Ottawa – Saskatchewan M.P. Garry Breitkreuz has introduced Private Members’ Bill C-655 which seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make it an offence to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, trapping or sport shooting in Canada.

These traditional heritage activities have played an integral role in shaping Canada’s social and cultural heritage and make a significant contribution to the national economy. Hunters, anglers, trappers and sport shooters have made important contributions to the understanding, conservation, restoration and management of Canada’s vital fish and wildlife resources.

“As co-chair of the Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus, I recognize the need to protect those Canadians who lawfully hunt, fish, trap or shoot from those who would harass or interfere with these traditional heritage activities,” explained Breitkreuz.

While there is a patchwork of legislation at the provincial and territorial levels, Bill C-655 will harmonize and clarify across Canada the protection of persons pursuing all of these time-honoured activities by placing these offences within the Criminal Code of Canada.

“I’ve seen too many bills introduced in Parliament over the years that would threaten traditional animal use – some that would go so far as to make it a federal criminal offence to shoot a deer or duck, put a worm on a hook or kill any animal even if the animal died immediately – the accepted legal standard for humane killing,” continued Breitkreuz.

Bill C-655 seeks to amend the Criminal Code by adding the following after section 264.01:

A person who contravenes this section could face an indictable offence with fines of up to $25,000 or a prison term of up to one year - or both.

A unique aspect of the legislation is the inclusion of recreational shooting along with fishing, hunting and trapping.

“I want to bring fairer representation for Canadian anglers, hunters, trappers and sport shooters to Parliament.  Animal rights groups would rather have us end our passion for these traditional heritage activities.  While I am convinced that those activities are just as important now as they ever were, we need to ensure that those who enjoy them get the protection they deserve.  I believe this legislation does just that,” concluded Breitkreuz.

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Bill C-655 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Interference with Hunting, Trapping, Fishing or Sport Shooting) . . . click here