(March 23, 2022) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agrifoods and MHA for Exploits, says constituents are warning him that the Liberals government’s new online application system for big game licenses is going to leave many freezers empty after this year’s big game hunting season.

Since the application process opened on February 28, Forsey has been contacted by many hunters who are having trouble entering the draw.

“There are many big game hunters in this province having trouble trying to apply for a moose or caribou license this year. Hunters are calling my office to voice their frustration with difficulties in setting up online accounts, a 10-day wait for an email reply, and then having to wait for a password delivered to them via Canada Post,” said Forsey.

“It’s totally inefficient and with around a month left before applications are due, I worry many will be left without a license through no fault of their own.”

Forsey says a dedicated phone number for assistance is only causing more delay for hunters.

“To make the situation even more frustrating, people have reported to me that when they call the phone number for assistance, they are met with endless busy signals or a recorded message which says to call back later.”

Forsey says the changes to the application system has been thrust upon hunters, who are not being reasonably accommodated when they ask for help.

“In transitioning to an online system, the Liberals are causing hunters extreme frustration and worry about whether or not they will miss the opportunity to hunt this fall due to a technical issue,” said Forsey.

“The Liberal Minister must fix this problem. He needs to add more customer service agents to ensure that hunters can have help in troubleshooting the online system and get their application entered into the draw.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca