As the Federal Fisheries Minister visits Bruce County today, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is raising concerns about a fishing agreement.
The OFAH wants to know what is in the fishing agreement between local First Nations and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Manager of Government Relations Greg Farrant says they have written a letter to Minister Donna Cansfield, asking for her help to release the agreement.
The deal was signed two years ago, but has not been made public.
The First Nations appealed a decision by the Deputy Privacy Commissioner to release the document, and now the issue is tied up in the courts.
While in Kincardine last month, Cansfield stated the contracts were not secret, just simply not yet made public.
But Farrant argues they are secret because their repeated requests for information have been turned down.
The Lake Huron, Bruce Peninsula and Sydenham Sportsmen’s Associations have also asked for copies of the agreements.
Farrant tells Bayshore Broadcasting News they should know what boundaries are listed in the contract as well as the fishing quotas and enforcement rules.
Farrant says they are impacted by the deal as they spend thousands of dollars and hours on stocking and conservation programs.
Farrant says they have not talked to the First Nations and have no idea why they would appeal the release of the agreement.
Federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn will make a funding announcement in Tobermory and Flowerpot Island this morning (THURS).
He is also scheduled to talk to the Sportsmen today and tomorrow.
