We must stand together

Dear editor:
I am writing in regards to the letter I first wrote in the Wednesday, Aug. 30 edition of the Times.
It is clear Natural Resources minister David Ramsay and his ministry do not care about the problem in our region with nuisance bears.
I had sent the same letter to many papers throughout Ontario. Part of my recent letter went into the Toronto and Ottawa Sun on Sept. 1 headlined “It’s Becoming Unbearable,” and also one in the Toronto Star on July 29 headlined “No More Grin and Bear It.”
I also sent Mr. Ramsay an extended version of my letter—on two separate occasions—of which there was no reply. Surprise, surprise!
I have learned through some of my readings that even rural parts of southern Ontario are having problems with bears. They, too, are not falling for the MNR’s “Bear Wise” campaign and think it’s a joke.
So now what are communities like ours and others to do if the ministry is refusing to even talk to and work with us on this problem? Can our town councils band together with other communities and go to the MNR for action? Can our town councils put together a petition for our residents to sign?
It is obvious our local by-law officers and the OPP are at there wits end in dealing with this problem.
Why do the by-law officers and OPP have to waste their time on nuisance bears. Is it not the MNR’s problem to deal with the population of nuisance bears?
I hear a lot of rumbling around town about the problem and it is clear that the majority of residents feel the same as I. But in order to improve things and to make a difference, we have to stand together.
If anyone wishes to drop Mr. Ramsay a line or two, you can reach him at minister@mnr.gov.on.ca. Or if anyone has any other ideas on how to get some resolutions, you can e-mail me at gtcain@sympatico.ca.
Thank you for your time.
(Signed),
Tracy Cain
Fort Frances, Ont.