September 4, 2003

 

 

 

Dear Candidate

 

                        Re:  Ontario Provincial Election – 2003

 

As you are likely aware, the appalling actions of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the regressive and inhumane regulations that it has imposed on wildlife rehabilitators in Ontario has forced the closure of the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre. 

 

Not only has the MNR created a problem where none existed before but the closure of the Centre has meant that Ottawa and Eastern Ontario residents have gone from having one of the most progressive and cost-effective wildlife response services in North America – an acknowledged model - to now being one of the few major cities on the continent without any support for people seeking help on behalf of wildlife mammals.

 

The issues involved go well beyond animal welfare concerns. They involve a serious breach of public trust, abuse of power and misuse of public funds.  The outrage of the community has been demonstrated by over 300 editorials, articles and letters to the editor over the last year. This anger continues to be reflected in an almost weekly resurrection of the issue in various media, including a call-in show on CFRA where the lines were jammed for the entire 1.5 hour period demanding an inquiry and changes to the MNR regulations. The host of the show indicated that political leadership was required and that the up-coming Ontario election was an opportunity to test that leadership.

 

Members and supporters of the Wildlife Centre as well as the community at large are looking for a response from candidates running in local ridings as to where they stand on these issues.   In this regard, I ask that you complete the enclosed survey and return it in the envelope provided (or faxed to 763-9868) no later than September 15, 2003 so that it can be included in information being sent to the community. 

 

If you would like more information on the issue you can telephone 282-3755 to speak to a volunteer or you can visit http://www.wildlifeontario.ca/ for specific details.

 

We hope you will let the community know where you stand on this important issue.

 

 

Sincerely

 

Friends of the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre