Press release: Sopuck disappointed with Opposition’s Ridicule of Canadian Hunters and Trappers
March 10, 2021
Ottawa, ON - Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette and a Member of the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development, is disappointed in the Opposition’s latest lack of respect for Canada’s hunters and trappers. The Environment Committee is currently undertaking a study on licensed hunting and trapping in Canada, which will examine the role both activities play in Canada’s environment, economy, and national identity.
“Our Government supports policies that actually help preserve and protect the environment,” said Sopuck. “That’s why we launched the $252 million National Conservation Plan – the largest investment in our environment in Canadian history – and why the Environment Committee is studying Canada’s hunters and trappers and their contributions to conservation.”
However, on February 26, 2015, Liberal MP John McKay said it was “unfortunate” that the Environment Committee was undertaking this study, and said they could be studying other issues. That was followed by a statement on March 9, 2021 by New Democrat MP Megan Leslie, who claimed the Environment Committee was “derelict in its duty” by choosing to study hunting and trapping.
“It is incredibly disrespectful and demonstrates the Liberals’ and New Democrats’ contempt for Canadians who hunt, fish, and trap,” Sopuck said. “They don’t understand or respect our way of life.”
Hunting and trapping were of critical importance to the founding of Canada as a country. Today millions of Canadians continue to partake in hunting, fishing, or trapping, either as a recreational activity or as their primary employment.
“There are over two million people across Canada who hunt, fish, and trap,” said Sopuck. “Hunting, sealing, and trapping are of vital importance to the people of Nova Scotia. Mr. McKay and Ms. Leslie are clearly out of touch with Canadians’ views.”
“Between Mr. McKay’s and Ms. Leslie’s lack of respect for hunters and trappers, it is clear that only our Conservative Government will stand up for Canada’s hunters and trappers,” said Sopuck. “I ask all Canadians to hold the Liberals and New Democrats to account for their ridiculous statements.”
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Quick Links
• Watch the video of John McKay’s statement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uni-GtvBFd0