August 1, 2024

Honorable Minister Jamie Moses,

Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association (MLOA) has been staying abreast of the Manitoba Metis Federation’s (MMF) demands for a significant expansion to the Métis Natural Resource Harvesting Zone (MNRHZ), to which the province is considering expanding to an additional 6 game hunting areas. Following a June media release, MLOA also became aware that the province had instructed Conservation Officers to cease enforcement of the provincial hunting and angling restrictions in the zones being considered for expansion. In addition to these concerns, the MMF addressed a letter in June 2023 to “Manitoba residents and non-residents who are or wish to become Red River Metis Harvesters” advising that the MNRHZ includes Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, parts of the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and the United States. The MMF has also publicly declared a moose hunt within conservation closure areas.

Honorable Minister, these concerns all pose significant threats to our fish and game populations. Metis citizens are not required to report their harvest. Licensed resident hunters just saw a 75% reduction in moose draw success. Considering an unregulated MNRHZ expansion in conjunction with directions to cease any enforcement of the hunting and angling laws, including harvest limits, is completely counterproductive to conservation management.

User groups across the province can submit resolutions annually to the province to be considered for regulation changes. Ignoring this due process and suggesting that enforcement be ceased based on a consideration of suggested changes are dangerous precedents to set. Conservation and the sustainability of our game and fish must come first and that includes regulation process changes and enforcement of applicable laws.

The MLOA urges the province to invite all user groups and stakeholders to engage on the shared management of our Natural Resources. Conservation and protection of our resources should always be the number one concern.

Sincerely,

Melanie MacCarthy

President

Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association

cc:

The Honourable Premier Wab Kinew

Honourable Deputy Minister Dana Rudy

Honorable Minister Ian Bushie

Honorable Deputy Minister Bruce Gray

Honorable Ron Kostyshyn

Honorable Deputy Minister Brenda DeSerranno