AR-News: Coalition formed to level wildlife playing field in Ontario

[Barry Kent MacKay]

PRESS RELEASE

COALITION FORMED TO LEVEL WILDLIFE PLAYING FIELD IN ONTARIO

Toronto, June 7, 2004:  Frustrated by the Ontario government's inability to
modernize the Ministry of Natural Resources, more than 75 wildlife
rehabilitation groups and, environmental and animal welfare organizations
have joined forces as the Ontario Wildlife Coalition to ensure a more
representative voice on wildlife issues at Queen's Park.

"As it stands now, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources largely
reflects the interests of hunters, trappers, sport and commercial fishers
and other consumptive users of wildlife.  It is unacceptable that a
government department focuses on a 'clientele'  whose primary interests are
access to the province's public resources for sport and profit."  said Liz
White, spokesperson for the Ontario Wildlife Coalition.

"This explains why the policies of the MNR, as they pertain to ecosystem
management and conservation ethics, have diverged from the views and values
of the majority of environmental and animal welfare groups and the public at
large. The Ministry's limited understanding of who its clients are, ignores
the majority of Ontario residents who contribute heavily to the economy
through activities such as hiking, camping, photography and bird watching."
said Barry MacKay a noted naturalist and the Canadian Representative of
Animal Protection Institute, a member of the Coalition.  "Ministry decisions
are too often damaging to wildlife and the environment."

"It also ignores the reality that the majority of Ontario residents now live
in urban areas, enjoying wildlife within neighbourhood green spaces, while
recognizing that development has a significant negative impact on wildlife
that requires mitigation." said Donna DuBreuil, President, Ottawa Carleton
Wildlife Centre, also a member of the Coalition.  "A clear example of the
public's commitment to ensuring a broader and more representative voice with
respect to wildlife issues was recently demonstrated by the over 9,000
individuals who petitioned the Ontario Legislative Assembly for changes to
MNR regulations that currently prohibit humane or responsible wildlife
rehabilitation in Ontario."

"The Liberal government has made a commitment to a full and complete review
of MNR regulations in relation to wildlife rehabilitation and to develop a
new and improved working relationship between government and community
volunteers."  DuBreuil continued.  "The Ontario Wildlife Coalition has been
formed to bring stakeholders together and to help facilitate these
discussions."

The Coalition represents a first in uniting a diverse range of grassroots
environmental and animal welfare organizations. It includes environmental
educators and community advisors, research scientists, lawyers, journalists,
veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators and animal protection organizations.
Its mandate is to advocate on behalf of wildlife in Ontario and to seek
long-term and progressive solutions for human/wildlife conflicts through
remedial action, public education and awareness and habitat protection.

For further information please contact Donna DuBreuil, 613-282-3755, Liz
White,
416-462-9541(w) or 416-809-4371(cell)  and Barry MacKay, 905-472-9731(w).