March 9, 2020
Province to Modernize Licensing for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Improve Service Delivery And Accessibility
– – –Gradual Rollout Starts with Hunting, Angling Licences and Provincial Park Vehicle Permits
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would pave the way for a new, online service for the sale of outdoor licenses and permits, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“There are endless adventures to be had in our great outdoors,” said Guillemard. “We are excited to improve and modernize the way Manitobans and visitors access and enjoy the many outdoor activities offered throughout our province and in our provincial parks. Moving to an online system from a paper-based one will enable our government to improve the services we deliver, while decreasing our carbon footprint.”
The province recognizes this is a significant change in the way people will access licences and park permits so it will be phased in, starting with hunting and angling licenses as well as provincial park vehicle permits this spring, Guillemard said.
Users would be able to go online, create a customer profile, select the desired product or licence, and check out as they would with any other online purchase. There will also be an option to purchase licences and permits online at Manitoba Conservation and Climate offices around the province and at participating retailers. A digital copy of the licence would be available to download from the customer’s account and a copy must be printed out and carried while hunting or fishing so it can be presented upon request. Park vehicle permits would also have to be printed for display on the vehicle’s dashboard.
“The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has been advocating to have e-licensing brought to the province for years,” said Chris Heald, executive director, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “We appreciate the work that has gone into this project and are glad to see the province has listened to the voice of hunters, anglers and trappers. We look forward to having access to the added convenience this system allows.”
Benefits of using an e-licensing approach would include:
• access 24 hours a day, seven days a week online or by telephone;
• access through participating retailers (list will be available online);
• the ability to immediately purchase and print licenses and permits at home;
• receiving email confirmation of licences/permits purchased; and
• improved data collection that will support program management.
“With expanded access such as the ability to make purchases from a smartphone or mobile device, we are using technology to move Manitoba forward,” said Pedersen. “As Manitobans embrace the new system, we will roll out additional licences and permits for purchase online and continue taking steps to improve our services.”
This initiative is a priority as identified in the ministers’ mandate letter, and supports the government’s commitment to enhance public services, reduce red tape and advance innovative technology solutions.
In addition to current base licence fees, an administration fee of $4.50 will be included in all licences and permit purchases to support enhanced service delivery, with the exception of the Manitoba Resident Seniors Conservation Angling Licences that will remain free of charge.
For more information on the program, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca.
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