Minister Ashfield Announces a 2011 National Recreational Fisheries Award Winner in Quebec

February 23, 2012

La Baie, Quebec – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced that Rémi Aubin is a winner of a 2011 National Recreational Fisheries Award. 

Patrick Vincent, Regional Director of Fisheries Management (left), and Rémi Aubin.

“Mr. Aubin has an incredible passion for the winter and summer recreational fishery of the Saguenay River,” said Minister Ashfield. “We are proud to honour the efforts of such dedicated volunteers who make such an important contribution to this tradition.”

Rémi has devoted his time, energy, knowledge and passion to enable others to benefit from this unique recreational fishery. Each winter the Saguenay River becomes the location of choice for thousands of ice fishing enthusiasts as it is the only area in Canada where recreational fishing for saltwater species such as cod, turbot and redfish is authorized during winter months. This fishery generates over $5 million to the local economy, and this is due in no small part to the efforts of Mr. Aubin.

For the past 10 years, Mr. Aubin has organized an introductory fishing day to allow school children (in grades 3 to 6) to experience both summer and winter fishing in the Saguenay. This activity has grown since its inception and now sees between 200 and 300 children introduced to fishing, which is no small feat and something that could not have been accomplished without the countless hours, effort and energy put into it by Mr. Aubin.

Canada’s National Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.

For information about the National Recreational Fisheries Awards and information about nominating a person or organization for an Award please visit our website at
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/peches-fisheries/rec/rfa-ppr/awards-prix-eng.htm.

For Broadcast:

The Honourable Keith Ashfield today announced that Rémi Aubin is a winner of a 2011 National Recreational Fisheries Award. Canada’s Recreational Fisheries Awards were created in 1989 to recognize outstanding contributions by individuals and organizations in areas such as recreational angling, community leadership, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat or promoting conservation and sustainable recreational fishing.

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For more information:

Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537

Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

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