To ensure transparency and…

To ensure transparency and accountability, the government should make all relevant scientific data, including environmental assessments, publicly available to support its decisions. Extending the public consultation period would also give communities and experts enough time to review this material and provide thoughtful input. Trapping laws need to reflect modern scientific understanding and place animal welfare at the forefront. Economic interests—especially limited ones like those tied to the fur trade—should never outweigh the need to protect wildlife, public safety, or ecosystem health. Beavers, in particular, are vital to healthy landscapes: they create wetlands, help manage water flow, and support a wide range of species. Their habitats, whether on public or private land, must be protected from expanded or poorly regulated trapping, especially outside of legal seasons. Finally, strong oversight and clear reporting requirements are key to making sure that trapping is done responsibly and in line with legal and ethical standards