John Tory PC Leader

Peterborough - August 2, 2007

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory said today that a PC Government will reverse years of McGuinty Liberal neglect and restore necessary funds to the Ministry of Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife Program.

Tory made the comments today at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) in Peterborough, Ontario, following a meeting with OFAH staff.

“Ontario’s fish and wildlife resources are essential to our economy, our environment and our way of life in this province,” Tory said. “Dalton McGuinty has spent years neglecting this sector, and it’s time we had a Premier who will fix the damage this Government has created.”

The economic contribution of the sector is estimated at $2.5 billion annually in Ontario and $6.2 billion nationally. Despite promising in 2003 to “give the MNR the resources it needs to once again properly manage Ontario’s fish and wildlife,” Dalton McGuinty has broken his promise and consistently under funded the Ministry for years, leaving our fish and wildlife program in a state of crisis.

While the McGuinty Government continues to collect taxes and fees from hunters and anglers, the Fish and Wildlife Program is experiencing a funding shortfall of $35 million.

A John Tory PC Government will provide the resources necessary to protect and enhance our natural resources and restore pride to the ministry that manages them by:

• Matching the contributions of anglers and hunters with an additional investment of $35 million annually starting in the second term;
• Investing in and building on the successes of the Community Fish and Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP); and
• Hiring more conservation officers and giving them the tools they need to do their jobs.