October 9, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Amendment to guiding regulations to enhance Labrador tourism

Licenced Labrador tourism establishments can now offer an expanded product base following an amendment to Labrador angling regulations, says Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador.

"Government has amended the guiding regulations in Labrador north of 52 degrees latitude north to allow licenced tourist establishments to provide guided angling opportunities for their guests," said McLean, who made the announcement on behalf of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly, and Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Kevin Aylward.

Since 1990, non-resident anglers could only fish in the region by booking through an outfitter. With the amendment, Labrador hotels, motels or hospitality homes can now offer guided fishing experiences for their guests on a daily basis, the minister said. In addition, licenced guides can independently promote their services to non-residents seeking a day's angling.

Minister McLean stressed that there are conditions attached to the amendment.

"A licenced tourism establishment must use a guide, a guided angler must not fish within two kilometres of an existing outfitting establishment, and guides must return their non-resident clients to a licenced tourist establishment each night," he said. "This latter qualification will also help increase visitation and extend the stays of guests at such licenced tourist establishments."

McLean noted the regulation change comes about following a series of public consultations in Labrador, and reflect the general consensus of industry participants. He noted that allowing non-resident guests at licenced Labrador tourism establishments to fish with guides is not expected to adversely affect the Labrador outfitting sector.

He noted patrons of Labrador's outfitted product come to the province for the catered, world-class sportfishing experience available in the region, while the guided fishing experience is usually pursued by the more casual tourist or traveller. The minister added that guided fishing experiences have co-existed with outfitting enterprises on the island and in the Labrador Straits area for quite some time.

The minister noted that another amendment to the Labrador guiding regulations will allow residents who own cottages in Labrador to take non-resident friends fishing on waters adjacent to their properties, provided they are accompanied by a licenced guide and no fee is charged for the lodging, accommodations, meals or guide service.

"A 1994 amendment to Labrador guiding regulations prevented residents from taking non-resident friends fishing at their cottages," the minister said. "This is an overly-restrictive measure, and the regulation will be relaxed to allow such angling to take place."

The minister added that the regulation changes will enhance Labrador's overall tourism product, and should enhance the overall economic performance of licenced Labrador tourism establishments.

Media contact:

Doug Burgess
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreations
(709) 729-0928

Rick Callahan
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services and Lands
(709) 729-4860

1998 10 09 12:05 p.m.