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LEGISLATIVE MILESTONE FOR MANITOBA’S HUNTERS,
ANGLERS, AND TRAPPERS

By

Robert D. Sopuck

It seems that political parties only fight and bicker, and too often at the expense of the “peoples’ business.” So we can fail to appreciate times when all parties agree on issues for the common good. In this case I’m referring to the Private Member’s Bill 217 that was passed unanimously by the Manitoba Legislature. This legislation, The Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Heritage Act, was put forward by the Progressive Conservative MLA for Lakeside, Ralph Eichler.

Bill 217 is a delightfully short one-page bill, and the salient passage, Section 1.1 reads:

“A person has the right to hunt, trap, and fish in accordance with the law.”

Eichler was pleased to have received all-party support for his bill since it is not often that an Opposition-sponsored legislation passes.

“As the preamble to my bill points out, hunting, fishing and trapping have played key roles in shaping this province’s social, cultural and economic heritage,” said Eichler. “I am pleased the provincial government and the Liberals have supported my legislation which recognizes Manitobans’ right to hunt, fish and trap in accordance with the law.”

Eichler first introduced Bill 217 in the Manitoba Legislature in November 2008. Similar legislation already exists in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

“Unfortunately, many Manitobans no longer have ties to people who hunt, fish or trap. They don’t have a complete understanding of the level of commitment that hunters, anglers and trappers have when it comes to the stewardship of our fish and wildlife resources for future generations,” explained Eichler. “Bill 217 will provide that recognition, and it will send an important message to the courts and to future lawmakers of the importance of hunting, fishing and trapping in Manitoba.”

Not to be out-done, both the governing New Democrats and the Liberals added their support.

Conservation Minister Stan Struthers was a strong supporter of Eichler’s bill and went on the record saying:

“First off, let me commend the Member for Lakeside for his tenacity on this particular piece of legislation. I think what he is doing is something that is worthwhile, and you will see members on this side of the House standing in support of passage of Bill 217.”

And Liberal Leader, Jon Gerrard stated:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to this Bill 217, The Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Heritage Act. We in the Liberal Party support this bill. It provides for recognition of the traditions going back many years in Manitoba, the right to hunt, to fish and to trap in accordance with the law, and I think it's appropriate that we are recognizing this right. I think that it's important that we recognize that the right is available to all Manitobans.”

Bill 217 is largely symbolic in that hunting, trapping, and fishing are still subject to management decisions by governments, but no one should underestimate the importance of symbolism. So the next time a radical animal rights activist urges the adoption of rights for animals, which is but the first step to the elimination of all animal use, including hunting, trapping and fishing, Manitobans will be able to state very clearly that they have the right to engage in these activities.

All outdoor enthusiasts should be grateful to Ralph Eichler for bringing Bill 217 forward, and to all of Manitoba’s Members of the Legislative Assembly for ensuring unanimous support for this legislation. We are often quick to criticize our politicians but in this case they all did the right thing. Contact your MLA and thank him or her for their good work on Bill 217. It’ll make them feel good. And you too.

sopuckrd@xplornet.com