The Fur-Bearers are returning to court to appeal a December 2017 decision rendered in our case against the government of British Columbia. The lawfulness of a Conservation Officer killing a bear cub was being challenged through a judicial review initiated by The Fur-Bearers.
A judicial review is a process in which a judge can look at an administrative decision or action from within the government and potentially make an order that could affect policy in the future. This review relates to the decision to kill a black bear cub on May 6, 2016, and whether it was lawful.
In his December 2017 ruling, Justice G.C. Weatherill stated that, “In my view, the management of wildlife resources by conservation officers, as contemplated by the Wildlife Act, includes the authority to kill wildlife in circumstances broader than those set out in [Section 79 of the Wildlife Act].”
He also noted that “I find it inconceivable that the Legislature intended to restrict the wildlife management powers of officers to kill wildlife to those that are at large and are likely to harm.”
The appeal challenges this ruling. The Fur-Bearers are represented by Arden Beddoes and David Wu of Arvay Finlay LLP.
More details on the court date will be posted as it becomes available.
