MR. SPEAKER:
Further petitions?
The hon. the Member for the
District of The Straits & White Bay North.
MR. DEAN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am always pleased
to be able to stand and present a petition on behalf of
the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. This one in
particular pertains to people within my own district,
but I am sure it affects other people as well.
In Newfoundland and Labrador we
have a tradition of the outdoors, enjoying the outdoors
and being able to take advantage of hunting wild game.
Mr. Speaker, this one particularly speaks to the hunting
season for ducks along the Northeast Coast of
Newfoundland and Labrador. I will read the petition into
the minutes. It says:
To the hon. House of Assembly of
the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Parliament
assembled, the petition of the undersigned humbly
sheweth:
WHEREAS
the people of the Northeast Coast feel that due to high
winds and stormy seas during the months of December
through February; and
WHEREAS
during the last number of years we are unable to do
little or no hunting during those months; and
WHEREAS
there is an abundance of eider ducks in the last few
years; and
WHEREAS
eider ducks will not nest until mid-May;
WHEREUPON
your petitioners call upon all members of the House of
Assembly to urge government to extend the hunting of
eider ducks until March 10 during these designated
hunting seasons.
And as in duty bound your
petitioners will ever pray.
Mr. Speaker, again, this may not
seem earth shattering to all of the members of the House
of Assembly but I am somewhat surprised at the number of
signatures that are attached to this particular
petition; several hundred, actually, who took the time
to sign and many who are involved in the hunt itself.
Mr. Speaker, it has been a way of
life, and being able to hunt wild game within the
Province is something we have enjoyed for many
generations. The greater concern for me in presenting
this petition would be that people can participate in
the hunt each year but, more importantly, understanding
the sea conditions along the Northeast Coast, and the
weather conditions, realizing that earlier in the year
it certainly is very hazardous to take a small boat and
try to go to traditional hunting places and locations
along the Northeast Coast.
So, Mr. Speaker, I present that
today on their behalf. I trust the House of Assembly
will consider the part it can play in terms of having
the season extended so they can continue to participate
in the tradition as they always have.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
