Conservative Party First out of the Gate With Platform Announcements Impacting Anglers and Hunters

PETERBOROUGH, ON--(Marketwired - September 04, 2015) - The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters applauds an announcement made by the Conservative party of Canada that will positively impact the outdoor community.

Included in the announcement was a commitment to establish a Wildlife Conservation Enhancement Program (WCEP), similar to the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, with an annual contribution of $5-million.

They also announced changes to the migratory bird regulations that will include the introduction of a family hunting permit and use of crossbows.

"We are delighted to see the Conservative party's commitment to the establishment of a Wildlife Conservation Enhancement Fund," said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. "The program mirrors the highly successful Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, which has provided millions in funding for the restoration and rehabilitation of fisheries habitat in local communities across Canada. At the same time, their promise to change the migratory bird regulations to provide for family hunting opportunities responds to longstanding issues of interest to the OFAH."

The party also says there will be more firearms safety instructors established throughout Canada, while reaffirming their commitment to law-abiding firearms owners that no gun registry will exist under their watch.

The promise to establish a tourism strategy supporting the outdoor community echoes the findings of the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey, which showed that outdoor tourism associated with fishing and hunting attracts millions of visitors to Canada and makes a significant contribution to the national economy.

"Hunting, fishing, trapping and outfitting contribute $15.2-billion annually to the national economy, and provide important social and cultural benefits to millions of Canadians," Lombardo added. "The establishment of a comprehensive strategy to promote Canada as an ideal location for the enjoyment of outdoor activities like fishing and hunting is greatly appreciated and long overdue. The recent changes to Canada's firearms regulations, including the adoption of mandatory classroom instruction for all first time firearms owners, were an important step. Ensuring that more instructors are available to service the increased demands for firearms safety training across the country shows that support for the lawful firearms community and the enhancement of public safety go hand in hand."

The OFAH is committed to informing our members of all announcements relating to our hunting, fishing and trapping heritage and opportunities. Ahead of the October federal election, the OFAH is hopeful of seeing additional announcements in this regard from other political parties.

With more than 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters and 725 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest non-profit fish and wildlife conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org, follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.