Bill C-222

1st Session, 39th Parliament,

55 Elizabeth II, 2006

house of commons of canada

BILL C-222

An Act to recognize and protect Canada’s hunting, trapping and fishing heritage

WHEREAS legislation governing inland fisheries is within the jurisdiction of the federal government;

WHEREAS aboriginal people have long relied on hunting, trapping and fishing to satisfy their food needs, and have certain rights to hunt, trap and fish that are protected by the Constitution of Canada;

WHEREAS non-aboriginal settlers and pioneers in Canada also depended on hunting, trapping and fishing for food;

WHEREAS hunting, trapping and fishing are part of Canada’s national heritage;

WHEREAS millions of Canadians participate in and enjoy hunting, trapping and fishing;

AND WHEREAS hunting, trapping and fishing contribute significantly to the national economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

1. This Act may be cited as the Heritage Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Protection Act.

2. (1) It is declared that there exists and shall continue to exist in Canada the right to fish, subject only to any reasonable limits that may be established by law.

(2) No law of Canada shall be construed or applied so as to deprive a person of the right declared in subsection (1).

3. The Minister of Canadian Heritage shall enter into discussions with the provinces with a view to securing on behalf of all Canadians their continued right to hunt and trap, subject only to any reasonable limits that may be established by law.