As New Brunswick explores limiting salmon fishing and moose hunting licences to Canadians, the province’s outfitters are concerned about the impact on businesses. “It would be devastating. We’re a niche market,” said Clay Harrison, executive director of the United Guides and Outfitters of New Brunswick. Last week, Premier Susan Holt said the government was launching a legislative review to explore granting Natural Resources Minister John Herron the authority to restrict the licences. “New Brunswickers love their moose licences. And if we can get a few more of those into the hands of New Brunswickers, I think they’d appreciate that opportunity and the chance to get drawn,” she said at the time. But Harrison said more than 85 per cent of provincial outfitters’ business comes from Americans. And since they aren’t currently impacted by tariffs, he’s urging the provincial government to find other retaliatory measures. “We certainly welcome American dollars to support the economy of New Brunswick. Many operators, businesses, families rely on this for their survival,” he said. Kyle Price owns Fins & Feathers Outfitting in Fredericton and is the president of the United Guides and Outfitters of New Brunswick. He said about 75 to 80 per cent of his customers are American. “Doing something like this isn’t looking after the residents. It’s literally a political show and it’s going to hurt us more than it’s going to help us,” he said. He’s already feeling the impact from concerned customers. “Clients are reaching out constantly saying, ‘Am I going to be able to come fishing this year? Am I going to be able to come hunting this year? What about next year?’” he said. “Even though there’s been no action taken, those words still are already having a consequence.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
