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Agriculture Minister supports outdoor caucus By
Robert Freeman - Black Press April 13 2006 A proposed outdoor caucus of federal MPs is an "interesting concept" that should catch the attention of many members of parliament, says Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP Chuck Strahl. "I think (Saskatchewan MP Garry Breitkreuz) is going to get a lot of take-up on that," he says. The agriculture minister won't have time to join the caucus, but says he will ask the department's rural secretariat to keep him informed about the issues raised by the MPs. Breitkreuz says nearly 40 MPs - of all political stripes - are supporting the caucus with a mission to "entrench in law" fishing, hunting, trapping and shooting sports as "heritage activities" in Canada. "If we do this right, this caucus could be a tremendous asset to our country," he says. The BC Wildlife
Federation is also supporting creation of the caucus. "It's a very
good thing, not just for the federation, but for everyone who is involved
in the outdoor lifestyle," says Tony Toth, BCWF executive director. So far, there are five Liberals and two New Democrats among the 38 caucus members, most of them from Ontario and Alberta. B.C., Saskatchewan and Quebec each have three MPs in the caucus. Only two of the B.C. MPs, John Cummins and Jim Abbott, had released their names for publication at press time yesterday. According
to a draft mission statement, the caucus MPs would look at issues Breitkreuz says five million Canadians enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, so it is "vital that the interests of this vast group of Canadians be recognized by members of parliament and senators from all parties." ------------------------------------------- OUTDOORS
CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP AS OF APRIL 13, 2006 |