November 27, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

The following statement was issued today by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Update on Public Consultation Process on the Use of Outdoor Resources

I want to update members of the House of Assembly on the progress of a committee of ministers and MHAs that was struck in June of this year, to review a number of issues related to the use of outdoor resources in the province. The goal of this process is to build a consensus on how we can properly preserve access to our outdoors for people of the province, protect and conserve our resources and, where appropriate, allow other legislated uses that support both recreational activities and economic development.

A pre-consultation document was released on September 11, 1998 and public consultations began on September 23. This document outlines government's principles with respect to the use of outdoor resources and sought public response on a wide variety of outdoor use issues, such as those related to hunting, recreational fishing, community watershed management and access to shorelines, among others.

Public meetings have been held in 18 locations. A variety of special interest groups and stakeholders ranging from rod and gun clubs to salmon protection associations and environmental groups made presentations to the committee on issues such as access to rivers and ponds, community watershed management, river specific licences, big game hunting, habitat conservation, enforcement, and economic development through the use of outdoor resources. Also the committee received more than 90 written submissions.

The committee is now reviewing the written submissions and records of the meetings. A "What We Heard" document based on the written submissions and records of the meeting is being prepared, and the committee hopes to have a draft of the "What We Heard" document before Christmas. Once that document is delivered, the committee will consult with government on specific recommendations presented in the document. The committee hopes to publicly provide a summary of the public consultation process and gvernment's response by January.

As a result of the consultation process, government has already amended its policy regarding the moose and caribou hunting season. In response to repeated requests from stakeholders in presentations to the committee, Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Kevin Aylward announced on October 16 the cancellation of an extension of the hunting season for moose and caribou. Hunting season dates reverted immediately to season durations similar to the 1997-98 season. Decisions on any recommendations to government will be made following a thorough review of all submissions and records of the meetings.

The consultation on the use of our outdoor resources was held in response to the concerns of stakeholders and individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador. Government believes in the importance of listening to the people of this province and this consultation was an opportunity for all concerned groups and individuals to make their views known. Government believes the consultation was a valuable and worthwhile process that generated positive dialogue on issues of concern.

1998 11 27                             12:30 p.m.