WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released an Access to Information request today which shows the federal government’s Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation’s spoiled fish counts rose by over 490 percent between 2006/07 and 2008/09.
Spoiled Fish
2006/07 27,279kg
2007/08 155,060kg
2008/09 133,796kg
As Manitoba fishermen are required to sell their fish to the government body, and as they receive dividends based on the company’s performance in processing and selling the fish, the high spoiled fish counts ultimately impact fishermen’s pocketbooks.
“Many fishermen in Manitoba have told us they feel poor management has led to the spoiling of the fish,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “As Freshwater operates like a co-op, lower profits ultimately mean lower dividends for fishermen in the province.”
Some fishermen who are dissatisfied with Freshwater are seeking the ability to market the fish themselves. Right now they may do so under very limited
export dealer licenses(PDF) which are issued by Freshwater and largely prevent the fishermen from competing with the government body.
“This isn’t 1960 Soviet Russia,” added Craig. “Fishermen shouldn’t be forced to sell their fish to the government, they should have the right to choose.”
CLICK HERE(PDF) to see the access to information response.
