Manitoba Metis Federation

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

Metis Fisher takes Manitoba Government To Court For Damages
Thompson – The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has given its support to Metis commercial fisher Cecil Thorne in his court challenge against the Government of Manitoba. Legal Counsel Mr. David Newman has submitted a Statement of Claim on Mr. Thorne’s behalf that includes asking the court for a declaration that he is entitled to a commercial fishing license.

The Statement of Claim asserts breach of contract, breach of duty to provide procedural fairness, and breach of a fiduciary duty. It states that the Manitoba Government Fisheries Branch failed to follow their own management principles and failed to consult and provide proper notice to meet and have meaningful discussion and compensation in reallocating fishery resources.

“I want to thank the MMF and President David Chartrand for their past and present support in this case,” said Mr. Cecil Thorne, a commercial fisher from Pikwitonei. “This is an important struggle for not only myself and my family but for all the Metis Community and indeed all of Manitoba’s commercial fishers.”

Mr. Thorne had relied on an agreement with the Government of Manitoba that confirmed his access rights and recognized his tenure to resources where he historically fished. In July 2003, contrary to the Provincial Fisheries Strategy Management Principles, he was unilaterally refused a commercial fishing license and subsequently charged for fishing without a license.

“It is time that Manitoba stop treating the commercial fishers with disrespect and in bad faith,” explained MMF President David Chartrand. “In this case, the Government’s actions against a Metis fisher have caused unwarranted pain and unnecessary hardship that include financial losses for Mr. Thorne and increased unemployment in his community.”

“The Metis make up a majority of commercial fishers throughout the province,” President Chartrand went on to say. “Together we will ensure that their investments and their livelihood are protected from unfair treatment and illegal actions by the Manitoba Government.”