November 9, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Conservation officers now have option to issue summary offence tickets

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, advises hunters that conservation officers now have the option to issue summary offence tickets against a person found in violation of designated less serious wildlife offences.

This change came into effect as of September 10, 1999 in time for this year's hunting season. Before that date the only option available was to summons people to court who were found in violation of wildlife offences.

Mr. Aylward said: "Now that conservation officers are able to issue tickets the process will be much more effective. Like any summary offence ticket the person has the option to pay the fine or contest it in court.

"Conservation officers have had the option to issue summary offence tickets since 1993 for violations of designated forestry offences and since 1994 for violations of the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Regulations. In both these instances it proved to be more efficient from both the conservation officer's and offender's standpoint. It is expected that the option to issue tickets for designated wildlife offences will prove equally as effective."

Some of the offences which are now ticketable under the Wildlife Regulations include: hunting small game out of season, running dogs in an area frequented by wildlife between April 1 to August 31, transporting firearms or ammunition during open season without a game licence, and the discharging of a firearm.

Even though an officer may issue a summary offence ticket for a specific offence, the officer always has the option to lay a charge rather than issue a ticket if the situation so warrants. They also have the option to seize items, such as firearms, for evidence purposes. When this occurs the accused will be issued a summons instead of a ticket.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 11 09 4:10 p.m.