Point of Privilege Resoltion No. 1-03M

WHEREAS, livestock producers have had a significant number of livestock lost to predators; and

WHEREAS, the existing predator program is not working effectively; and

WHEREAS, Rural Municipalities have a better awareness of the number of predators in the area;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the control of the program be removed from the Saskatchewan Environment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that financial assistance be provided to Rural Municipalities to assist with predator control.

Response From David Forbes, Minister of Environment:

The Saskatchewan Livestock Predation Program was initiated in 2001 with annual funding of $200,000 provided by Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR). Saskatchewan Environment (SE) works in a policy advisory capacity for the program as well as providing additional technical assistance to landowners with livestock predation concerns. The Saskatchewan Livestock Predation Program incorporates the need to assist landowners with predator problems while maintaining protocols that ensure environmental and public safety and sustainability of ecosystem function. The program is administered by the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB) on behalf of SAFFR. This cooperative response to the predation issue has been well received by most landowners and the province is not considering making changes to the program at this time.