Manitoba government faces more controversy over annual moose hunt numbers
The Manitoba government is facing more controversy over Indigenous harvesting rights, as a northern First Nation has filed for a court injunction against moose-hunting licences in its area.
Pimicikamak Cree Nation says the moose population in its northern territory is in crisis, and its members have treaty rights to hunt.
Chief David Monias says the province should not be inviting licensed hunters -- non-Indigenous people and hunters from other areas -- to hunt in the region.
The government announced last month it is cutting the number of fall moose-hunting licences in four northern regions, including Pimicikamak Cree Nation, by 75 per cent.
While Monias says the cut is not deep enough, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation -- which represents licensed hunters -- says the reduction is not justified.
The federation filed for a judicial review earlier this month, saying there is no firm data showing the moose population is in dire straits.
The NDP government would not comment directly on the court action, but said it is talking to all sides.
"We are building relationships with First Nations. We are listening to them," Jamie Moses, minister of natural resources, said.
"And at the same time, we are listening to groups like the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and lodges and outfitters."
Monias said Pimicikamak Cree Nation will ask a judge to cancel all licences issued by Manitoba to hunt moose in Pimicikamak territory this year.
"The Supreme Court of Canada says that we exercise our right to hunt to meet our food needs as a right of top priority over all other users where game and fish populations are limited," he said in a news release.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 26, 2024.
Must Watch
Top Videos
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
2 hours ago
LIVE UPDATES Uncontained L.A. wildfires are still burning. Here's the latest as firefighters battle the flames
A series of wildfires are tearing through densely populated parts of the Los Angeles, Calif. area. Five people have been reported dead. About 130,000 have been asked to evacuate. Nearly 2,000 homes and other buildings have been destroyed after the fires charred about 108 square kilometres.
3 min ago
NEW Tipping guide to Canada: When, where and how much to tip for restaurants, taxis and more
CTVNews.ca has created an entirely unofficial guide to tipping in Canada to help visitors, newcomers and curious Canadians navigate the shifting social norms of when, where and how much to tip.
2 hours ago
Can the U.S. really make Canada the 51st state?
Talk of Canada becoming the 51st American state has raised an existential question on this side of the border: Could it be done? Could the maple leaf make way to the stars and stripes? According to several experts, it may be possible, but not painless.
2 hours ago
UPDATED | U.S. says it has no plans to increase military presence in Greenland
The United States has no current plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen said on Thursday, after President-elect Donald Trump expressed renewed interest in acquiring the vast Arctic island.
12 min ago
Prince William praises his wife Kate as he wishes her a happy birthday
Prince William praised the strength of the Princess of Wales after a turbulent year, offering a 43rd birthday wish on social media on Thursday that described her as an incredible wife and mother.
2 hours ago
NEW | How cold does it need to get before iguanas start falling out of trees in Florida?
It's a South Florida phenomenon that draws amusement from across the country — when temperatures drop below a certain level, cold-stunned iguanas start falling out of trees.
44 min ago
NEW | Working Well: Saying no is hard, but setting boundaries can improve your health
Setting boundaries at work, and in life, can be tricky. Many people find it difficult to say no, especially to a manager. Some get a sense of satisfaction from being needed or pleasing others.
3 min ago
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.