There has been stepped-up enforcement of Ontario’s boundary waters by the provincial government.
Additional Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation officers were assigned over the weekend to patrol the waters.
Their presence came as the International Falls Bass Championship was taking place.
In a statement from Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford, the move was to “send a friendly but clear message that protecting the integrity of the boundary waters is of the utmost importance for our region.”
Tourist outfitters and others on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake, Rainy River and Lake of the Woods have expressed concerns specifically about American guides who bring their guests staying on the Minnesota side into Canadian water while Canadian guides are restricted from accessing the U.S. side.
They recently had an opportunity to discuss the issue with Rickford and Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris, when he visited Kenora earlier this month.
In response, Harris and Rickford worked to mobilize the additional Conservation officers.
“Anglers in northwestern Ontario are some of the most responsible in the world, especially tournament (anglers, and we should all be focused on sustainability and preserving fish stock, allowing us to host these safe and fun world-class tournaments on both sides of the border,” Rickford’s statement reads.
Rickford indicates that he will be following up on the issues raised with federal representatives, including the ministers responsible for the Canada Border Services Agency and Fisheries and Oceans, to discuss additional enforcement measures.
