July 19, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Department to re-examine current enforcement measures

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced that, based on the recently released Outdoor Resources Committee Report, the department will reexamine current enforcement measures. They will also be looking at ways of increasing the level of cooperation between the different levels of government in keeping with recommendations of the Outdoor Resources Committee Report.

Responsibility for migratory bird and inland fisheries enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. In recent years the Canadian Wildlife Service has had one permanent enforcement staff, based in Lewisporte, and one seasonal enforcement staff, based in St. John's.

"My concern," stated Minister Aylward, "is the protection of all natural resources in this province to ensure they are sustained for future generations. I fully support the recommendation of the Outdoor Resources Committee for increased cooperative enforcement."

The minister will be addressing his concerns with the federal Minister of Fisheries regarding inland fisheries and with the federal Minister of Environment regarding enforcement of migratory bird legislation.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4746.

1999 07 19         10:20 a.m.