The year was 1958

My dear Premier,

I should like to solicit your assistance and offer what help I can give in a problem of common concern in the small communities of northern Quebec, where Eskimos live. The problem relates to dogs and although this may seem a small matter, you may believe that I would not approach you personally on it did we not attach importance to a satisfactory solution becoming increasingly serious. During this past year there have been many incidents of attacks by loose dogs on persons in northern Quebec, especially on children. For example, at Great Whale River an Indian child was so severely bitten on September 26 that she died of the injuries. Another child and two women only barely escaped a similar disaster. There have been similar incidents in Fort Harrison, Fort Chimo and Sugluk.

Most of these dogs are owned by Eskimos to whom they are necessary in pursuit of food from the land. We have tried every means of educating the Eskimos to the dangers of loose dogs but we have regretfully concluded that there is no possibility of solving the problem without legal sanctions.

Under the provisions of the Province of Quebec Agricultural Abuses Act, Chapter 129 and Sections 11 and 12, dogs wandering at large in unorganized territory of Quebec, between the dates of May 1st and December 15th, may be shot by anyone. This has been done when the dogs are considered a menace, but it has not curtailed to an appreciative extent the potential danger to the safety of children in the larger settlements.

I am wondering if you would give consideration to the amendment of the Agricultural Abuses Act to permit the shooting of dogs wandering at large in unorganized territory of Quebec at any time of the year, rather than from May 1st to December 15th only. At the same time you might wish to consider having the penalties contained in Section 21 made applicable to infractions under Section 11.

I think you will agree that the enforcement of the Agricultural Abuses Act in unorganized territory of Quebec, might be more effectively pursued if there were justices of the peace permanently resident in the main communities. Infractions could be readily dealt with and the appropriate penalties applied. As you may know, the population of these settlements have grown sufficiently that you would have at your disposal a choice of names for the positions of justices of the peace. If it should be your wish in any cases, I would instruct representatives of my administration who deal with Eskimo affairs, to act in this capacity, without remuneration. There would, however, be others outside the Government service whom you might consider for such appointments and in the execution of their duties you could rely upon us to give every assistance to you and to the provincial authorities.

Please accept, my dear Premier, the renewed expression of my highest sentiment.

Yours sincerely,
Alvin Hamilton
Minister of Northern Affairs and
Natural Resources