Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 8

8. Enforcement

The management of National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) is based on three Acts:

• Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations
• Canada Wildlife Act and Wildlife Area Regulations
• Species at Risk Act

To promote compliance with the Canadian Wildlife Act, Wildlife Area Regulations, Migratory Birds Conservation Act, 1994 and Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations, Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service (EC-CWS) posts signs along the perimeter of the NWA and at main access points, signs are posted to identify authorized activities within each NWA and any conditions on those activities.

Environment Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate (EC-WED) is responsible for enforcement of federal and provincial wildlife laws, and will perform on-site inspections and investigations, patrol the NWA to promote compliance and prevent prohibited activities within the NWA.

EC-WED officers monitor compliance with the Acts listed above as well the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 and the Ontario Trespass to Property Act and initiate investigations when required. EC-WED officers will respond to violations and take appropriate enforcement actions.