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MHA Jones pressures government to solve
photo problem for salmon fishers Yvonne Jones, MHA for the District of Cartwright L’Anse au Clair, says she is pleased to hear the Minister of Environment Clyde Jackman say he will find a solution to the problem that many salmon fishers are experiencing related to the need for a photo identification service that is not available in her region until late summer. The Liberal MHA informed the minister in the House of Assembly today that those wishing to acquire a salmon license cannot do so because of the requirement for a driver’s license photo. The problem, she explained, was that the Department of Government Services do not have a scheduled stop to her area to take these photos until late July or early August. "I have had a number of calls on this matter as the salmon angling season is about to get underway and it is a cause for concern for those fishers waiting to get on the rivers," says Jones. "Clearly, this oversight should not have happened and once again it is a case with government where the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing." Jones says that the minister had no choice but to admit that there was a clear problem here when she brought it to his attention. "He was left without any other option, but to do the right thing by committing to finding a solution within a week. In the meantime, however, those waiting for a photo to purchase a license will have to wait for another week or so before they are able to have their IDs completed." The issue of the need for a driver’s license photograph when purchasing a salmon license was also raised by the Liberal MHA for the District of Burgeo-LaPoile, Kelvin Parsons, as he too questioned the Minister of Environment on this requirement saying that it was not only inconvenient for many, but adds an additional cost to this fishing activity. The Opposition House Leader called upon the minister to scrap this condition in light of the problems that are arising with respect to this situation. The minister, however, would not commit to this suggestion. Jones says she also supports the call for a re-evaluation and disbandment of this requirement, but is pleased that her questions in the House of Assembly on this matter has led to some progress for those concerned enabling them to obtain a license. |
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