The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The results are in from the Centennial Provincial Fish Emblem Contest and the walleye is the winner. Saskatchewan Environment held the province-wide vote to recognize Saskatchewan's centennial year, receiving more than 10,000 on-line and mail-in votes from the public. The walleye was the overwhelming favourite of the six native fish species nominated for the designation, receiving more than half the votes cast. Other species in the running were the lake sturgeon, lake trout, lake whitefish, northern pike and yellow perch. Environment Minister David Forbes drew 10 names from all votes received. Each of the 10 will receive a Saskatchewan resident fishing licence, valid for the 2006 fishing season. "I am pleased so many people took part in the Provincial Fish Emblem contest," Forbes said. "The response has been tremendous, with some people arguing quite passionately for their choice. It demonstrates how deeply many Saskatchewan people feel about all aspects of their natural environment." The contest, which ran from early March until August 31st, was open to all Saskatchewan residents eligible to fish in the province. "Saskatchewan is world renowned for its great fishing opportunities," Forbes said. "The department is pleased to be able to mark our province's centennial in a way that highlights this tremendous natural heritage." Based on the results of the vote, the walleye will be recommended to the Legislature as the choice for Saskatchewan's Provincial Fish Emblem. Making the walleye a Provincial Emblem requires an amendment to The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act.
