The MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River has written to several provincial and federal ministers regarding Americans fishing in waters that border Canada.
The letter comes on the heels of a meeting Marcus Powlowski had last week with lodge owners and First Nations regarding Americans staying at U.S.-based fishing lodges and brought into the Canadian side of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake to fish.
Northwestern Ontario lodge owners have long complained about their inability to bring their guests to the American side.
Powlowski writes that many feel the issue is getting worse.
“These days with GPS, bigger boat engines and a seeming disinterest on the Canadian side in enforcing the existing laws pertaining to Americans fishing on our side of the border, many Americans prefer to stay on the American side while at the same time fishing in our waters,” writes Powlowski.
“As a result, we are increasingly seeing our resources (including our fish) being taken by Americans with very little economic benefit to Canadians.”
Powlowski says Canadian guides have also expressed concern with the difficulty of obtaining work permits that allow them to guide on the American side of the border.
He says some things can be done but makes no specific mention.
Powlowski also expresses disappointment with his inability to speak with local staff with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Canada Border Services Agency about the issue.
He says meetings were planned but later cancelled.
He blames it on senior bureaucrats in Toronto and Ottawa.
“This unwillingness to allow local officials to talk to political representatives is wrong. It fundamentally undermines the democratic process,” writes Polowski.
He adds that in a country as big as Canada or a province as big as Ontario, it is not possible for a Minister responsible to know the details of regional problems, and local staff should be allowed to discuss issues with their local political representatives.
