O.F.A.H. condemns lack of consultation on proposed ban of lead sinkers & jigs

The recent announcement by Environment Minister David Anderson that the federal government intends to introduce a ban on the import, manufacture and sale of lead fishing sinkers and jigs is based upon poor science and a marked lack of consultation with the fishing industry and outdoor community. It also ignores a much larger problem affecting the waterfowl population that the federal government has failed to act on.

“The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, (O.F.A.H.), is prepared to work with the government on this issue, but the science used by Environment Canada to justify their position has never be subjected to peer review, and bases its conclusions on small sampling sizes that skew the results,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “Unlike the two small scale studies cited by Environment Canada, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service conducted a study of over 37,000 birds. They concluded that the threat to waterfowl from the ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs was minute. Environment Canada is focusing on an issue that impacts upon a very small number of birds, while ignoring the fact that each year thousands of waterfowl, including loons, have died of Botulism Type E related to invasive species and washed up on the northern shore of Lake Erie. If Environment Canada is so interested in protecting our vital waterfowl populations, why haven’t they taken any action on this devastating problem?”

Mr. Reader noted that the O.F.A.H. had met with the Minister’s office, departmental staff and staff at the Canadian Wildlife Service in the past, and has been repeatedly promised an opportunity to be involved in up front consultations around any policy changes around lead sinkers and jigs.

“It is obvious from this announcement that Environment Canada announces policy and then consults after the fact. The O.F.A.H. and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, (C.S.I.A.), have repeatedly offered to assist the government with the development of regulations to address their concerns, but the creation of policy in a vacuum is a poor way to do business. Recreational fishing in Canada makes a major contribution to our economy, with 3.6 million adult anglers spending a total of $4.6 billion wholly attributable to recreational fishing. Any plan to ban lead sinkers and jigs must include a phase-out period of at least five years at point of sale; should not ban the mere possession of lead sinkers and jigs; must include a public education and awareness program in cooperation with the outdoor community and the fishing industry; and should include an expansion of Environment Canada’s free tackle exchange program,” said Reader.