Tougher Penalties for Wildlife Crimes

Summary#

The Wildlife Amendment Act in Manitoba makes penalties much tougher for harming protected species. It also cancels and suspends hunting licences when someone is convicted, with a lifetime ban for repeat offenders. The law takes effect on the day it receives royal assent.

• Sets much higher fines and possible jail time for breaking rules that protect certain animals.
• For a first protected-species offence: fine of $10,000 to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.
• For a second or later offence: fine of $20,000 to $200,000 and up to two years in jail.
• If convicted of these wildlife offences, all your affected hunting licences are cancelled right away.
• After conviction, you cannot get or hold those licences for at least one year, and for two years after a first protected-species offence.
• A second protected-species offence brings a lifetime ban on getting those licences.
• Updates enforcement language so rules apply to any protected species (not just elk, antelope, cougar, or game birds).
• Removes an earlier clause in section 24 of the Act (the text here does not show what it covered).

What it means for you#

• Hunters and trappers

  • If you harm or take a protected species, you face very large fines and possible jail.
  • A conviction cancels all your related hunting licences in Manitoba right away.
  • You will be blocked from getting those licences for at least one year. If your conviction is for a protected-species offence, the block is two years for a first offence.
  • A second protected-species conviction means a lifetime ban on those licences.
  • Be extra careful to know which animals are protected and what actions are banned.

• Outfitters and guides

  • Clients who break protected-species rules face severe penalties and licence loss, which can affect your business.
  • Stronger rules may push you to add stricter checks and clearer guidance for clients.

• Landowners and farmers

  • If you harm a protected species, even by mistake, penalties are severe. Check rules before removing nuisance wildlife.

• General public and nature users

  • Stronger penalties are meant to deter poaching and help protect wildlife populations, including species at risk.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Tough penalties will deter poaching and illegal trade in protected animals.
• Automatic licence cancellation and bans will stop repeat offenders from returning to the field.
• Stronger protection helps wildlife recover and supports healthy ecosystems.
• Higher fines reflect the real harm of killing or taking protected species.
• Updating the language to cover any protected species closes loopholes.

Opponents' View#

• The fines are very high and could be too harsh for minor or accidental violations.
• Mandatory minimum penalties may remove flexibility for special circumstances.
• Rural residents and subsistence hunters could face heavier impacts if they make a mistake.
• A lifetime ban after a second offence may leave no path for rehabilitation.
• People may be unsure which animals are “protected,” increasing the risk of unintentional violations.