Social media erupted this afternoon when the story broke that Bryce Casavant would not be fired, but would also not return to his former position.
"Bryce Casavant was following clear procedures when he decided to save these young bears," said Casavant’s union president Stephanie Smith in a CBC article. "He showed compassion and exercised caution — all good traits for a conservation officer— so we are calling for his full reinstatement."
The government, of course, is denying that any wrong-doing on their part has occurred.
"No employee involved in this case has been subjected to any discipline,” a spokesperson from the government said.
The original actions of Casavant were immediately recognized as righteous – and his actions also led to an immediate suspension. Following that suspension and the first round of public outcry, the hacker group Anonymous released what they allege was the email chain between Casavant and his supervisor, leading to even more public pressure.
Shadowed by this nefarious move by government bureaucrats was news that Jordan and Athena – the cubs rescued by Casavant – have been approved for rehabilitation and release.
The union representing Bryce is appealing to an independent arbitrator that his original actions (which have been ironically supported by the government after they agreed the cubs would be appropriate for rehab/release) were correct and therefore his suspension and subsequent transfer were unjust.
The Fur-Bearers are asking that you continue to sign petitions and write your MLA in BC (or the Minister of Environment outside of BC) to express your support for Bryce, the bear cubs, and compassionate conservation.
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly humane.
