Outfitters commission being created in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is setting up a new commission to represent the province's licensed outfitters although the provincial government will remain the regulator of hunting and fishing companies.

Environment Minister Herb Cox says enforcement on poaching-related offences will still be up to conservation officers and the courts.

However, this new group could assess extra penalties or sanctions of its own after developing a code of ethics.

It will also set up consumer protection rules. For example, if a customer does not get a hunt as promised, they have recourse to the commission.

Cox said the details have yet to be worked out, but requiring outfitters to post liability bonds could be a part of the consumer protection role of the commission.

Cox says the commission will be up and running next year and more fully developed over the next three years.

The government is spending $124,000 to establish the commission.