WHEREAS the Canada Goose was introduced and habituated to the Capital Region in the early 1950s by the BC Fish Wildlife Service to provide stock for hunting purposes; AND WHEREAS recent population counts of Canada Geese now fluctuate between 3000 to 5000 in the Capital Region and these geese inflict significant damage to farms crops in Metchosin and on the Saanich Peninsula: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM work with the provincial and federal governments to manage and control burgeoning populations of Canada geese which, left uncontrolled, present major and significant human health and safety, food production, environmental, recreational, water quality and other impacts; and that UBCM support continued provincial support for the multi-phased approach adopted by the Peninsula Agriculture Commission.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Ministry of Environment support efforts to resolve the Canada Goose problem in the Capital Region District as it addresses an important human-wildlife conflict affecting both rural and urban areas throughout BC. Although no direct scientific evidence demonstrates that fecal deposits on parks, golf courses, and other public areas adversely affect human health and water quality, we are aware of local concerns that have been raised on this issue. We note also that while provincial wildlife agencies were involved in the translocation of Canada Geese to parts of BC for hunting opportunities, this could only be done with the full partnership and cooperation of the federal Canadian Wildlife Service CWS as their legislation under the Migratory Birds Convention Act supersedes the authority of the provincial Wildlife Act. Therefore any remedies must receive CWS approval and be in line with their legislation and policies. All direct population reduction methods such as kill permits and egg addling come entirely under the purview of federal legislation. The CWS has recently created a revised management handbook, management plan guidance document, and frequently asked questions summary that address the issue. In partnership with the CWS, hunting is the major tool available to the province for wildlife control. We have attempted to increase hunter harvest where possible by introducing multiple openings, but unfortunately the worst problems areas usually have been closed to hunting under municipal bylaws. This is perhaps something that we could work with the UBCM on as these municipal closures have compounded the problem by providing the conditions for rapid, unchecked population growth. Nonetheless, we recognize the growing seriousness of the problem, and acknowledge that we must be a part of the solution, so we welcome and commend the efforts of the UBCM and others to help address this complex issue. We are already participating with several partners on this issue for the development of a Regional Canada Goose Management Strategy for the CRD area. Recommendations resulting from this strategy will assist in developing effective management strategies to deal with these conflicts. Our ministries continue to support this project by providing technical advice and support on program materials, and attending meetings and field trips.
Environment Canada Environment Canada understands the problems being caused by growing populations of resident Canada Geese. Recently, the Departments Canadian Wildlife Service updated its policies, strategies and advice to help mitigate the conflict between human activities and this species. This information is posted at: www.ec.gc.cambc-comdefault.asp?langEnn6D2B893B-1 Should you require further information, I invite you to contact Environment Canadas Manager of Population Conservation for British Columbia, Mr. Saul Schneider, at saul.schneiderec.gc.ca or 604-940-4727.