Bill C-655 (Historical)

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interference with hunting, trapping, fishing or sport shooting)

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to make it an offence to interfere with lawful hunting, trapping, fishing or sport shooting.

[Blaine Calkins, Conservative, Wetaskiwin, AB]

I'd like to talk a little bit about that anti-use agenda. It's kind of a common theme here in Ottawa that when people who are members of Parliament, particularly in other parties from mine, don't seem to understand or grasp the significance of an issue, the only solution they have is to ban something. We see this through the private member's bill that was proposed by the NDP, as my friend Bob Sopuck put out a little bit earlier in the committee. There have been other bills, to ban horse slaughter and things like that, that we've seen from the NDP. We all know what happened in the United States when they tried that. We had horses abandoned, with massive suffering by a lot of these horses, because there was no humane way to now dispose of them or to put them down at the end of their life or the end of their use, and so on.

So it seems to be a common theme. I don't understand why something as significant as trapping.... Our nation was founded on the fur trade. I mean, this is what built our country, for crying out loud. It's part of our national heritage and our identity. It's not just the aboriginal people but also the Métis. Marcien LeBlanc, a Métis elder from my riding, goes all across Alberta. He's constantly talking about the value of this and getting young people re-connected with the land, getting them re-connected with the outdoors. It's absolutely a vital service.

I want to talk about a private member's bill that is being brought forward by my colleague Garry Breitkreuz. I think most people in the outdoor community have known this for quite some time. This is Bill C-655. I'm hoping it has enough time to pass.

I'd like to ask you, Robert, Greg, and Nancy, what your thoughts are on this bill, because it would actually codify federally and make it a Criminal Code offence for people to interfere with lawful hunting, trapping, and fishing. I'm wondering what your thoughts might be on that legislation.

I'll start with you, Greg.

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

I want to direct this question to the folks from Ducks Unlimited, but I would invite each of you, once you hear their response, to respond as well, if you have a reaction to it.

There is currently before Parliament a private member's bill, Bill C-655, that proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to prevent harassment of hunters and anglers. One of the apparent motivations for this is developments in technology, including the use of drones.

I'm the vice-chair of the justice committee, and quite frankly, it drives me crazy that every real or perceived problem can be addressed by an amendment to the Criminal Code, but I guess I'm divulging my bias.

My question for you is, how pervasive is this problem, and are the measures presently in place adequate to address it? In your view, is this problem so pervasive that an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada is required to address it?

Criminal Code

[Garry Breitkreuz, Conservative, Yorkton—Melville, SK]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-655, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interference with hunting, trapping, fishing or sport shooting).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce my private member's bill that would amend the Criminal Code to make it an offence to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, trapping or sport shooting in Canada.

These outdoor 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.

While there is a patchwork of legislation at the provincial and territorial levels, the bill seeks to harmonize and clarify across Canada the protection of persons pursuing all of these outdoor heritage activities by placing these offences within the Criminal Code of Canada.

Finally, 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 outdoor heritage activities. Well, I am convinced that these activities are just as important now as they ever were, and I want to ensure that those who enjoy these outdoors activities get the protection they deserve. I believe this legislation will do just that.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)