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Percy Barrett, MHA for the District of Bellevue and
Opposition Critic for the Department of Environment and Conservation, is
asking Conservative MHAs to give their position on an Outdoor Bill of
Rights.
"It is time these members raised their voices on this
issue and if they are unwilling to do that, then the public of this province
should know that too," said Barrett. "While in opposition they advocated for
an Outdoor Bill of Rights, but we have heard very little from them on this
issue since they formed the government. If government MHAs were to speak out
on this issue, I believe they could have a real impact on the direction
government is taking. It is time we heard where they stand.
"I know a lot of people have been contacting their
elected representatives on this issue. Concerns were highlighted on this
issue by the governments heavy-handed actions in relation to the snowmobile
trail legislation. The way they limited public input and debate in the House
of Assembly was a real eye-opener for a lot of people who care about outdoor
rights.
"People have a lot of concerns about restrictions on
usage and the commercialization of outdoor resources and the proper way to
address these concerns is to bring in comprehensive legislation to protect
these important rights."
While the PC party were in opposition, they called on
government to introduce an Outdoor Bill of Rights which would enshrine in
legislation the public right to access outdoor areas and resources where
they can enjoy traditional activities. Since forming government over a year
ago, there has been no indication that government intends to bring forward
such legislation. In fact, concerns have been raised that the government is
heading in the opposite direction.
"I had hoped the Conservative government would do
public consultations and prepare legislation for the Spring session of the
House of Assembly, but we are now running out of time for this to happen. If
government MHAs were to start to speak out on this issue, we might be able
to do some public consultations and have legislation before the Fall
session. The government should get moving on this issue immediately by
outlining some of the principles and then providing an opportunity for
public input before the legislation is brought to the House of Assembly."
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