SASKATCHEWAN COMMITTED TO HUNTER SAFETY

Released on June 6, 2005

Saskatchewan is showing its commitment to firearm safety and hunter education.

Over the next three years, the province is providing the Saskatchewan Association for Firearm Education (SAFE) with more than $418,000 to train people to be safe and informed hunters. The new contract took effect on April 1st and will allow the people of Saskatchewan to continue to receive high-quality hunter education at an affordable cost.

"Saskatchewan's firearm safety and hunter education program was established in 1960. In 1981, it became a mandatory program. Since then, there have been 195,000 graduates and hunting accidents have been virtually eliminated," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "Saskatchewan's program is accepted as meeting the requirements of all Canadian and American jurisdictions as a pre-requisite for buying hunting licences. By providing the Association with funding, we are ensuring a valuable program will continue to benefit the people of Saskatchewan."

Previously, federal and provincial programs were blended into the SAFE program and people could meet all requirements by taking it. However, In January of 2003, the federal government decided to deliver its own program through the private sector.

While the SAFE program allows Saskatchewan people to buy a hunting licence, it will not guarantee they will meet the federal gun control laws that govern owning a firearm.

The Saskatchewan Association for Firearm Education is a non-profit association whose members volunteer to teach firearm safety.

"We are very pleased to be a part of the new agreement with the Province of Saskatchewan in continuing delivery of our hunter education program," SAFE Executive Director Rick Wyatt said. "It is encouraging for all our volunteer instructors across the province that the province acknowledges and supports their ongoing efforts to ensure our new hunters are safe and knowledgeable in the field."

The funding provided to SAFE comes from the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, which receives a portion of the revenue generated from all fur, angling and hunting licenses sold in the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Jones Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-5796