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GUEST COLUMN — The New Brunswick Wildlife Federation is pleased the New Brunswick government is about to pass Sunday Hunting legislation.

Sunday Hunting is a controversial topic, with people both for and against, and even with some hunters opposing it, but it's a step forward and a long time in coming, even if it is only for three days for now. It's like a trial period. When people see there is no reality to perceived dangers, then it will be time to review it for other days in the different hunting seasons.

I also would like to compliment the federal government for passing the Animal Cruelty Act, which substantially increases fines and penalties in cases of animal abuse without impacting negatively on millions of Canadians in the outdoor, agricultural and medical research communities.

Another issue on the front burner affecting hunters is the extension of the amnesty for firearms owners who don't have a possession license or have unregistered firearms. The amnesty is just that —a time when prosecutions for offences are waived. Owners still have to ensure they are licensed to own firearms and that their firearms are registered. I urge unlicensed owners to obtain the necessary license. AS well, the government's proposal to make it easy for those with lapsed Possession Only Licenses to renew them without any hassles is a good one. Those owners were deemed to be safe when they were given their licenses in the first place and nothing has changed.

However, I urge the government to change to a single license combining both possession only and acquisition. That would make it so much easier for citizens to understand and also for government to administer. The continuous screening by the chief firearms officer in reviewing facts and circumstances surrounding owners, is the real protection for the public. That process ensures that the people acting wrongfully have their licenses revoked, but law abiding hunters, trappers and target shooters are not affected.

I am looking forward to working with the minister of natural resources and other departments having a wildlife mandate both at the provincial and federal levels.

Roland Michaud incoming president of the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation. He is an avid hunter and angler from St. Leonard and was elected president of the federation at its recent annual meeting in Sussex. Other members of the executive are first vice-president Wayne Berry of Sackville Rod and Gun Association, second vice-president Rob Johnson of Petitcodiac Sportsmen's Club, treasurer Kim Reeder of Scoodic Fish and Game Association and Secretary Rod Currie of Fredericton Fish and Game Association. NBWF is the umbrella group for angling and hunting clubs around the province and the oldest and largest organization speaking out for anglers, hunters, wildlife and habitat in New Brunswick. It was originally incorporated as the New Brunswick Fish and Game Protective Association in 1924.