OFAH Receives Support From Fisheries And Oceans Canada
Fisheries Minister Gail Shea Makes Announcement at OFAH Annual Conference
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, announced welcome funding support for an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) conservation initiative when she spoke at the recent 83rd OFAH Fish and Wildlife Conference in Mississauga. She also had high praise for the OFAH, the province’s largest fish and wildlife conservation organization.
“Your organization continues to do tireless and valuable work on behalf of some of the province’s most treasured resources,” said the Honourable Gail Shea. “You are a tireless advocate of our natural resources and the rights and traditions of Ontario’s anglers and hunters. I know you pursue this mandate with commitment, with focus, and with great success.”
Shea committed $25,000 in funding for the upcoming National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress, which the OFAH is hosting in Ottawa from May 27 to 31, 2012, in cooperation with Canadian and U.S. partners. The Congress is the first event of its kind to be held in Canada and is expected to draw delegates from across the continent to develop a North American strategy to promote the conservation and sustainable use of fish and wildlife resources.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s support for the OFAH/MNR Invading Species Awareness Program, which receives $30,000 annually under a five-year agreement, and support for the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, another OFAH/MNR initiative. Minister Shea also announced that canoes, kayaks, small sailing vessels, and small boats with motors less than 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) will not have to register their crafts with Transport Canada. Regulation changes made last year had created some confusion which will be clarified by the government’s recent announcement.
The annual OFAH conference ran March 17 to 19 in Mississauga, and drew more than 500 delegates over three days. Speaker sessions were livestreamed on Friday, and included Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey, OFAH Executive Director Mike Reader, provincial Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea. These presentations and others may currently be viewed online at www.ofah.org/conference/.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, with 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 670 member clubs across Ontario, is the Voice of Anglers and Hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.
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