Saskatchewan, often revered for its vast landscapes and natural beauty, is now struggling with a sinister force endangering its wildlife—wildlife trafficking. A joint investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has revealed a dark reality that demands urgent attention.
In a two-and-a-half-year effort, the Saskatchewan Special Investigations Unit (SSIU) received intel in 2017 about a Sandy Bay restaurant engaging in the purchase of black bear parts. Subsequent investigations unearthed a network involving individuals from Saskatoon and Toronto, orchestrating the illegal possession and trading of bear gallbladders.
The legal response to this illicit trade has been swift. Saskatchewan conservation officers, under the Saskatchewan Wildlife Act, charged four residents with unlawfully trafficking in bear parts. Simultaneously, Ontario conservation officers charged one resident under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act for the unlawful possession of black bear gallbladders.
In a recent court hearing at Toronto Old City Hall Court, Justice of the Peace Paula Liu convicted Shun Ji Xue of Toronto for unlawfully possessing black bear gallbladders, imposing a fine of $3,250. The four Saskatchewan residents, facing fines totaling $67,370, were not only penalized but also slapped with a five-year suspension from purchasing hunting licenses—a strict measure aimed at curbing future illegal activities.
This revelation highlights a broader issue: the link between illegal wildlife trade and the arms trade—a connection recognized by the Security Council in 2014. It emphasizes the necessity for collaborative efforts between provinces to combat the illegal wildlife trade effectively.
This Saskatchewan investigation aligns with broader legislative trends in Canada. The Jane Goodall Act, making strides in the Senate, seeks to establish formidable legal protection for captive wild animals nationwide. Rooted in science and Indigenous values, the act aims to phase out elephant captivity, ban entertainment performances involving elephants, and protect animal welfare by prohibiting new captivity of over 800 wild species, including big cats and dangerous reptiles.
In Saskatchewan, where wildlife holds cultural significance, legal frameworks prohibiting the sale, advertisement, or trade of fish or wild game meat without proper permits are in place. Recent convictions highlight the commitment to enforcing these laws, emphasizing that wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated.
The fines and hunting suspensions handed down in Saskatchewan send a clear message—wildlife trafficking threatens not only the biodiversity of the province but also the integrity of its laws. As the investigation concludes, the challenge now lies in maintaining this momentum, ensuring that Saskatchewan’s wildlife remains protected from the shadowy realms of illicit trade.
