OUELLETTE CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT’S HANDLING OF CORMORANT MANAGEMENT

Opposition MNR Critic cites further scientific evidence to move forward with measures to protect ecosystems and species at risk

Queen’s Park – Jerry Ouellette, Official Opposition Natural Resources Critic, questioned the McGuinty government for not providing fish and wildlife managers with the tools they need to control cormorant populations in Ontario.

“Cormorant overpopulation continues to threaten fisheries and wildlife values throughout the Great Lakes Basin, “asserts Ouellette. By changing the designation of cormorants under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act so that they can be treated the same as agricultural pest bird species such as crows, would assist ministry officials with additional population control methods. “This is about controlling a species that is out of control and threatening other species, including several on the province’s Species at Risk list”.

The government is ignoring new studies of this issue from scientists on both sides of the border. Several bordering U.S. states have been critical of the Ontario government's approach to this issue. Michigan has already passed two bills to deal with cormorant overpopulation.

While the Minister acknowledged the negative ecological impact of burgeoning cormorant populations in Ontario, Mr. Ouellette says the government is hiding behind the suggestion that more review is necessary before moving forward with an effective control strategy. “This is nothing more than a stalling tactic. The government’s handling of this situation is disappointing,” adds Ouellette.