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News
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Broader consultations should have been held on Sunday
hunting decision December 20, 2005
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Percy Barrett, Opposition Critic for Environment and Conservation and MHA
for the District of Bellevue, says the decision to allow Sunday hunting in
the province should have been discussed and debated in the House of Assembly
before approval. Barrett also feels public consultations should have been
held across Newfoundland and Labrador. "The issue of Sunday hunting has been very contentious over the past number of years in this province," said Mr. Barrett. "Since the announcement yesterday, I have received a mixed response of support and opposition to this plan. Those who oppose this decision are very upset that there were no public consultations and they do not feel they had the opportunity to make their opinions known on this issue. "I am very disappointed that government did not bring this issue to the House of Assembly for debate. Announcing it days before Christmas appears to be nothing more than a tactic to silence potential critics over the holidays. Knowing the importance of this issue to many people, a more open and accountable method should have been used. All Members of the House of Assembly should have had an opportunity to consult and reflect the wishes of their constituents. "I also find it very hypocritical that these are the same members who opposed Sunday shopping and argued vehemently against its implementation while in Opposition. Many of the speeches reflected the feeling that Sunday should be a day of rest and prayer. I am surprised that they would have such a change of heart since becoming the government. "The people of the province will ultimately have to decide whether they support this new Sunday hunting legislation. However, for a government that claims to be open and accountable, this decision and process was anything but open, accountable and transparent."
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