Wildlife Enforcement Division
Federal Game Officers of the Wildlife Enforcement Division
enforce laws that protect migratory birds, nationally significant
habitat and endangered species. The Division is organized
into two specialized sections: Inspections and Investigations.
Each specialty within the Division plays a vital role in protecting
Ontario's federally-designated wildlife and habitat.
Enforcement Areas of Expertise
Inspections
Game Officers who specialize in Inspections are required to
visit commercial facilities to verify compliance with Canada's
wildlife trading laws. To do so, officers must have expertise
in identifying plant and animal species. These officers are
the "front-line" wildlife enforcement staff, responding
to inquiries and live animal issues. In many cases, work carried
out by these officers provides the groundwork for investigations.
These officers work closely with Canada Customs officers.
Investigations
When laws protecting wildlife are contravened, Game Officers
who specialize in Investigations are assigned to collect evidence
on the infraction and its broader impact on the wild species.
Investigators coordinate large-scale, multi-departmental,
and complex investigations on criminal activities involving
the illegal harvest and/or trade of wildlife. Often investigations
involve the participation and cooperation of provincial and
national wildlife enforcement agencies. Investigators typically
have formal training and experience in investigative techniques
and covert operations.
Federal Wildlife Protection Legislation
Canada
Wildlife Act (CWA)
The CWA enables the federal government
to carry out wildlife research and conservation initiatives.
Migratory
Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA)
This Act implements Canada's obligations under the Migratory
Birds Convention with the US to manage certain species of
migratory birds and regulate hunting activities.
Wild
Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International
and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA)
Through WAPPRIITA, Canada administers and enforces its responsibilities
under the international agreement for the protection of endangered
species, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty
that protects endangered and threatened species of animals
and plants from over-exploitation by regulating their international
trade through an import/export permitting system.
Species
at Risk Act (SARA)
The objective of SARA is to prevent wildlife species from
becoming extinct or lost from the wild, and to help in the
recovery of those that are at risk as a result of human activities.
For more information on species at risk, visit the Species
at Risk in Ontario Web site and the national Species
at Risk Web site.
Click here for a national
overview of wildlife protection laws in Canada.
Provincial Responsibilities
The Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources *
is responsible for enforcement and other matters pertaining
to hunting and trapping fur bearing animals, as well as fishing
regulations in the province.
Provincial Links
Let's Fish
Ontario *
Ontario Conservation Officer
Association *
|
