Environment and Conservation
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
November 3, 2015

Supporting Inclusion in Hunting and Angling

Government Expands Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is broadening inclusion in recreational hunting and angling by enhancing the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities. The program will see a broadened definition of disability to include not only specific physical disabilities, but any permanent disability or other permanent medical condition that restricts a person's ability to perform the activities of hunting and angling.

"Our government is committed to increased inclusion for persons with disabilities and I am pleased to announce expanded access to recreational hunting and angling. These activities are an important part of wildlife management, and are valued cultural pursuits in our province. This expanded program will help ensure more people can take part in safe and responsible hunting and angling."
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation

With these new amendments, the program will expand from involving people who are legally blind, and/or people with permanent mobility disabilities, to include individuals with other permanent disabilities or permanent medical conditions which limit their capacity to participate. As well as medical doctors and optometrists being able to confirm disability, this authority is being widened to include nurse practitioners.

"This enhancement of the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities is an example of how the Provincial Government is moving forward to address barriers and enable people with disabilities to participate in activities - and enjoy the benefits of activities - on an equal basis."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Broadening eligibility for the program is in line with Access. Inclusion. Equality - A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (2012) and its action plan, released in June of this year.

"On behalf of the Provincial Advisory Council, I am very pleased with today's announcement. These amendments will open up the program to a broader group of individuals and support greater inclusion. This is about providing equal access, not special access - and that is what we are striving to achieve."
- Paul Walsh, Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

The expanded regulations will come in effect April 1, 2016. Anyone who wishes to obtain a big game hunting licence, including individuals with disabilities, and designated hunters under the program, are required to complete the provincial Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course. Information about this course is available at: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/education/#cfsc.

The deadlines for completion of this course to participate in the 2016 hunting season will be extended to February 1, 2016 for all hunters.

Enhancing policies and activities related to the outdoors throughout the province, with a view to increasing outdoor family recreation is one of the goals of Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025.

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is broadening inclusion in recreational hunting and angling by enhancing the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities.
• The program will see a broadened definition of disability to include not only physical disabilities, but any permanent disability or other permanent medical condition that limits a person's capacity to participate in hunting and angling.
• As well as medical doctors and optometrists being able to confirm disability, this authority is being widened to include nurse practitioners.
• Expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities in recreational hunting and angling is an action item under Access. Inclusion. Equality - A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and the Population Growth Strategy Families Action Plan.
• Anyone who wishes to submit an application to obtain a big game hunting licence must complete the provincial Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course.

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Video of the sign language interpretation of the event is available at: https://youtu.be/IYz8vp_n8a4

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2015 11 03                              1:40 p.m.