A Manitoba judge has ruled that Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie must revisit the decision to grant permits to a company that is no longer allowed to take tourists to view polar bears in large tundra vehicles east of Churchill. Manitoba Court of King’s Bench Justice Shawn Greenberg stated that the province acted improperly by not renewing two tundra vehicle permits for Churchill’s Lazy Bear Expeditions for the upcoming polar bear viewing season of 2025-26.
Judge Greenberg questioned the provincial wildlife branch’s justification for not renewing the permits, emphasizing that reducing the number of vehicles from 20 to 18 would not necessarily enhance polar bear conservation efforts. The court noted that two other ecotourism companies, Great White Bear and Frontiers North, hold a total of 18 permits to operate large tundra vehicles in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.
The decision to revoke Lazy Bear’s permits was allegedly based on concerns about the decline of the polar bear population in the western Hudson Bay region and the risk of habituation to polar bear vehicles. However, Greenberg highlighted that the impact of stationary tundra lodges operated by other companies may pose a greater threat to the animals than moving vehicles.
The judge suggested that the decision not to renew Lazy Bear’s permits was likely influenced by external factors, such as ongoing litigation involving Great White Bear. Greenberg also pointed out that the province should have reconsidered the permitting process before limiting the operation of tundra vehicles to just two companies.
Following the court ruling, Wally Daudrich, the owner of Lazy Bear Expeditions, expressed satisfaction with the decision but indicated that he intends to pursue legal action against the province and wildlife officials over the permit issue. The NDP government stated that it would review the court’s decision before determining its next steps.
Representatives from Great White Bear Tours and Frontiers North, two companies involved in the polar bear viewing industry, refrained from commenting on the ruling at this time.
