A few local MPs are applauding actions being take by the provincial government, surrounding support for the commercial fishing industry. Earlier this week the provincial government announced their intention to pull out of the federal Freshwater Fish Marketing Act, which currently only allows Manitoba's fish to be sold through the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. The decision was made after several years of challenges in the industry, including those on Lake Manitoba where the growing Northern Pike population has reduced the more valuable pickerel population.

Both Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan and Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Robert Sopuck are in favour of the decision, after becoming involved in the situation last year. The pair had attended the Lake Manitoba Commercial Fishermen's Association AGM in 2015, when the group decided to call on the government to buy-out their licenses, unless there were changes to the way fish are marketed.

Sopuck says it's a good step forward for the province's commercial fishing industry. He explains while the marketing corporation was important when it was first created, major changes in technology and world markets mean single-desk for selling is no longer relevant.

"The corporation was formed around 1969. There were very good reasons for creating the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation but I think in 2016 with hopefully new marketing opportunities, internet selling, faster transactions, it's a much different world in 2016, then when the corporation was first formed in 1969."

Consultations on the change are expected to take place over the next year between the province, the federal government, and the commercial fishers. However, Bezan would like to see the changes implemented a bit sooner. Bezan says he's long supported the withdrawal from the act, and is happy to see the province moving forward with the process.

"This is a great example of the provincial government being able to move ahead. Ultimately, we call on the Liberal government to immediately implement the marketing choices that are available to commercial fishers here in Manitoba, and work with the province and Brian Pallister's government to bring about these changes as quickly as possible."

Bezan also anticipates Manitoba's decision to pursue an open market could lead to some major changes for the industry across Canada. Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have previously pulled out of the act, and Northwest Territories is also looking to leave the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation system. Bezan says he wouldn't be surprised to see the federal government repeal the act altogether.

"There's no need for the act. It's completely redundant with the open market. Essentially, (the government) will have to evaluate what they do with the Crown corporation; either turning into a company that competes in the open market, or transferring it to someone else interested in operating it in Winnipeg."

While there's no shortage of consultation to be done, Bezan says commercial fishers in Manitoba should begin exploring other markets, so they're prepared for any changes that come forward.