OTTAWA–Sportfishing is an essential part of the tourism economy in Canada and even more important for Northern Ontario, according to Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes.
Ms. Hughes delivered a statement in the House of Commons Thursday that chided the government for short sighted economics, while promoting the destinations in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing.
“Anglers contribute over 8.5 billion dollars a year to the economy and a lot of that comes from visitors which is why it is so short-sighted when the government targets tourism infrastructure in cost-cutting exercises,” said Ms. Hughes. “This fact is not lost on the outfitters and businesses that depend on tourism in Northern Ontario.”
Ms. Hughes says the outfitters in her constituency are hoping that the favourable exchange rate will draw more Americans over the border this summer. The MP boasted of the world class fishing opportunities in the area as well as the local attractions that keep visitors busy.
“While there is no end of great places to wet a line in Canada, nothing compares to the variety and quality found in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing,” said Ms. Hughes. “With two Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes, rivers and streams, visitors can chase salmon, trout, bass, musky and walleye with the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime.”
“When they aren’t on the water, people can fill their days with memories that will never fade,” the MP continued. “Festivals, powwows, museums, and markets bustle with activity and our businesses are always ready to greet you with some legendary Northern hospitality.”
Ms. Hughes finished by encouraging everyone to visit Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, “where the only thing better than the fishing is the way we treat our guests.”
