Mr. Speaker, since last November unlimited net fishing by aboriginals in my riding has cost two stocked lakes an estimated 250,000 pounds of walleye spawning stock. Lake of the Prairies, a man made PFRA structure which has never seen a net, has lost an estimated 100,000 pounds of walleye while Lake Dauphin, having an annual controlled commercial net fishery of 25,000 pounds, has already lost more than 150,000 pounds.
No one disputes the aboriginal community's right to sustenance fishing, but hauls of more than a quarter million pounds of fish for commercial use should not qualify. Most of the illegal fish was sold through the Manitoba Freshwater Fish Marketing Board which is a federal agency.
Manitobans are demanding answers and action from all levels of government. Every lake in Manitoba is at risk. Manitoba is the only prairie province which does not regulate sustenance fishing.
Will the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, along with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, please intervene in this crisis so that Manitoba does not become the next Burnt Church?