Minister announces disabled angler program

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today announced a disabled angler program for the province.

Minister Osborne said the new program will provide the opportunity for disabled individuals to become actively involved in angling. "Government recognizes the limitations that disabilities can impose on outdoor activities such as salmon and trout angling and, as a result, we are pleased to implement a disabled angler program that will provide enhanced recreational opportunities to persons with disabilities."

The minister said in order to be designated as a disabled angler, persons who are either permanently mobility impaired or legally blind must make application to the department�s Inland Fish and Wildlife Division. "The application must contain an endorsement from a certified medical doctor that the person meets the definitions of disabled as outlined in our Wildlife Regulations. Once designated as a disabled angler, an Outdoor Identification Card or a letter of confirmation indicating disability status will be issued to the individual."

The minister added that the disabled angler may purchase an angling licence where required and then designate an able bodied person, who must also hold the appropriate licence, to angle on behalf of him or her. The disabled angler program requires the active participation of the disabled person who must remain within 100 metres of the designated angler, except when the designated angler is in pursuit of a fish that has been hooked for the disabled angler.

Minister Osborne said government is committed to fair and equal treatment of all resource users. "The new disabled angler program demonstrates our sensitivity to the limitations faced by the disabled community, while also ensuring the integrity of our sustainable wildlife management programs," said the minister.

The disabled angler program is available to both residents and non-residents. For more information on the disabled angler program or how to obtain an application, individuals can call (709) 637-2006.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575

2004 08 24                                      9:45 a.m.