Open Petition Re: Killing Canada Geese Again?

Canada Geese have long been a part of Canada’s national identity. However, wildlife hunters continue to want to kill them to reduce an “overpopulation” that they created decades ago!

The CRD Plan

These massive “culls” do not resolve any so called problems when, if needed, habitat changes have done so. And what proof is there of “damages” that have been resolved with no kill methods in other cases! In 2020, a Juan de Fuca director Mike Hicks won accolades for launching what he dubbed a “poop Zamboni” to sweep up goose dung at playing fields.

The Board of the Capital Regional District (CRD) on Southern Vancouver Island, wants to establish a regional Canada Goose monitoring and coordination “service” to address “increasing” populations of non-migratory, resident Canada geese populations, and reduce their environmental impacts.

An “Elector Response Form” was sent out to all property owners only in the CRD. They can oppose the CRD adopting the above “Canada Goose Management Service Bylaw” to authorize the establishment of a service for the purpose of regional Canada Goose management. It must be returned by noon on Jan 23/23.

https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/legislative-pdf/alternative-approval-process/2023-goose-management-regional-aap-(bylaw-4522)/elector-response-form-bylaw-4522.pdf?sfvrsn=359d68ce_4

If enacted the “Service” would be a “collaboration with other Vancouver Island regional districts, local governments and First Nations to reduce Canada Goose populations”. Therefore, all residents and visitors should be able to vote!

You can voice your opposition by Signing and Sharing this petition.

https://www.change.org/p/let-canada-geese-live-in-peace

There are many other ways to live with geese... For example, In 2020, then-Juan de Fuca director Mike Hicks won accolades for launching what he dubbed a “poop Zamboni” to sweep up goose dung at playing fields.

Hunters caused the Non-migrating Canada Geese Issues

In the 70s hunters caused this problem. It started in the Vancouver lower mainland by individuals with Ducks Unlimited and BC Wildlife Federation support.

They brought in about 500 geese to the Fraser Valley from the Prairies They bred migratory Canada Geese with domesticated ducks to produce a year-round supply to kill. There were goose pens all over the valley from Stanley Park, the Serpentine Fen, Minnekhada Ranch, Widgeon Creek, Maple Ridge, and up in the Harrison and Chilliwack areas.

The birds' wings were clipped in the plan that they would stay the first year and when their new plumage grew back, they would migrate in the winter and return in the spring to nest. The geese never did migrate. The geese population grew and became a controllable "nuisance" to some parks, golfers and beach goers.

Humane No Kill Solutions

1. In order to obtain any permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service under the Migratory Bird Act it must be proven that there is “damage” and all other methods have been tried and failed.

2. “Prior to the issuance of Damage permit,Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service looks at a specific  Management Plan developed to address the wildlife issue and ensures that all feasible non-lethal means are being implemented in order to address the issue.

3. Damage Permits issued by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service strongly encourage the use of scaring and other preventive non-lethal measures to control Canada Geese.

Instead of hunting Canada Geese there are numerous humane deterrents such as noise deterrents, herd dogs, addling eggs, cover crops, and other hazing methods.

The Canadian Federal government did not kill geese to protect their fields at a research farm in Ottawa. They began using Border collies at this research farm in 2013.

History Must Not Be Repeated!

Canada Geese should not be under fire! Canada Geese must not be blamed again as an excuse to provide a year round hunting party. Pairs usually stay together for life. They mourn the loss of a partner for a long time.

Let Them Live in Peace!