Why are US environmental groups invited to the table while Canadian stakeholders are not?
Canada boasts 8 million anglers. These 8 million anglers generate an annual economy of $9 billion in support of their passion. Recreational fishing supports jobs in tourism, transportation, retail goods, boating, vehicle sales, ATV’s and snowmobiles.
The taxes generated on multiple levels as a result of people fishing are substantial.
Even so, the federal government has not always viewed sustainable recreational fishing as an important part of the Canadian economy.
The Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) is the only national recreational fishing industry organization in Canada. Representing retailers, manufacturers and sales agencies, the CSIA works closely with sister trade organization, The American Sportfishing Association, on issues of mutual interest.
Many of the U.S. Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) and benefactors which threaten the future of fishing access in Canada are engaged in identical campaigns back home. The contrast, however, is in transparency.
Even after asking to be included in discussions concerning major policy or legislative initiatives which directly impact fishing, CSIA is never invited to the table. U.S. ENGOs, on the other hand, are welcomed as “stakeholders” by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
Before an accountable, transparent and fairly balanced stakeholder policy process can be established at DFO and ECCC, there must be full disclosure by these agencies of the existing funding, partners, maps and plans involved in ongoing policies and plans concerning MPAs.
Go to Article 1: Funds from U.S. ENGOs Threaten Your Right to Fish
Go to Article 2: The North American Model of Conservation
Go to Article 3: Protection Zones: One Size Does Not Fit All
Go to Article 4: Canadians’ Access to Fishing Could Close Permanently
Go to Article 6: Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management From Anglers’ Perspective
This is an ongoing issue that we will be reporting on — both in-depth and as the threat of fishing closures arise across the country.
We invite you to review the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association’s document, Elevating Recreational Fishing to a National Priority, for more details about this very important topic.
As well, if you’ve ever wanted to help support the recreational fishing industry in Canada, now is the time. Keep Canada Fishing is the national voice of Canada’s anglers, and we lead the effort to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our lakes, oceans, rivers and streams. We are your voice on Parliament Hill. If you would like to contribute to our efforts to “Keep Canada Fishing,” you can donate now via PayPal.
