Proposed Changes to Seniors Licenses

[OldTimer]

(06-25-2014 01:48 PM)MuskieBait Wrote:  Yeah...I have issues with how our fees are used. MNR should definitely funded by general tax.

I also have issues with charging seniors for a fishing license. We have operated for years without the need to charge seniors. I see this as a "cash grab" as the government releasing the aging population of anglers and that many of them will soon enter 65 or over...that our current fees to support MNR activities will start to decrease as the majority of anglers age.

Sneaky, sneaky.

You can still collect data with a *free* license...you can get population details from application forms. I can see a small sub $5 fee to justify the "application process"...but to charge up to 80% of the regular fee toward seniors...that is really, really sad state of the MNR and government funding...

Grumpy, grump, grump...

I'm sure OT would agree with me...

You are right MB – I do see this as a thoughtless “cash grab” ………….. At the dollar level mentioned with no conditions.

And yes - I also agree that it is being driven by the aging population of baby boom anglers approaching 65 years of age. They also begin to stress the pension plans and health care systems here.

This may surprise you though – I personally really won’t have a problem with needing a fishing licence - but at a more reasonable justified price. But – perhaps 80% is way over the top considering what amount of fishing most 65+ anglers might actually do, and how much they’ll actually keep.

However – for the life of me – I must share that I am very confused in the logic - this move at that price break will severely curtail participation by many seniors who don’t fish a lot……. Thus reducing spin off $..... and loss of a respected “sales staff” who would promote fishing to their grandchildren.

For low income seniors – it will end their angling totally – and this really SUCKS! These people should be considered in any plan going forward.

Furthermore – it might be a whole easier for all to swallow any part of this “initiative” if the premise of “user pay” is filled out a whole bunch more…………… by also adding a necessary and sufficiently quite expensive “stamp” for trout and salmon. (Note: these species comprise the majority of stocking efforts in this province – thus having trout and salmon fisherman “pay as you go”…………. No funding – no stocking, plain and simple)

And………….. if they really want more $ - ditch the lame conservation licence we have – so that we are all properly and correctly equal in all regards – both in the cost and in the catch.

Another thing that might make things easier to swallow on this is to bring fishing regulation violation fines in line with reality – so that system abusers pay “holy shit” whacking big fines for avoidance or contravention.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr……………………. Who voted for these clowns…………… more clowns to yell at…………

WTF.

Cheers,

OldTimer