THUNDER BAY — With the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) Conference wrapped, many in attendance were thrilled to be a part of the pressing discussions on how to set their community on a path toward a brighter future.
The three-day conference brought leaders from across Northwestern Ontario together to strengthen bonds and common interests by talking about the challenges and successes within their communities.
“NOMA is always helpful. We find that when we’re in a small municipality such as Fort Frances, we don’t always necessarily have a loud voice, a large voice. And so, when there are issues that go beyond the municipality, then we look to amplify our voice,” reflected Andrew Hallikas, mayor of Fort Frances.
Although each district has their own municipal association where leaders collaborate to find solutions on pressing issues such as housing, health care, and industry, Hallikas explained that coming to NOMA amplifies their words even more.
“NOMA has a loud enough voice that it does get the attention of the provincial government. And so, we can make ourselves heard on a variety of issues through NOMA. I do have to say that NOMA, for those of us who are small rural municipalities in the north, is a blessing. It’s a godsend because it allows us to be heard,” said Hallikas.
During the ministers forum, which traditionally closes out the conference, Hallikas was provided with the opportunity to publicly ask Graydon Smith, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, about strengthening border protection.
According to Hallikas, American fishing guilds are frequently taking parties of American anglers into Canadian water to fish.
“This practice results in these anglers contributing no economic benefits to Canada while heavily utilizing our resources. This situation not only undermines our local fishing guides and tourism industries but also negatively impacts our economy.
"Additionally, there is a significant need for improved enforcement of both provincial and federal statutes, given that this issue affects Ontario residents directly by straining our resources and economy,” explained Hallikas.
Hallikas asked Smith if the provincial government would commit to increasing enforcement in border waters and pledge to collaborate with the federal government and American counterparts to swiftly resolve this situation.
Smith acknowledged he had been made aware of the situation and he is working with conservation officers on both sides of the border to get the situation resolved.
“We take great pains to manage our resources here in Ontario and including our fish through a variety of fish management zones to make sure that it's there for the people that both live in Ontario and the people that come to Ontario and are contributing economically,” said Smith.
Moreover, Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, said he has spoken with Smith regarding this issue, which has spread beyond the municipality of Fort Frances into Rainy River and the Lake of the Woods.
“We have stepped up monitoring through our conservation officers, but that's a little easier when ice fishing is going on. The challenge is, as I explained it to Mr. Smith, when the ice goes out and the season starts, it's a little more difficult to capture these boats,” explained Rickford.
Rickford said the provincial government will be stepping up border monitoring once fishing season opens, and they will supply documentation to the Canada Border Service Agency regarding pressuring American guilds to have a work permit to conduct business into Canadian waters.
“If they want to come over here with boatloads of American fisher persons, the question is, what are you doing here, fishing illegally? Why are you working in Canada without a permit? The bottom line is to shut it down,” said Rickford.
