June 12 2006
OTTAWA -- The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today presented the 2006 Recreational Fisheries Awards recognizing the recipients for their hard work and dedication in promoting and further developing the recreational fishing experience throughout Canada. These citizens have also been instrumental in protecting fisheries and habitat within their communities for future generations.
"With conservation as their top priority, these Canadians have contributed to raising public awareness of responsible fishing and the importance of protecting and restoring fish habitat," said Minister Hearn.
A ceremony to honour four of the 2006 winners took place on Parliament Hill. Minister Hearn presented each winner with a pewter medallion, made by the Canadian Mint, and a framed Certificate of Merit to commemorate their achievements. The fifth medal will be awarded to Mr. McArthur at a ceremony to be held in Owen Sound, Ontario on June 13, 2006.
The 2006 award recipients are:
David Doggett and Angie Doggett, Chester, Nova Scotia
Dr. Lawrence Felt, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Osborne McArthur, Owen Sound, Ontario
Robert O'Donnell, Sisson Brook, New Brunswick
Salmon Preservation Association for the Waters of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
"This year's recipients are among the thousands of volunteers in Canada whose love for recreational fishing plays an important role in enhancing our fish and fish habitat," said Minister Hearn.
For a summary of achievements of Canada's 2006 Recreational Fisheries Awards winners, visit our website at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/backgrou/2006/hq-ac15a_e.htm.
The annual Recreational Fisheries Awards program was created in 1989 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to honour individuals and organizations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of Canada's recreational fisheries and their habitat.
DFO invites the public to submit nominations for the 2007 Recreational Fisheries Awards. Any individual, group, business or association is eligible to receive the award and can be nominated at any time during the year by an individual or organization, and a co-sponsor. Details about the nomination process can be found at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/rfa-ppr/process-processus_e.htm.
For nomination forms or additional information, you can also contact:
The Recreational Fisheries Awards Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200 Kent Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0E6
Fax: (613) 954-1407
E-mail:XNCRAwards@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
For more information on the Recreational Fisheries Awards you can visit the DFO website at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/rfa-ppr/awards-prix_e.htm.
Backgrounder:
2006 Recreational Fisheries
Awards Recipients
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 993-5413
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 992-3474
