"If they wanted to really do something to enhance enforcement capabilities and ensure conservation they would have committed new funds," said Reid. "By shuffling around staff from one area to another, the overall capability of government to ensure compliance with regulations is being compromised.

"These forestry officers are in place for a reason. It is irresponsible for government to take them away from their responsibilities to enforce salmon rivers. Government should be hiring new officers to act as river guardians and making proper representation to Ottawa to maintain and enhance DFO’s enforcement capabilities.

"The Premier has been unable to convince DFO or the Prime Minister’s Office how important it is to protect our inland waters. We have seen this government fail on several issues with Ottawa so far and it is very unfortunate."