Newfoundland and Labrador hunter sentenced for contravening the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994

August 13, 2020 – Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador

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

On August 5, 2020, Raymond Newman was found guilty of three offences under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 after a trial in Grand Falls-Windsor provincial court. Mr. Newman was found guilty of violating paragraph 5(a) of the Act and for contravening a provision of the Migratory Birds Regulations. In addition, Mr. Newman was found guilty of failing to present a migratory game bird hunting permit at the time of inspection.

As a result, Mr. Newman was fined $15,000, which will be directed to the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund. In addition to the fine, Mr. Newman is prohibited from applying for, using, or possessing a migratory game bird permit for a period of one year. He was also ordered by the court to forfeit the seized items including a shotgun, shells, and two razorbills.

In October 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada enforcement officers conducted a migratory bird coastal patrol in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The officers observed a boat with two individuals and hunting equipment on board. Upon inspection, enforcement officers discovered three birds and two shotguns. Two of the birds were razorbills, which are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Mr. Newman was unable to produce a migratory game bird hunting permit at the time of inspection. Additionally, one of the shotguns could hold more than three shells, which contravenes the Migratory Bird Regulations.

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