have been successfully established in British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as throughout the United States. I am confident that the Conservation Stamp Program will provide a means for consumptive wildlife and fish resource users to contribute in a meaningful way to the betterment of fish and wildlife resources in this province.

I look forward to the outcome of the deliberations of this group tomorrow and hope to be able to report on the outcome shortly afterwards.