FREDERICTON (GNB) – Legislation was introduced today that will suspend hunting and fishing privileges for anyone with an outstanding fine levied by the Department of Natural Resources. Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup introduced the legislation, An Act Respecting Unpaid Fines.

"Simply put, if you are not going to pay your fine, you will not be able to buy a hunting or fishing licence, apply for the moose draw or any other Department of Natural Resources-administered draw, cut firewood on Crown land or enjoy any of the other privileges related to the use of our wonderful natural resources,'' said Northrup.

The bill contains amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Act and the Crown Lands and Forests Act. It will apply to anyone with an unpaid fine for a conviction related to the Crown Lands and Forests Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Forest Fires Act, the Protected Natural Areas Act, the Species at Risk Act (when proclaimed) and the Transportation of Primary Forest Products Act.

Anyone with an unpaid fine related to a conviction under any of these acts will be prohibited from obtaining any licence or permit issued by the department; from taking part in any of the hunting, fishing or trapping draws administered by the department; and from harvesting wood from Crown land. The loss of privileges will remain in effect until the person has paid his or her fine.

Northrup said a similar approach to unpaid fines and the suspension of fishing and hunting privileges is used in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, the Yukon and Nunavut.

"Based on the experience elsewhere, we believe these amendments will allow us to reduce significantly the number of unpaid fines, provide consistency in consequences for illegal actions, and provide for cost recovery related to enforcement efforts,'' he said.

22-05-13