First Nations and Metis partners from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, along with Saskatchewan Co-Operative Fishers Ltd. (SCFL), have placed a bid for Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC). The federally owned company, established by the government to market freshwater fish from inland Canada, is heading toward privatization. SCFL said the inland fishing industry is vital to culture and economy in the north, and fishermen should have a voice when it comes to the market. “That’s our livelihood. That’s how we were raised.” said Joan Beatty from SCFL. SCFL hosted a general fishery meeting Tuesday in Prince Albert to discuss the future of the inland fishing industry. “There’s a technical committee that’s going to be explaining what we’ve done so far, where things are at, so that the fishermen hear, and we’ll get input from them as well,” explained Beatty. “That’s our goal, is to make an efficient productive company again.” Representatives from Manitoba partners involved with the bid were in attendance. “I represent 12 communities as well as the Whitefish fleet, and we produce a lot of fish off that lake,” said Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Commercial Fishers Inc. President Sam Murdock. “Today I’m here with to meet with the commercial fishers and the leaders from Saskatchewan in relation to the work we’re doing.” While its not yet a done deal, SCFL and partner organizations are hopeful continued lobbying will pay off. Metis Nation Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum is optimistic. “New ideas that are coming out, rough fish for example, you know, cat food, dog food, all these different things that can be available,” he said. “When I used to fish, and still some of the fishermen that are out there, there’s a lot of fish being set aside and not taken into consideration, consideration as far as marketing.” SCFL said the agreement is reaching the final stages. Fisheries and Oceans Canada provided CTV News with a statement, saying while a preferred bidder has been identified, discussions toward a potential final agreement remain ongoing, and no outcomes can be confirmed at this stage.
