Newfoundland and Labrador hunter sentenced for an offence under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994

August 14, 2020 – Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Strong and effective enforcement of Canada’s environmental and wildlife protection laws is one of the concrete ways in which the government is delivering on its commitment to providing clean air and water, and the conservation of wildlife species and their habitat.

On August 5, 2020, Todd Green of Burgeo was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000, in the Provincial Court in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Green pleaded guilty to one offence under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The total fine will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.

In addition to the fine, the Court ordered that Mr. Green be prohibited for a period of three years from:

• possessing migratory game birds;
• possessing a migratory game bird hunting permit;
• being in the presence or company of anyone hunting migratory game birds; and
• being near coastal waters, with the exception of general transportation.

During a routine patrol on February 7, 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers were inspecting hunters to verify compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. That afternoon, an inspection revealed that Mr. Green had been hunting migratory birds, and had in his possession a Razorbill. A Razorbill is a migratory non‑game bird, which cannot be harvested under a migratory game bird hunting permit. Mr. Green was charged under the Act for unlawfully possessing a migratory bird.

Quick facts

• Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for protecting migratory birds, their nests, and populations and for regulating potentially harmful human activities that may affect them.
• The Environmental Damages Fund is administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It was created in 1995 to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit the environment.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has created a free subscription service to help Canadians stay current with what the Government of Canada is doing to protect our natural environment.

Contacts

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
ec.media.ec@canada.ca