HUNTING AND FISHING LICENCE ISSUER FINED $2,000

[Some Old Guy 968]

THUNDER BAY - An Armstrong man has been fined $2,000 for failing to remit fees to the Ministry of Natural Resources for hunting and fishing licences sold at his bait and tackle business in 2005.

Craig Toset, 38, owner-operator of Beedahbin Adventures, Armstrong, had his authority to sell the ministry's licences revoked in December 2005. He has 30 days to pay his fine.

Court heard that a Thunder Bay District conservation officer began an investigation when Toset failed to send in fees for selling hunting and fishing licences to the ministry in the fall of 2005.

Justice of the Peace John Guthrie heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay, September 22, 2006.

The ministry's licence issuers have been given authority to sell licences to make it easier for the public to buy them, particularly in remote locations. All angling and hunting licence sales revenue must be held in trust for the Crown and remitted to the ministry each month. The money from licence sales is used to fund fish and wildlife management and enforcement activities.

Call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time to report a natural resources violation or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).