MNR trying to improve service

So got my release permit and along with it a request for a sit down to review how I found the process and any suggestions to make the experience better ( the $60.00 gift card would be a bonus)
Hello,

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is working to improve our client approval services (for licenses, permits, authorizations, etc.) to make them more convenient and accessible.
We would appreciate your feedback on the current process, as well as any thoughts you may have for improvements.

Tell us what you think!
Who:We are contacting clients like you who have licenses, permits, and/or authorizations relating to natural resources and forestry.
What: The team is looking for up toone hour of your time to conduct an interview to learn about your experiences.
When: We will beflexible around your schedule.
Where: The team will be meeting with clients either through MS Teams or over the telephone.
Why:We are conducting user research sessions to learn how we can refine our approval services to make them more convenient, accessible, and easier to use.
How:Reply to this email to express your interest in participating!
What is in it for you?
Participants selected to be interviewed will be offered a $60 gift card from their choice of President’s Choice or Amazon as a thank you. It is also a great opportunity to share your thoughts on what we are doing right and what we need to work on.
Thank you for considering this request. Your feedback will assist us in ensuring our services meet your needs. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Sincerely,
So anyone have thoughts about the process you'd like me to pass along?

BS, in 20+ years of me hunting in ON, I see continuously declining level of service, the gov cutting MNR budget (or so we're told)
This survey is for some bureaucrat to put a checkmark on their annual performance review and get a promotion. No one cares.

Well on a positive note I think its nice to see the MNR reaching out to stakeholders on how to improve - encouraging to say the least...

Time will tell if they will ACTUALLY listen and improve.

I also do not have a lot of faith though.

Example-when the conducted the BIG moose rule change feedback program-BEFORE the changes were made,and went all over Ontario to meet with the hunters and see what we-hunters want,they FAIL to realize,most moose hunters are down south? and they organized almost all(except 2) meetings north of North Bay.
Moose is there -but the survey was for hunters,and they are most south!
When i asked -why they could not change that...........i am still waiting for the reply.

For those of us who follow Project Upland, Hunting Dog Confidential, Birdshot, the Hunting Dog or similar American-based podcasts or social media, you realize how well-funded state DNRs are and the amazing level of service, programs and research they provide. I think the Pittman-Roberston Act is big reason for this, not to mention the larger tax-paying and permit-buying popuation.

Similarly, orgs like RGS/AWS and PF are able to do so much more in the U.S.

Frankly, its depressing what has become of the Ontario's MNR (now NDMNRF last time I checked) in my lifetime. What was once a prestigious Ministry that cabinet members jostled for position to lead, is now the ministry for last kid to get picked to play in left field.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

For those of us who follow Project Upland, Hunting Dog Confidential, Birdshot, the Hunting Dog or similar American-based podcasts or social media, you realize how well-funded state DNRs are and the amazing level of service, programs and research they provide. I think the Pittman-Roberston Act is big reason for this, not to mention the larger tax-paying and permit-buying popuation.

Similarly, orgs like RGS/AWS and PF are able to do so much more in the U.S.

Frankly, its depressing what has become of the Ontario's MNR (now NDMNRF last time I checked) in my lifetime. What was once a prestigious Ministry that cabinet members jostled for position to lead, is now the ministry for last kid to get picked to play in left field.

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very well said but unfortunately how sad that this is what the MNR has come down to

I agree with VOM,they are jerking your middle leg
The ministry is a former shell of itself.Other than curtailing limits and adding restrictions they do nothing to increase hunting oppurtunities by "managing" the resources.Ie what happened to the quail,huns,pheasants, , why haven't they found a replacement ,and when will we be able to hunt sandhills etc. etc.etc Look at Sask for example and look at S Dakota where haying is prohibited until the ground nesting birds have had an oppurtunity to nest.THAT'S managing

It's been said by many and I'll say it again. The MNR is the easiest ministry for the govt to slash n burn. Cutting corners brings so very little outcry from the majority of voters. The few voices from the outdoors community mean nothing in the whole scheme of things.

I have mix feelings about this!
To be fair, on a work level, I deal with a great bunch of individuals at the MNRF.
The majority are dedicated, caring professional workers. Unfortunately the public rarely sees this.
The problem I see is the younger less experienced staff aren’t able and/or don’t have support to make tough decisions when dealing with industry, public and First Nations. There’s always one group that will not like the decision made but now no decision is taken and every one is mad and waiting forever for results.
Covid has only worsen the situation. Some young workers were hired just before Covid and sent home without a phone or a computer and now after two years are expected to face the public and make decisions?
On a side note let’s not forget the good work from MNRF for keeping up with the fish stocking program. Let’s not forget the great work from from our forest fire fighters. They are first class and respected across Canada and the states.
I think politics really gets in the way of the MNRF.
They need strong leadership to get them on the right path again. IMO

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

I have mix feelings about this!
To be fair, on a work level, I deal with a great bunch of individuals at the MNRF.
The majority are dedicated, caring professional workers. Unfortunately the public rarely sees this.
The problem I see is the younger less experienced staff aren’t able and/or don’t have support to make tough decisions when dealing with industry, public and First Nations. There’s always one group that will not like the decision made but now no decision is taken and every one is mad and waiting forever for results.
Covid has only worsen the situation. Some young workers were hired just before Covid and sent home without a phone or a computer and now after two years are expected to face the public and make decisions?
On a side note let’s not forget the good work from MNRF for keeping up with the fish stocking program. Let’s not forget the great work from from our forest fire fighters. They are first class and respected across Canada and the states.
I think politics really gets in the way of the MNRF.
They need strong leadership to get them on the right path again. IMO

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Very well said!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

I have mix feelings about this!
.


On a side note let’s not forget the good work from MNRF for keeping up with the fish stocking program. Let’s not forget the great work from from our forest fire fighters. They are first class and respected across Canada and the states.

I think politics really gets in the way of the MNRF.

They need strong leadership to get them on the right path again. IMO

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Agreed-with modern society leaning towards being Ecologically protective/conscious etc-i think they miss BIG TIME to jump on this bandwagon(but use as conveyance and resource gainer)for improving ALL aspects of wildlife in Ontario.

Many years ago in talking to an MNR higher up I asked how they were coping with the huge budget cuts over the years. He explained that while some departments had been cut other departments had seen there budgets increase. The departments he mentioned dealt with endangered species and invasive species. He seemed to feel the MNR had shifted its focus from management to more protectionism.