Engagement on the future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC)

Why

In August 2016, the province of Manitoba announced their withdrawal from the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act. Their withdrawal will take effect on December 1, 2017. In preparation for this, we have spoken with affected stakeholders.

Who was the focus of this consultation

This engagement sought for comments from:

• employees of the FFMC
• impacted stakeholders, such as:
  • commercial freshwater fishers in:
    • Manitoba
    • Saskatchewan
    • the Northwest Territories
  • regional and national Indigenous organizations
  • community and band council members of affected jurisdictions
  • representatives of affected fishers’ associations and cooperatives
  • leaders from remote and northern communities active in the freshwater fishery
• provincial and territorial governments

Key topics

The purpose of this engagement was to:

• better understand the:
  • challenges faced by freshwater fishers
  • importance of the freshwater industry to stakeholders
  • services offered by the FFMC that are most helpful and valued by fishers
• share information on changes expected in the freshwater fishery as a result of Manitoba’s upcoming withdrawal from the FFMC
• clarify how decisions taken by the Manitoba provincial government will change the environment for fishers and the FFMC

What we heard

Over 300 people participated through the in-person sessions held in 19 communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Approximately 40 online surveys were also completed.

We heard your views and concerns, and recognize fishers are greatly impacted, especially those in northern, remote communities and the Northwest Territories.

We’ll continue to:

• support the continuation of the services provided by the corporation to all fishers in the near-term, while a long-term way forward is determined
• work with fishers and other key stakeholders on the future of the corporation

We also recognize the priority that the Government of the Northwest Territories has placed on revitalization of their fishery. This includes their plan to open a new fish processing plant in Hay River. We’ll work closely with them in support of their efforts.

Final report

• Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation: What we heard

Related information

• The Future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

Contact us

FFMC Engagement
Strategic Partnerships
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200 Kent St, 14th floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0E6

Email: DFO-Freshwater@dfo-mpo.gc.ca