Hunting allocation numbers for 2012 still not released, jobs threatened
(SMITHERS, BC) – Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson is calling on the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to fulfill his commitment made in the legislature two weeks ago and release the new hunting allocation numbers for 2012 before it hurts businesses any longer.
“Minister Thompson unequivocally stated the new harvest allocation policy would be announced last week when I questioned him in the legislature,” said Donaldson. “That deadline has come and gone and still no word from his ministry. There are a lot of people in rural communities who have waited long enough for this decision.”
Donaldson pointed out that the announcement about how the province will divide hunting allocations between resident hunters and guide outfitters has big implications for jobs.
“Both sectors mean employment and bring new dollars to rural communities,” said the Stikine MLA. “Guide outfitters have the major trade shows beginning Jan. 5 and still don’t know the numbers they have to sell to their clients. Resident hunters, like those belonging to the BC Wildlife Federation, are trying to plan their hunting trips in places like Stikine but still don’t know their numbers. Meanwhile, in direct contradiction to the Ministers pledge, his government just keeps on delaying. It’s as if they are unaware of the importance of the family-supporting jobs in rural areas that this activity keeps afloat.”
Donaldson queried Minister Thompson about the harvest allocation policy on Nov. 17 during Question Period. The response was that the new allocation policy and hunting numbers would be released by Nov. 25. As of today, the Guide Outfitter Association of BC still has not been informed of their numbers.
The new harvest allocation policy has been 5 years in the making. It is due for implementation in 2012. A report on modifying the implementation has been on the Minister of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations desk for more than 8 months.
Here we have a sector that provides sustainable employment, year-to-year, not in a boom and bust cycle, and that helps make rural communities stable and resilient. This Minister and the Premier need to focus on the here and now before their indecision and poor management destroy these resource-sector jobs as well.”
Contact: Doug Donaldson, (250) 505-7785