The Ontario government wants the public to weigh in on whether it should permanently reinstate the spring black bear hunt.
Mike Harris’ Progressive Conservative government cancelled the hunt back in 1999, and the Liberals brought it back as a pilot project starting in 2014.
The current government and hunting advocates say making it permanent would help the province’s economy and tourism industry,
but animal rights group say the move would be a step backwards that would endanger bear cubs.
Local MPP and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says bear hunting is a big part of the hunting industry in Ontario.
Wildlife Biologist Keith Munro says regulations around bear hunting are important, and he’s glad there are rules in place.
Members of the public have until February 18th to weigh in online at the Environmental Registry of Ontario.