Decision Date: June 13, 2005

Panel: Alan Andison

Keywords: Wildlife Act – s. 24; cancellation of angling licence; period of ineligibility

Paolo Siclari appealed a decision by the Deputy Director of Wildlife (the “Deputy Director”), cancelling his angling licence, and prohibiting him from obtaining an angling licence for three years.  Mr. Siclari argued that the term of the licence cancellation was excessive, and that his past convictions were the result of unintentional mistakes caused by old age and poor eyesight.  He submitted that he has learned from his mistakes, and stressed the importance of fishing in his life.  Mr. Siclari asked the Board to reduce the three-year period of ineligibility.

The Board found that Mr. Siclari is an experienced fisher with numerous convictions for the same offence, who has shown a lack of respect for the fishery resource, and a disregard for the laws governing angling.  The Board agreed with the Deputy Director that Mr. Siclari’s behaviour warrants a lengthy period of ineligibility, and found that three years is appropriate.

Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed.