Government Notes BY PATRICK PAULO
FEDERAL/PROVINCIAL
COVID-19 updates and travel restrictions We continue to monitor COVID-19 announcements and updates from all levels of government that have particular relevance to our members who travel to and from the Lake of the Woods district. As changes are occurring on a daily basis from one province to another and federally, we continue to recommend the official websites hosted by the governments of Manitoba, Ontario and Canada and the Northwestern Health Unit (Ontario) as your best source for current and accurate information. We have posted links to each website at lowdsa.com/articles/covid-19regulations-update. To learn further details about the restrictions for travel from Manitoba or Quebec into Ontario, please visit ontario.ca/page/ emergency-information.
Lake of the Woods First Nations flooding claims Considerable progress has been made since information was last shared regarding the Lake of the Woods/Shoal Lake/Winnipeg River flooding claim settlements being negotiated among Ontario, Canada and First Nation communities. It is likely that some settlements will be concluded this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Ontario (IAO) is unable to host in-person meetings. To ensure that information about the proposed settlement of these claims is available, the IAO has developed a virtual information process, available at ontario.ca/page/lake-woods-flooding-claims. Ontario is committed to arranging teleconference and/or videoconference meetings to discuss these land claims and is willing set up a meeting at a mutually convenient date via teleconference or videoconference. Should you have any questions or want to request a meeting, please contact LOTWFloodClaim@ontario.ca or Dianne Woods, Negotiator, (416) 575-9838.
PROVINCIAL
Lake of the Woods Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) John Waterer, LOWDSA’s representative on the Fisheries Advisory Council, reported that the council continues to meet regularly. After eight meetings, a few COVID delays and some great discussions, the Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) has put
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LOWDSA Lake of the Woods Area News Winter 2021
forward its recommendations for a new set of regulations that will allow anglers to continue enjoy fishing on Lake of the Woods for generations to come and address a critical tipping point regarding walleye populations. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) pulled together a diverse group of interested parties including Indigenous communities, local guides, tournament organizers, anglers, lodge and cottage owners to develop recommendations for consideration. Under the excellent leadership of Steve Bobrowicz (MNRF), the FAC was challenged with balancing the diverse needs of the group. The council agreed to present the following options for inclusion in the draft plan: Preferred option: • Daily limit: sportfishing 2, conservation 1 • Possession limit: sportfishing 4, conservation 2 • Maximum 17 inches (43 cm) with one fish over 70 cm (27.5 inches) Second option: • Daily limit: sportfishing 2, conservation 1 • Possession limit: sportfishing 4, conservation 2 • 14-inch to 17-inch harvestable slot with one fish over 70 cm (27.5 inches) The Council noted that it needs to be clear that the intent of including the 70-cm plus fish allowance is to allow tournaments to continue operating until the province changes the rules about photographs. Now that the recommendations are completed, they must go for a minimum of 30 day posting to the official Environmental Registry for review. Posting will include the Draft Plan document as well as a short summary of the project. This is the public’s opportunity to voice their opinions! Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, there may also be one or more public open houses held. The Crown has a Duty to Consult with indigenous communities. Consultation with Indigenous communities will take place and a Draft Plan document will be directly sent to 13 First Nations groups including: Grand Council Treaty #3, Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council, and Region One Métis Nation of Ontario. NDMNRF will discuss appropriate approaches to consultation with each of the above individually, then the proposal should go forward for implementation in January 2023. LOWDSA will report any further updates from the Fisheries Advisory Council, in our eNews communications or the next issue of Area News.
