I am opposed to the proposed…

I am opposed to the proposed policy to allow the wholesale slaughter of a Native species. A number of studies in both Canada and the USA have failed to substantiate the outlandish claims demonizing Cormorants. Basing Ontario wildlife management policy on the negative sentiments and anecdotal evidence put forward by advocates of the "hunt" is just the latest example of a war on Nature that has regularly seen the systematic destruction of species seen as competitors for resources we value. It is an anti-scientific approach that caters to the unsubstantiated claims and prejudices of self-interested groups.

Every year I visit a number of lakes and wetland areas to observe and photograph nesting Herons and other species. I find it very difficult to imagine these areas being overrun by "hunters" who will delight in the opportunity to kill vast numbers of birds while polluting the ground and waters with carcasses and shell casings while disturbing many other species and ruining opportunities for the peaceful enjoyment of Nature by myself and thousands of others. These birds will not be eaten so why does Ontario want to promote a wildlife management policy that nakedly encourages people to kill a species for the pleasure of killing in the service of a goal that most will not have bothered to research??

I call on the Minister and the Ontario government to kill this ill informed proposal.