Driving force: Conservative MP Rick Norlock

Create Canada's very own National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day? Why not? After all, the U.S. has celebrated its National Hunting and Fishing Day since 1972. Really, there's no reason why our country shouldn't also be commemorating such an integral-and historic-part of our national culture.

That's the thinking, anyway, behind Conservative MP Rick Norlock bid to have September 23 designated as the special day. On Monday, the MP for Northumberland-Quinte West tabled the enacting legislation, Bill C-465, in the House of Commons.

As the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters points out in support of the private member's bill, outdoorsmen were the driving force behind the vaunted North American Model of Wildlife Management, the basis of all fish and wildlife conservation both here at home and in the U.S.

Says OFAH Executive Director Mike Reader:

Bill C-465 should serve to remind Canadians that anglers, hunters and trappers are wise stewards of our valuable fish and wildlife resources, the driving force behind the re-introduction and protection of many species that may have otherwise been threatened, and are among the leaders of the conservation movement that dates back to the 19th century.

If you also think the creation of a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day is a good idea, urge your local MP to support Norlock's legislation. Such a designation, in my mind, can only serve to better represent-and promote-fishing and hunting at a time when more and more Canadians are becoming more and more detached from the natural world.

Norlock's bill is expected to come up for debate early in 2010. So far, the follow groups have thrown their support behind the initiative:

• Alberta Fish and Game Club Association
• B.C. Wild Life Federation
• Delta Waterfowl Foundation
• Friends of Fur
• Canadian Outdoors Network
• Ducks Unlimited Canada
• Fur Institute of Canada
• Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation
• Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
• La Federation Qucoise des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs
• Outdoors Caucus
• Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation
• Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Federation
• Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
• Wild Life Habitat Canada

Article courtesy of