本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛Raymond Lee is chairman of the Ontario Chinese Anglers Association, a group of Asian-Canadian fishermen formed in 1999.
He also doesn't agree with assumptions made by Hall. Lee, who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1973, has never fished in the Rideau Lakes himself, but knows many members who have, some for more than 10 years. "They all gave me the input that they never had problems, and that the people [in Westport] are really friendly and helpful. For this incident to have happened there must be something that triggered the local fishermen. Somebody did something that finally upset the local people so much. Too bad that the ministry and the OPP didn't act before and have let this slowly build up," Lee said.
"Either way, this doesn't give people the right to act like that. They say this is racism or discrimination, I told them, from my own point of view, I don't think they are really targeting Asian people," Lee said. "I won't be calling it a hate crime. I guess it could be if you say they hate the fishermen, but it is not racist. That is a really fine line."
Lee goes on to describe he has been concerned about the sale of live crappie in Toronto stores for years. Fishermen from Westport have suggested publicly that fish caught in the Rideau Lakes are sold live in the Toronto area. Lee says he believes that may be true and adds he has tried to alert the ministry about it. He says live crappie, walleye or smallmouth bass bring in anywhere from $7.99 to $10.99 a pound.
Says Lee, "There is a high profit right there. If that fish is so profitable, and if they get it from the farm, how come we don't see it on the shelves all year round? We only see it in the spring and fall time when the fish come in spawning or migrating. "If I had a supermarket, and this fish is selling good and everyone is buying it, I would have it all year round. It is obvious someone is fishing and selling it to them. Those are not farm raised, but I can not prove it," said Lee. Lee says he will be criticized from within his own community.
"When I say something else, I already get people calling me to say I am not a Chinese, and that I am on the white side. I am not. I am here since 1973, if people ask me who I am I would tell them I am a proud Canadian. Originally, yes, I am from Hong Kong," Lee said. In his efforts as the chair of the Ontario Chinese Anglers Association Lee feels education is needed on both sides of the issue. When he speaks with Asian-Canadian anglers he explains it is not always necessary to keep all the fish they catch. It is also appreciated if a fishing location is left behind as clean as it was when they arrived. "When you really want to fish at night, keep it quiet and pick up your garbage when you go," Lee said.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net