Feb. 9 2011
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Dear Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
I would like to invite you, on behalf of the Kitimat Halibut Allocation Task Force, to attend a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday February 27th in Kitimat, British Columbia.
The topic of concern is the DFO Halibut Allocation Policy and the resulting Inseason Closure of Halibut to the Recreation Sector.
The residents of Kitimat, and our neighbors in the North West B.C, are deeply concerned about the affects the Inseason Halibut closure will have on our of way of lives, local businesses and the tourist industry in North West British Columbia. The economy in the region has been devastated by significant reduction in industrial activity including the recent closure of the Eurocan pulp and paper mill. The importance of Sport Fishing to our tourist industry is significant. Members of the Task Force find the current DFO Halibut Allocation Policy to be counterproductive to our local economy yet does not advance fisheries conservation objectives. It compromises the rights of all Canadians to fish for Halibut without any commensurate benefit. People here are deeply troubled and upset about this issue to the extent that we are willing to pay the Prime Minister's plane fare to attend this Town Hall Meeting.
Representatives of the Sports Fishing Institute (SFI), the Sport Fishing Advisory Board and Members of the BC Wildlife Federation have been negotiating with the DFO Minister for 8 years but have not be able to produce a DFO Halibut Allocation Policy that is fair for all Canadians. SFI members feel that "DFO Minister Shea has visibly demonstrated a lack of interest for the Canadian public" on this issue.
We hope the Prime Minister will accept our invitation and attend our Town Hall Meeting to listen to our concerns. We are confident that once you view the DFO Halibut Allocation Policy and hear us in person you will better appreciate this issue and be compelled to make changes in the interest of all Canadians.
If you could confirm your attendance by contacting me at the numbers below we will be happy to organize your travel arrangements.
Looking forward to your attendance at this important meeting.
Sincerely,
Ron Wakita, chairman
Kitimat Halibut Allocation Task Force
380 City Centre
Kitimat BC
V8C 1T6
home. 250 632 2866 bus.250 632-3522
fax. 250 632-3528 cell. 250 632 1275
Please see three important posters below:
Fight for your Canadian Right to Fish for Halibut
Click on images to see full size