May 6, 2024, we received reporting from Jeff Pelletier of the Nunatsiaq News regarding the case involving the Arctic Cowboys expedition:
All charges have been dropped against a group of kayakers accused of breaking national parks laws in Nunavut last year.
In an Iqaluit courtroom Monday, Crown prosecutor Chris McCarthy withdrew charges against Edward Hansen, Mark Agnew, Eileen Visser and Jeffrey Wueste.
The four kayakers were facing 45 charges each, relating to events alleged to have occurred at the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Sirmilik National Park near Pond Inlet during a months-long paddling trip last summer.
Among the withdrawn charges — which were contrary to the Canadian National Parks Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act — were possessing a firearm in a bird sanctuary and entering a restricted area of a park…
Visit Nunatsiaq News to read the entire story and learn what it means for the Arctic Cowboys team. Paddling Magazine has also reached out to expedition leader West Hansen for comment.
Feature photo: West Hansen/Arctic Cowboys
They faced 45 charges, only the remaining 39 of the charges were withdrawn in court. It is likely they paid 6 of the fines and the balance were dropped in pretrial mediation.
Who cares? It’s done.