We are diverse and we live in all areas of Canada
WE FISH. WE HUNT. WE TRAP.
WE VOTE.
The NFHC is a coalition of twelve organizations representing 375,000 anglers and hunters across Canada. On behalf of our members and all conservationists in Canada, the NFHC requests meaningful commitments to these five priorities from the parties seeking to form the next federal government.
Why Our Votes Matter
The National Five Priorities
Promotion of Outdoor Heritage and Conservation
PRIORITY:
Angling, hunting and trapping are socially and culturally important to millions of Canadians who contribute their time and money to conservation and generate $13.2 billion annually for our national economy. The federal government should vocally support and actively promote these activities as an important part of Canada’s heritage and economy.
NFHC ASK:
We are seeking a commitment to:
- Develop and implement a National Hunting, Trapping and Angling Strategy that outlines how the government will actively promote these activities, including re-establishing the Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel; and
- Dedicate a meaningful portion of the existing Goods & Services Tax (GST) collected on angling and hunting gear to a fund available to community based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to preserve our outdoor heritage and deliver conservation outcomes.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
PRIORITY:
CWD continues to spread across North America, threatening wildlife populations, our economy (including restrictions on trade of agricultural goods), and public health through exposure to the human food chain and blood supply.
NFHC ASK:
We are seeking a commitment to:
- Immediately prohibit the movement of live cervids within and between provinces/
territories and across international borders; and - Phase out cervid farming with appropriate compensation to producers.
To view and download a copy of the National Fishing and Hunting Collaborative – National Five Election Priorities click here.
Party Responses
Public Access to, and Management of Protected Areas
PRIORITY:
Governments have broad public support to protect public spaces from development through designation of protected areas. As governments expand the network of protected areas, it is important to protect public access to these lands and resources.
NFHC ASK:
As governments take steps to achieve goals with respect to protected areas, we are seeking a commitment they will retain the authority to:
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Preserve public access for angling, hunting and outdoor recreation activities for all Canadians who consider these activities part of their culture, tradition and heritage; and
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Impose harvest restrictions, only where necessary and on all resource users when harvest threatens the long-term sustainability of a population.
Aquatic Invasive Species
PRIORITY:
Invasive species continue to be one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Canada. Species like Zebra Mussels, invasive tunicates, Sea Lamprey, and Asian Carps pose a serious threat to our ecosystems and recreational activities, and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy once established.
NFHC ASK:
We are seeking a commitment to work with provinces to establish permanent and sufficient funding for consistent, integrated, and prioritized education and outreach, early detection, and rapid response efforts to fight aquatic invasive species.
Firearms Policy
PRIORITY:
Firearms policy should only be implemented through a consistent, transparent, and evidence-based process after fully consulting firearms users.
NFHC ASK:
We are seeking a commitment to focus law enforcement efforts on organized crime, gangs, other illegal firearms activities and the root causes of firearms-related crime, and not burden hunters with ineffective and unnecessary restrictions on recreational firearms.
OFAH is for all Ontarians
Connecting the Hunting Community
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is committed to providing inclusive and educational hunting programs that foster a strong, united community of conservation-minded hunters.
