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Yakabuski said all existing animal protections in place during the recent pilot projects would remain in effect under the new proposed rules, including an outright ban on killing bear cubs or mothers with their young during the spring.

For Camille Labchuk, Executive Director of advocacy organization Animal Justice, such measures don’t offer meaningful protection.

She said hunters struggle to distinguish between male and female bears even at close range, adding that challenge all but ensures the issue that prompted the cancellation in the first place is bound to surface again.

“This is a death warrant for innocent baby bear cubs who will be orphaned and die when their mothers are gunned down by hunters after emerging from hibernation in the spring,” she said. “It’s deeply disappointing that the current government has so little regard for the majestic creatures with whom we share this province.”

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner sounded similar alarms about the proposal, calling the government’s wildlife conservation record “spotty” and urging a broad-based approach to the public consultation process.

“Any decision to reinstate a permanent spring hunt must be based on science,” he said in a statement. “Hunting of any species cannot be driven purely by economic interests and should only be considered if the population is healthy. Consultations must include First Nations, scientists, and conservationists.”

The government’s proposal also includes tightening commercial guide licensing requirements and shortening the hunting season on the Bruce Peninsula, where the Tories say the province’s otherwise healthy bear population is more precarious.

Members of the public can weigh in on the potential changes by submitting feedback on the Environmental Registry of Ontario until Feb. 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2020.