The Future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation - Engagement 2017
The context
Freshwater is at a critical juncture – it needs to evolve to ensure it can continue to support the fishery and serve fishers.
- Over 1,700 fishers use the services provided by the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (Freshwater) in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
- Manitoba withdrew from Freshwater on December 1, 2017.
The engagement
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) embarked on an engagement initiative,
online and in-person, between July and September 2017.
They engaged with fishers, community members,
First Nations and Métis stakeholders in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
To gain a better understanding of what’s working well and not so well; and,
to seek feedback on opportunities for change or improvement.
Where we went
| Northwest Territories | Saskatchewan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellowknife | 3 | Île-à-la-Crosse |
| 2 | Hay River | 7 | Pelican Narrows |
| Manitoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Fisher River | 13 | Brochet |
| 5 | Winnipegosis | 14 | Leaf Rapids |
| 6 | Matheson Island | 15 | Nelson House |
| 8 | The Pas | 16 | Pukatawagan |
| 9 | Poplar River | 17 | Norway House |
| 10 | Berens River | 18 | Winnipeg |
| 11 | Grand Rapids | 19 | Garden Hill |
| 12 | Wabowden | ||
Communities are numbered in the order the events were held.
What we heard
- Freshwater has a reputation for producing high quality products
- Freshwater plays an important role in the livelihoods of many fishers
- Fishers are concerned about the price they receive for their fish
- Fishers would like to see improvements to the governance practices at Freshwater
- Many fishers are concerned about the impacts of an open market on their communities
Manitoba
Mixed feelings
Some fishers are apprehensive about Manitoba’s withdrawal, others feel it will provide them with better prices for their fish.
Concern over lack of buyers
Manitoba fishers are worried about the lack of new buyers in their communities.
Freight costs + Infrastructure
Freight costs and infrastructure make it difficult for some communities to transport their fish to market.
Valued
Freshwater plays an essential role in the economic sustainability of fishing activities. Fishers want the option of selling to Freshwater, even in an open market environment.
Governance
Fishers feel improved governance practices could help increase trust in Freshwater, including more inclusive representation on the Board of Directors and improved financial oversight.
Saskatchewan
Essential
Many fishers feel that Freshwater plays an important role in the fishery and managing the rising costs of freight and storage.
Showing apprehension
Fishers are apprehensive about Manitoba’s withdrawal and impending changes to Freshwater.
Still relevant
The majority of fishers in Saskatchewan still rely on Freshwater services even after the province’s transition to an open market in 2012.
Northwest Territories
Government strategy
The Government of the Northwest Territories developed a growth strategy for the fishery in Great Slave Lake which they are now looking to implement.
Processing + storage capabilities
Fishers are hoping to develop their own processing and storage capabilities.
Logistical challenges
Fishers from the Northwest Territories face logistical challenges getting their fish to market.
Local market
Fishers have also developed strong links with local merchants.
Outcomes
The feedback gathered from fishers will help DFO develop priorities to guide Freshwater’s transformation.
Next Steps
- DFO is committed to working with fishers from all communities on Freshwater’s transformation.
- DFO is committed to further engagement with fishers and stakeholders on the future of Freshwater.
- Date modified: