When Is A Bear Not A Bear – And Why Should You Care?

The exceptional case of R. v. Turnbull, a Newfoundland Provincial Court decision has captured the interest of Provincial and Territorial wildlife departments, Federal Fisheries Officers and constitutional scholars as the case raises significant questions over the jurisdiction of Provincial and Territorial Governments to regulate polar bears.  Based on the Court’s determination that polar bears actually fit within the definition of “fish” under the Federal Fisheries Act, the Court held that the regulation of polar bears is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal  Government.

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