Alberta government tries to diffuse hunting rights dispute with Metis

THE CANADIAN PRESS
EDMONTON - Premier Ed Stelmach's government is trying to diffuse a dispute with Alberta's Metis by making it easier for people to hunt wild game. Against the will of Metis the province brought in a new policy in July that restricted where Metis can hunt and fish without a licence to eight settlements and 17 communities in northern Alberta. Metis hunting and fishing rights were not recognized south of Highway 16. Now the government has announced a policy that says people who rely on wild meat can apply for a free licence to shoot moose, elk and deer anywhere in the province.

The Metis Nation of Alberta is planning to challenge the hunting restrictions that were imposed in July in court.

Metis nation and government officials were not immediately available for comment.