THUNDER BAY – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced a suite of measures, building on his government’s National Conservation Plan, to conserve Canada’s natural environment, support economic development, and stand-‐up for law-‐abiding firearm owners.
“The National Conservation Plan has expanded National Park lands by tens of thousands of square kilometers and secured ecologically sensitive private lands,” stated the Prime Minister. “By partnering with angling, hunting, and conservation groups, we can ensure that our conservation efforts are good for the environment and good for local economies.”
Moe Comuzzi, candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in the Thunder Bay-‐Rainy River riding states, “Prime Minister Stephen Harper understands and respects our way of life in Northern Ontario. Today’s announcement is welcome news for the residents of Thunder-‐Bay Rainy River.”
John Kaplanis, Executive Director of Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance, said, “NOSA fully recognizes that the Conservative Party of Canada under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Conservative Party of Canada is the only Federal party to date that has shown any significant level of commitment and support for the millions of Canadians who make a living relying upon the thriving heritage and recreational culture associated with our nation’s hunting, fishing and trapping history. For us, this election is not only about firearm owners rights but also about wildlife conservation and preserving and promoting our outdoor values for future generations. Prime Minister Harper has always been our ally on these issues.”
To further the objectives of the National Conservation Plan, Prime Minister Harper announced that a re-‐elected Conservative Government will:
- Provide additional funding to Destination Canada dedicated to promoting angling, hunting, and snowmobiling tourism in Canada.
- Create a Wildlife Conservation and Enhancement Program that improves habitat for species harvested by hunters and trappers.
- Enact new migratory bird regulations to establish a family hunting permit.
- Ensure a sufficient number of firearms safety instructors across the country.
- Reject the re-‐imposition of the long-‐gun registry and instead preserve a common sense approach to gun control (as enacted in Bill C-‐42) which protects public safety without imposing unnecessary burdens on firearms owners.
“These initiatives will help to protect Canada’s natural environment and support economic development and new jobs across the country” said Prime Minister Harper.
