The Future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

The Future of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation Engagement 2017 Presented by Hill+Knowlton Strategies December 2017 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

The context Freshwater is at a critical juncture – it needs to evolve to ensure it can continue to support the fishery and serve fishers. § Over 1, 700 fishers use the services provided by the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (Freshwater) in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. § Manitoba withdrew from Freshwater on December 1, 2017. 1 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

The engagement What Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) embarked on an engagement initiative, online and in-person, between July and September 2017. Who They engaged with fishers, community members, First Nations and Métis stakeholders in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Why To gain a better understanding of what’s working well and not so well; and, to seek feedback on opportunities for change or improvement. 2 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Where we went Northwest Territories Saskatchewan 1 2 3 Île-à-la-Crosse 7 Pelican Narrows Yellowknife Hay River Manitoba 4 Fisher River 13 Brochet 5 Winnipegosis 14 Leaf Rapids 6 Matheson Island 15 Nelson House 8 The Pas 16 Pukatawagan 9 Poplar River 17 Norway House 10 Berens River 18 Winnipeg 11 Grand Rapids 19 Garden Hill 12 Wabowden Communities are numbered in the order the events were held. 3 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

What we heard ▪ Freshwater has a reputation for producing high quality products ▪ Freshwater plays an important role in the 300+ fishers and stakeholders livelihoods of many fishers ▪ Fishers are concerned about the price they receive for their fish ▪ Fishers would like to see improvements to the governance practices at Freshwater ▪ Many fishers are concerned about the 19 communities www. letstalkfreshwater. ca impacts of an open market on their communities 4 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Manitoba Mixed feelings Concern over lack of buyers Some fishers are apprehensive about Manitoba’s withdrawal, others feel it will provide them with better prices for their fish. Manitoba fishers are worried about the lack of new buyers in their communities. Valued Freshwater plays an essential role in the economic sustainability of fishing activities. Fishers want the option of selling to Freshwater, even in an open market environment. Freight costs + Infrastructure Freight costs and infrastructure make it difficult for some communities to transport their fish to market. Governance Fishers feel improved governance practices could help increase trust in Freshwater, including more inclusive representation on the Board of Directors and improved financial oversight. 5 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Saskatchewan Essential Many fishers feel that Freshwater plays an important role in the fishery and managing the rising costs of freight and storage. Showing apprehension Fishers are apprehensive about Manitoba’s withdrawal and impending changes to Freshwater. Still relevant The majority of fishers in Saskatchewan still rely on Freshwater services even after the province’s transition to an open market in 2012. 6 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Northwest Territories Government strategy The Government of the Northwest Territories developed a growth strategy for the fishery in Great Slave Lake which they are now looking to implement. Logistical challenges Fishers from the Northwest Territories face logistical challenges getting their fish to market. Processing + storage capabilities Fishers are hoping to develop their own processing and storage capabilities. Local market Fishers have also developed strong links with local merchants. 7 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Outcomes The feedback gathered from fishers will help DFO develop priorities to guide Freshwater’s transformation. 8 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Next Steps § DFO is committed Working with Indigenous groups and communities Working with fishers to working with fishers from all communities on Freshwater’s transformation. ▪ DFO is committed to further engagement with fishers and stakeholders on the future of Freshwater. More engagement 9 © Hill+Knowlton Strategies