QUEEN’S PARK – Timiskaming-Cochrane New Democratic MPP John Vanthof tabled a motion in the Ontario Legislature today calling for the creation of a committee that that would examine and provide solutions to the increasing problem of nuisance bears in Northern Ontario.
“The past years have seen an increase in the encounters between Northerners and nuisance bears,” said Vanthof. “It is no surprise that the number of nuisance bears has increased since the Harris government cancelled the spring bear hunt without any consultation, and the Liberal government cut the budget of MNR and cancelled the Bear Wise program.”
Under Vanthof’s proposal, the committee would develop a report and full bear management strategy under the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The committee would be required to consult with all affected communities and stakeholders.
“The committee needs to examine the extent to which human-bear conflicts have increased in the province,” said Vanthof. “It also needs to look at the damage to property and crops that bears continue to inflict on parts of the province.”
Vanthof noted that the committee should look at the long term sustainability of Ontario’s bear population, but also management factors including hunting and trapping.
“I’m calling on all parties to support this committee,” said Vanthof. “The committee will be comprised of members from all three parties as this is an issue that involves all Northerners.”
