Two Newfoundland men sentenced for offences under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994

Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador – December 4, 2017 – Environment and Climate Change Canada

Illegal trafficking of wildlife is unacceptable in Canada. Unlawfully exploiting species for profit will not be tolerated.

In November 2013, Environment and Climate Change Canada wildlife enforcement officers initiated “Operation Longfeather”, an investigation into the unlawful commercialization and illegal harvest of migratory birds.

As a result of the four year investigation, two Newfoundland men were charged and have been sentenced for offences under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

On November 23, Mr. Scott Ross Waye of Bonavista, Newfoundland, pleaded guilty in Newfoundland Provincial Court to charges under the Act. Mr. Waye has been ordered to pay $7,000 and must forfeit a boat and motor as well as other items used while carrying out the offences. Mr. Waye is prohibited from hunting for eight years and cannot be in the presence of anyone hunting or possess migratory birds or any parts of migratory birds.

On November 28, Mr. Walter John Foote of Lamaline, Newfoundland also pleaded guilty to charges under the Act. Mr. Foote has also been ordered to pay a total penalty of $7,000 and must forfeit a number of items used while carrying out the offences, including his boat and motors. Mr. Foote is also prohibited from hunting for 10 years, cannot be in the presence of anyone hunting and cannot leave Canada for the purpose of hunting.

The total penalties will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund.

The investigations resulting from Operation Longfeather are ongoing.

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.

Quick facts

• Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, Environment and Climate Change Canada is authorized to protect migratory birds, their nest and populations, and also regulates potentially harmful human activities that may impact on the above.
• 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 our natural environment.

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