WHEREAS the increased Canada Goose population is having negative economic impacts on communities where tourism is a major industry; AND WHEREAS the egg addling program has had a limited effect on the goose population and is but one tool in the control of the goose population; AND WHEREAS the Canada Goose is causing health concerns for those using local lakes, beaches, parks, and playing fields, with high coliform counts having been detected in some areas having detrimental effects on the economy, tourism, and health in the communities affected; AND WHEREAS the British Columbia Hunting Regulations are insufficient to control the increased numbers of geese: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province encourage the Canadian Wildlife Service to be more permissive in the issuance of kill permits, and failing an agreement to do so by Canadian Wildlife Service, that the Province take the initiative to provide kill permits to affected local governments for goose population reduction.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations Canada Geese are migratory waterfowl covered by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. Although they are also included in the provincial Wildlife Act, the senior responsibility for these birds lies with the Canadian Wildlife Service CWS. Killing permits alone will not solve the long-term problem as geese are prolific breeders. As long as circumstances enable them to be productive, their populations will recover quickly. The Province encourages local governments to consider a variety of management methods to reduce problem goose populations such as egg addling, placing temporary goose fencing around park beaches during the flightless period, approved scare tactics, increased hunt harvesting levels, and modifying landscapes to be less attractive and accessible. While the provincial government may technically have legal authority under the Wildlife Act to issue kill permits for Canada Geese, doing so would not be useful. If the CWS has already issued a permit, it would merely duplicate their efforts. In cases where they have not, a federal permit would still be required. Anyone killing Canada Geese without the necessary federal permit would be committing an offence and be subject to charges. Resolving nuisance goose problems will require a coordinated effort from all affected stakeholders. The Province would be pleased to participate in such efforts.
Canadian Wildlife Service The Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada is aware of the potential effects increasing Canada Goose populations can have on communities and the environment, and has taken measures to slow population growth and reduce the impact of conflicts. Minister of the Environment Environment Canadas Canadian Wildlife Service is aware of the potential effects increasing Canada Goose populations can have on communities and the environment, and has taken measures to slow population growth and reduce the impact of conflicts. The Canadian Wildlife Services mandate to protect and conserve wildlife includes programs that provide advice and educational materials on dealing with goose problems. One of the measures being taken includes issuing permits under the Migratory Birds Regulations when direct management actions are necessary. Permits, subject to appropriate terms and conditions, may be issued to scare birds, destroy eggs, relocate birds, andor kill birds. The educational material include guidance on the effective use of these tools. The Canadian Wildlife Service can also modify hunting seasons and bag limits. I appreciate the Union of BC Municipalities interest and support in managing the conflicts between communities and Canada Goose populations. However, the Canadian Wildlife Service is the only authority to issue permits, and does so under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1997 and the Regulations. At present, permits to kill Canada Geese are issued to help prevent crop and other kinds of damage, and to reduce aircraft-related risks at airports. Environment Canada works closely with individual municipalities and regional Canada Goose management groups to provide advice about the biology of Canada Geese, permitting requirements and policies. Several Canadian regions and municipalities have successfully implemented goose management plans that have reduced conflicts to a level acceptable to most of their citizens. The Canadian Wildlife Service provides information about the experiences successes and challenges of management strategies implemented across the country. For more details about managing Canada Geese and obtaining permits to reduce conflicts with them, please visit: www.ec.gc.cambc-comdefault.asp?langEnn6D2B893B-1