Harper sits down with O.F.A.H.:promises to crush gun registry
A message from O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader
Angler & Hunter Hotline - July 2006

We will repeal the universal gun registry," declared Stephen Harper at the O.F.A.H. Conference recently held in Toronto.

Calling the program a "ridiculous, bureaucratic approach," Mr. Harper echoed the sentiments of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, as well as the system's scathing indictment by federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser.

"The hundred million [dollars] a year being wasted tracking duck hunters should be spent giving police real resources to go after the real criminals," he said.

Mr. Harper appeared to enjoy quoting retired Toronto Chief of Police Julian Fantino who once admitted that his officers had never encountered an incident in which the registry "enabled us to either prevent or solve any of these crimes."

As part of Mr. Harper's visit to the O.F.A.H. Conference, in Toronto, he also toured the Spring Fishing Show, followed by an important sit-down meeting, arranged by the O.F.A.H., with President John Ford and Executive Director Mike Reader.

"I read with great interest the Canadian Hunting Heritage Accord, which your Federation has spearheaded and which is receiving strong support from the outdoors community throughout the country. This Accord is a powerful reminder that hunters are leaders in managing our natural resources as well as upholding the integrity of our proud hunting traditions in Canada," he said.

Reader said, "We appreciated the chance to meet face-to-face with Mr. Harper to discuss the federal firearms registry and other issues of interest to anglers and hunters across Canada. It was particularly refreshing to hear his views on a number of issues that are of concern to most rural Canadians. We were pleased to invite participation from the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association and several O.F.A.H. provincial affiliates."

Mr. Harper said, "Our organizations have much in common: you are Canada's leading conservation organization. We are Canada's leading Conservative organization."