March 2002 (18/03/2002)

The 2001-2002 season is now a thing of the past. Indeed, the convention and the annual general meeting of your Federation marked the end of a very busy year. The evaluation of the last convention shows a high level of satisfaction among participants. Your discipline and your active participation in the various workshops helped to ensure the success of the convention. As voluntary administrators, you have acted like administration and management professionals. Your exemplary behaviour shows just how serious you take managing wildlife and the occupation of the territory.

Following the convention, your Federation continued its representations with various government organizations and authorities. A meeting with Mr. Louis Aubry,  Vice-president for wildlife development and management at the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec (FAPAQ),  allowed us to clarify a few points including the use of private cottages in Zecs, bear hunting, the capital asset inventory  system, Forma-Faune, deadlines for amending regulations, and the continuation of the Program to create jobs for young people in the regions. The Société has been very receptive, but we must  maintain our contacts to show them the "business oriented" change that we want to embark upon. We sent a letter to Premier Bernard Landry to encourage him to maintain the block felling schedule. Although Minister Gendron's position is not the same as ours, we will be monitoring the matter very closely, and we will not hesitate to remind him of our position.

There is no shortage of issues for the upcoming year, but one in particular is very dear to me: the study of the Federation's structure. The concept of  local Zec, regional grouping and national federation is  still a topical question, but we must review the operation of this structure and analyze responsibilities  at each decision-making level. Finally, we must start examining the boundaries of these areas. This process will not take place behind closed doors; you will have the opportunity to make your opinion known during the various stages of the project.

Finally, 2003 will mark the 25th anniversary of the foundation of Zecs. It is only fitting that  we celebrate this important anniversary. Do you have any suggestions on what we could do? If so, please let us know.

HAVE A GREAT 2002 SEASON!

Claude Beausoleil
President