Dear Editor,
I recently attended a town hall meeting regarding pressure being put on our/my government to eliminate the principle of ‘ Common Property Resource’ from its Salmon Allocation Policy.
Who would make such a request?
If this move is successful, it would be devastating to the sports fishing industry and society in general. It would create uncertainty around the ownership of common property not only for salmon fisheries, but could set a precedent to other resources.
Our resources belong to all Canadians.
Anglers contribute millions of dollars of revenue through licencing fees, taxation of fishing supplies, fuel, and the incomes of so many. Think of all the jobs that will be lost if this change of wording gets passed.
Anglers donate thousands of hours of their time to conserve and enhance the environment. What would be our incentive if we can no longer fish?
Was this discussed behind closed doors? I was lucky to even hear of this. Why wasn’t every fisher person with a licence to fish notified of this proposal?
Now let me get personal. I am 78 years old and cherish the fond memories of learning to fish with my dad.
I have spent many hours recreating with my children and grandchildren, enjoying this sport, taking pride in cooking our catch for dinner.
As a parent, I feel it is essential to get our children outdoors, away from a sedentary lifestyle filled with hours spent online or even worse, being introduced to drugs… anxiety, leading to so many social problems.
Please go to fishingrights.ca, or contact your politicians to voice your concern.
Peggy Waldbauer, Pitt Meadows