Press Release
Citing a recent bear attack near Sioux Lookout, numerous close calls across the province, and serious public safety concerns, local MPP Sarah Campbell has called on the province to re-instate the “Bear Wise” trapping and relocation program that quietly was cut earlier this month.
Campbell said the fact that urgent calls made to “Bear Wise” and police were not acted on in the Sioux Lookout incident shows the government does not have procedures in place to ensure the public is safe from aggressive bears.
“On the Victoria Day weekend, residents of Sioux Lookout frantically called both the MNR and police with reports of at least one dangerous bear,” Campbell said during Question Period yesterday in the legislature.
“For more than 24 hours nobody responded, and as expected, the bear attacked a person,” she noted.
Campbell said the situation in Sioux Lookout continues to be of serious concern with numerous bears being reported in the area, including near the community’s elementary school.
“Until a reliable and effective replacement is found, the ministry needs to reinstate this program immediately,” stressed Campbell.
“The cost savings from this program are minimal and, unfortunately, bears will not simply head off into the woods because the government wants to save a few dollars.”
Campbell said the minister needs to be open to any and all suggestions for controlling the growing bear population and ensuring public safety is the MNR’s primary focus.
“The minister says trapping and relocating is not effective enough, that doesn’t mean we just walk away and hope somebody else picks up the slack,” she remarked.
“A plan needs to be in place and it’s clear it is not in place.
“The minister isn’t doing the public any favours by cancelling the program and hoping the problem solves itself,” Campbell charged.
The full Question Period exchange can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/krrndp
