moved for leave to introduce Bill C-290, an act respecting the protection of bears.
Madam Speaker, I am introducing a private member's bill to assist with a problem that is being experienced around the world. People are hunting different species of animals for the supposed medicinal value of parts of their bodies.
In particular, bears are at risk in North America. Some environmentalists say that each year in North America up to 20,000 bears are killed for their body parts, specifically their gall bladders. That figure may well be exaggerated but provincial authorities do recognize there is a significant trade in this kind of thing and it does put pressure on bear populations. Last October several businesses and people were charged with trafficking in black bear and grizzly bear parts.
My bill would not stop legitimate hunters but it would prohibit the export of bear parts without a special permit. It would prohibit their interprovincial trade and transport. It would be another tool in the arsenal for people protecting them.
Canada is one of the world's last and greatest sanctuaries for the preservation of wildlife. This bill if passed would assist in preserving our unique natural heritage.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)