Mandatory use of outfitting services for Salmon Sport-Fishing: Minister Blanchette's decision welcomed by Makivik Corporation

KUUJJUAQ, QC, May 10, 2018 /CNW/ - The Quebec ministry of forests, wildlife and parks recently announced a regulatory change that will require all salmon sport-fishermen in zones 23 and 24 to use the services of an outfitter. This decision is consistent with section 24.8 of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), and with positions previously expressed by the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee when the Quebec government consulted this organization in 2015.

Controlling access to the territory, by non-beneficiary harvesters, was a significant concern on the part of Inuit JBNQA negotiators. It was therefore agreed that requiring the use of outfitting facilities was to become the principle means of controlling non-native hunting and fishing activities north of 50°. The degree to which this requirement has been applied in the past is questionable, but Inuit began pressing the government to enact such measures when it became evident that non-beneficiary sport fishers and hunters were increasingly using personal aircraft to access hunting and fishing sites within the JBNQA territory. These activities conflict with the subsistence harvesting activities of our communities, are virtually impossible to track, and occur with little or no inspections by Quebec game wardens. Our communities were calling for action, and the message was relayed to government.

Unfortunately, the Quebec government's decision to require the use of outfitting services for salmon fishing in Nunavik has received significant media coverage after a number of proponents claimed that this decision was a means of "privatizing" the north. However, very little care has been given to research the facts behind this decision. During the morning scrum at the National Assembly, key members of the opposition parties challenged the Minister's decision and said that it was unacceptable.

Makivik Corporation is disappointed to see that the politicisation of this issue has led to a debate that is based on emotion rather than facts, and which completely disregards Nunavik Inuit and provisions of the JBNQA that are the result of arduous, but careful negotiation. While it is conceivable that special interest groups and the uninformed public could overlook the provisions of the JBNQA, it is simply unacceptable that elected officials do so, whether they are members of the government or the opposition.

In this case, the appropriate consultations were carried out and the Minister proceeded to enact a regulation that strengthens the JBNQA hunting, fishing and trapping regime. He should be commended for protecting Inuit rights, not chastised for it.

Makivik is the land claims organization mandated to manage the heritage funds of the Inuit of Nunavik provided for under the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. Makivik's role includes the administration and investment of these funds and the promotion of economic growth by providing assistance for the creation of Inuit-operated businesses in Nunavik. Makivik promotes the preservation of Inuit culture and language as well as the health, welfare, relief of poverty, and education of Inuit in the communities.

SOURCE Makivik Corporation

William Tagoona, Communications Coordinator and Media Relations, Makivik Corporation, Tel. [phone], [email protected], www.makivik.org