The Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, today introduced proposed legislation to amend the Wild Life Act.
Proposed amendments aim to ensure resource enforcement officers are better equipped to protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife resources.
Amending the Wild Life Act would also enhance public safety, deter illegal activities, and further protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife and endangered species.
The amendments propose a fine structure to deter illegal activities that impact species protected under the Wild Life Act.
Currently, resisting, obstructing or impersonating a wildlife officer can result in a fine up to $500 or, in default of payment, up to six months imprisonment. That will increase to fines between $500 and $25,000, with the period of imprisonment maintained at no more than six months.
The amendments would also increase fines for big-game penalties. Currently, a first conviction comes with a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or imprisonment from one month to six months, or both. The amendment increases the fine to between $2,000 and $25,000, with the period of imprisonment maintained at one month to six months.
If someone is convicted a second time (or more) within five years of their last conviction, the penalties would change. Right now, the law requires one to six months in jail and a fine between $3,000 and $10,000. The proposed change would increase the fine to between $6,000 and $25,000, while keeping the jail time the same at one to six months.
A person convicted of an offence would be prohibited from holding any type of hunting licence for five years, not just moose or caribou licences.
The amendments would clarify and enhance legislative provisions related to the responsibilities of Resource Enforcement Officers and modernize legislation for clarity and ease of interpretation.
The department sought feedback on proposed and draft amendments to enforcement-related provisions, fines and penalties in the Wild Life Act and applicable regulations, with overall public support for increasing fines.
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“We’re striving to create clear, modern legislation that is easier to interpret, enforce, follow and respect. These amendments would modernize legislation, update penalties, and improve enforceability. We believe these amendments would strengthen legislation and enhance support for the conservation and protection of Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife species.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
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