Northwest Territories Fishery Regulations (Sport Fishing licence fees)

Enabling act(s): Fisheries Act

Description of the objective

The Northwest Territories is seeing an increase in demand for guided one-day fishing trips. Currently, non-Canadian visitors and Canadian residents that do not reside in the Northwest Territories must purchase three-day fishing licences at the cost of $30 and $15 respectively. As there is no single-day Sport Fishing licence available, the three-day licence must be purchased for single-day sport fishing. The tourism industry reports this is affecting their business as tourists believe the 3 day licence cost is prohibitive for a shorter sport fishing experience.

Amendments are being proposed to Schedule 4 of the Regulations to implement new single-day sport fishing licences for non-Canadian visitors and Canadian residents who do not reside in the Northwest Territories, with a fee of $10 each.

Indication of business impacts

The ‘One-for-One’ Rule does not apply to this proposal, as there is no change in administrative costs to business. The small business lens does not apply to this proposal, as it does not impose any costs on small business.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Seven other jurisdictions in Canada currently offer one-day sport fishing licences for non-residents and Canadian residents, with licence fees of $10 to $27.

Public consultation opportunities

The Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for the administration of sport fishing in the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories is working closely with Northwest Territories Tourism (which represents close to 200 tourism businesses) on this proposal. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is supporting the Government of the Northwest Territories throughout the federal regulatory amendment process.

Further information

N/A

Departmental contact

Sheri Andres
Manager, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Telephone: 204-984-8122
Email: sheri.andres@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: 2012