Ottawa, ON – Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, is pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the second phase (2014-2015) of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program.

 “As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada is proud to support the restoration and rebuilding of recreational fisheries habitat to protect Canada’s valuable oceans, lakes and rivers for future generations,” said Breitkreuz. 

Fishing is one of the top five outdoor activities undertaken by Canadian pleasure travelers, and Saskatchewan is renowned for having some of the best fishing in the world.  With 68 fish species found in our provincial waters including walleye, rainbow trout and northern pike, the industry is attracting droves of new anglers and is a driving factor of the local, provincial and national economy.

“The federal government is proud to support recreational fisheries across the country,” said Breitkreuz.  “We understand the important role that healthy and sustainable fisheries play on local economies, family recreation and preservation of habitat.”

The Government of Canada is making $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat.  Approximately 100 projects were approved for up to $6.4 million in funding in the first round of applications this past summer.  Examples of eligible projects include removing barriers to fish passage (e.g. small dams, culverts) and restoring shorelines and/or streams. 

The deadline for applications for funding under the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program is December 18, 2013.   Additional program information as well as the application form and guidelines are available on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website at: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp.

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