CSIA President Kim Rhodes recently presented the association’s highest honor to M.P. Bob Zimmer (Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies) and Walter Oster, in recognition of their advocacy and leadership in support of recreational fishing and conservation in Canada. Mr. Zimmer is Co-Chair of the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and Mr. Oster has recently retired as Chair, Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS).

“Bob and Walter are both excellent ambassadors for our outdoor heritage sports and we appreciate all that each man has done, and continues to do on behalf of recreational fishing”, said Kim Rhodes.

The all party Outdoor Caucus includes M.P.’s and Senators from all political parties who work together on legislation and policy which is important to fishing, hunting, trapping and target shooting. Eight million Canadians enjoy fishing and they live in every electoral riding in the country.

CNSS is a not-for-profit Corporation and the largest producer of boat, fishing, ski and outdoor shows in Canada. In addition to the Great Ontario Salmon Derby, CNSS operates fishing and hunting consumer shows in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal.

“Whenever there is a program to encourage young people to enjoy fishing, Walter Oster and CNSS have been there to support it”, said Rhodes. He added, “When some M.P.s and others work against the best interests of anglers and our industry, Bob Zimmer and his Outdoor Caucus colleagues have our backs in Ottawa”.

Keep Canada Fishing is the national voice of Canada’s anglers, and we lead the effort to preserve your right to sustainably fish on our lakes, oceans, rivers and streams. By informing anglers of current and potential issues and threats affecting recreational fishing and access to public waters, our goal is to motivate anglers to take action on matters of importance to the future of fishing and conservation. We’re also your voice on Parliament Hill. If you would like to contribute to our efforts to “Keep Canada Fishing,” you can donate now via PayPal.