Preamble:  For the 2008 fishing season resident Manitobans age 16-64 years have to pay $18.89 for a regular fishing licence or $13.28 for a ‘conversation licence’ (A conservation licence entitles the holder to the same rights as a Regular Licence holder except for reduced limits for some species: 4 walleye/sauger, 4 pike, 1 lake trout, 1 channel catfish, 2 smallmouth bass and 2 stocked trout. Limits for other species remain the same).

All other residents of Canada age 16 and over have to pay $40.38 or $21.69 respectively. 

The high cost of licences discourages non-resident fishing in the province. A proactive approach to licensing fees pertaining to all other Canadian residents would help offset the decrease in American fisherman every summer.

Resolution: That the Government of Manitoba provide all Canadian residents with a Manitoba fishing licence at the same cost as Manitoba residents.

Resolution Report:  

MCC Advocacy (additions since last report are in italics):

May 21, 2008: An MCC ‘Inside the Chamber’ Web Story entitled “IT HAPPENED AT THE AGM: PART 3 – MCC Announces Resolutions For 2008-2009″ provided access to each and every Resolution passed at the AGM. Notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 4, 2008: For the first time ever the MCC made available its handbook on ‘Policies & Resolutions’ which contains Resolutions in one handy format. An MCC ‘Inside the Chamber’ Web Story entitled “MCC Releases Policy Handbook” announced this initiative. Notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 6, 2008: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• Minister of Culture, Heritage & Tourism
• Minister of Conservation

July 17, 2008: The Minister of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport wrote to the MCC on this matter indicating that this issue fell under the portfolio of the department of Water Stewardship.

September 29, 2008: Failing to hear from the Minister of Water Stewardship on this matter, the MCC sent a follow-up letter. The MCC has diarized the date of the letter and will follow-up with a call if the Minister does not reply within two weeks.  

September 29, 2008: Wrote to the sponsoring chambering in relation to this matter.

October 8, 2008: Wrote to the sponsoring chambering with an update in relation to this matter.

October 20, 2008: The 2008 third quarter edition of the Focus mentioned this Resolution in its report on the MCC AGM. The Focus magazine goes out to 10,000 businesses and community leaders across Manitoba.

Developments (additions since last report are in italics):

July 28, 2008: The Minster of Conservation wrote to the MCC on this issue indicating that the Minister of Water Stewardship administers The Fisheries Act, which covers this matter. The Minister forwarded our letter to the Minister of Water Stewardship.   

October 6, 2008: The Minister of Water Stewardship wrote to the MCC as follows:

Manitoba’s licensing policy is similar to most other jurisdictions in Canada. With the exception of Ontario and Alberta, all provinces require other Canadian residents to purchase some type of non-resident licence. Quebec and the Maritime provinces treat all non-residents similarly (Canadian or not) while British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have separate Canadian non-resident licenses with lower fees. In Manitoba, these fees support the various fisheries management programs and ensure that diverse and quality angling opportunities are offered to residents and visitors to our province.

Current angling licence fees in Manitoba are well within the range of those charged to other Canadian residents by other provinces. Many jurisdictions have fees significantly higher than Manitoba. Therefore, our fees should not be considered a deterrent to non-resident anglers and the associated economic benefits that they bring to our province.

I trust this information addresses your concerns with Manitoba’s angling licence fee structure. I assure you that my department recognizes the significant economic benefits of our valuable tourism industry and appreciates your suggestions for increasing angler visitation to our Province. 

Current Status (additions since last report are in italics):

January 28, 2009: The sponsoring chamber is concerned that the Minister may be missing the point of the Resolution, the issue is not so much to maintain the numbers of fishing licenses we are selling, but to take it to the next level. The local chamber contact will try to track down some information in this regard. As well, the MCC will speak to Travel Manitoba.