The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands:

Speaker, National Wildlife Week is a time to reflect on wildlife and its habitat.

Our staff at Salmonier Nature Park know all about that.

Whether they’re guiding visitors on the trail or visiting classrooms, our educators are happy to talk about the wildlife species that share our home.

Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are known for our love of the outdoors and our cherished traditions of hunting and trapping.

One person who lives those values is Chris Baldwin, who recently retired after a 32-year career with our department, including time as manager of Salmonier Nature Park.

Chris is a champion for sustainable, accessible hunting and angling. He led the charge to modernize the Wild Life Act to lower the hunting age, and to support hunters and anglers with disabilities.

Chris was instrumental to our work, from flying surveys to delivering education programs, monitoring species at risk, and much more.

He has been a mentor and friend to all, and his experience, kindness, and passion for wildlife have made a difference. We all follow his example as we work to conserve and manage our wildlife resources. Thank you, Chris.

I encourage everyone to take time outdoors during National Wildlife Week April 5-11 to appreciate this very special place we call home.

Thank you.