My Speeches

Deer Cull and Chronic Wasting Desease

Posted on Feb 10, 2009

Chronic Wasting Disease
(continued)

Mr. Griffiths: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my constituency there
was a lot of concern last year over the deer cull along the border that
was intended to contain the spread of chronic wasting disease.
Constituents in my area desperately wanted to control the cervids
population in a way that would enhance the economic benefits to the
region rather than damage a critical sector of the local economy.
Can the minister explain if a deer cull is planned again this spring or
if he intends to use an extended hunting season, hunters, and the
food bank in order to control the population?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Dr. Morton: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We listened to the concerns
of the constituents of the Member for Battle River-Wainwright, and
we will not be conducting a spring or winter cull in that area next
year. Instead, we’re focusing on enhancing and using the hunter
harvest programto collect deerand control thepopulation, and we’re
increasing the capacity to test those deer. The testing is free of
charge, but the testing in the control zones is mandatory. We’ve met
with the hunter groups and also some of the guides in that area, and
they understand that. That’s how we’re going forward.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Griffiths: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that helicopters
have been rented by the department again, which last year were
used for population control. Can the minister assure this House and my
constituents that they will not be used for population control and
explain what those helicopters will be used for?

Dr. Morton: The answer is yes, Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that that
program has been cancelled. We will of course continue to use
helicopters for monitoring. That’s standard practice in wildlife
population surveillance. I’m also happy to report that we are
working with the food bank programs and making sure that much of
that harvested venison does reach the needy.
Thank you