E-licensing Manitoba

[Stephani Kapnick]

Manitobanshave shelled out more than $5 million in fees to a Texas-based company to visit provincial parks and buy outdoor licences in recent years, as the NDP government hints at changes to the controversial system.

Environment Minister Tracy Schmidt says the decision to outsource online sales of parks, fishing and hunting permits to Aspira in 2020 was unfortunate, as the province enters the final stretch of its contract with the company.

The then-Progressive Conservative government hired Aspira in 2019, following a competitive tendering process, and the launch of online retail sales of parks passes and fishing and hunting licences was announced in April 2020.

Since 2020, Aspira has collected $5.4 million in administrative fees, which also covers the cost of maintaining the online platform and operating a toll-free phone number, according to figures current to Jan. 31 and provided in response to questions from the Free Press.

A report by the Manitoba ombudsman released in June 2023 found the e-licensing system contravened the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Act by collecting more information than reasonably necessary. The province has since acted on recommendations to address some of the privacy shortfalls.

Local businesses should also be seriously considered for new contracts as the NDP government reviews its expiring service agreements, Canadian Federation of Independent Business provincial director Brianna Solberg said.

The report argues it "is not reasonably necessary" that customers reveal their driver's licence number, passport number or personal health identification number to use the third-party online system, which Manitoba started using in 2020.

"Personal health information is being collected, which it shouldn't, and sensitive information like passport numbers and drivers licences just to get a hunting licence or whatever?" she said. "Far too excessive."

The report also recommends the province limit the collection of other forms of personal information, such as a driver's licence or passport number. This information is considered an "identifier" that's required when setting up a customer account.

Cavoukian, who founded the "privacy by design" concept that calls on embedding privacy protections from the beginning to prevent future harms, said identity theft is becoming a growing threat that cannot be dismissed.

"It's really hard to completely restrict the use [of this information] to this and no one else gains access to it," she said. "They haven't even said if they're going to try and de-identify the data."

The ombudsman started its investigation in 2020 after receiving complaints from the public about the amount of information the Texas-based e-licensing vendor, RA Outdoors Ltd., operating as Aspira, wanted.

Individuals have been required to disclose personal information and personal health information to set up a customer account, the ombudsman said. Customers could sign into their account at any time to buy licences and permits.

The ombudsman ruled that department sought too much information. FIPPA establishes that personal information may only be collected for a specific authorized purpose, and that collection must be limited to only as much personal information is reasonably necessary for the designated purpose.

The report explained some products like a provincial park vehicle permit only required a vehicle licence plate under the previous paper-only booking system, but now the online vendor demands more information just to create a customer account.

"If this option were offered, the e-licensing system would only need to collect personal information specific to the licence or permit being purchased, and the transaction being made," the document states.

The privacy concerns are the latest blow the Progressive Conservative government is facing over its e-licensing agreement with Aspira. In 2020, the province moved from an exclusively paper-only system into a more expensive online process. Aspira tacked on a $4.50 administration fee with each transaction, which nearly doubles the price of a day pass that once cost $5.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said it's inexcusable that Manitobans' personal information was put at greater risk. It adds credence to his party's argument the government should look to an online vendor within the province instead, he said.

He said Manitoba entered into the e-licensing contract with Aspira through an open tendering process. Though it's a U.S. company, Aspira has lots of connections with Canada, including providing e-licensing services in Alberta and Saskatchewan and employing support staff in various provinces, such as Manitoba.

"Our online e-licensing portal has made it easier than ever for Manitobans to purchase their angling licenses from their own homes," says Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen. "Our government is continuing to modernize the way we deliver services while decreasing our carbon footprint." googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()

Last spring Manitoba introduced a new, online service for the sale of outdoor licences and permits including angling licences. All anglers are required to obtain an angling licence to fish in Manitoba, unless exempt. These licences are now available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be immediately purchased and printed at home.

If any licence or permit was purchased last year, sign into the online account using the Customer ID Number (CID#) and password. If the license or permit was not purchased online, an online account will need to be created. Manitobans are also reminded that spring hunting licenses are available online now and park vehicle passes will be available in early April.

Every winter, thousands of fishing enthusiasts descend on Manitoba's frozen waterways for some good ol' hard water angling. And while there are endless lakes and rivers to set up on, these 9 ice fishing adventures provide all the fixings for when your heart needs adventure.

s orp, which means 'migrating ice village' in Icelandic, is a little community that pops up near the harbour in Gimli. Anyone is welcome to drive out on the ice with their 'fiski kofi' (ice fishing shack) and fish for the day. Otherwise, there are fishing shacks available to rent seven days a weeks for those who are confident in their abilities and have their own gear. For beginners, there are guides available on weekends to make it a fully guided experience. s orp also features snow art installations, light displays, and a skating and crockicurl rink.

For avid ice fishers, tour operators on Lake Winnipeg now offer the coolest ice fishing adventure that allows you to sleep and dine next to your fishing hole once the sun sets. Check out Kannuk Outfitters, Gaune Fishing, and Stringer Rentals out of Gimli for overnight packages in customized RVs where families can cozy up and watch the fish bite all night long. It's a winter fishing and camping trip at its finest.

Always wanted to do a family ice fishing vacay? It's easy at Gull Harbour Marina & Lighthouse Inn. Book a room at the inn or rent a stand-alone family cabin. Have all your meals in the spectacular on-site dining room that overlooks the lake. Then get on the ice during the day by booking one of the resort's comfortable SnoBears, a customized recreational vehicle that allows you to navigate the lake and ice fish in warmth. Guide and gear provided.

Meet up with Roselle Turenne of Prairie Gal Fishing in Gimli to learn the ins and out of this winter sport. Get to know the essentials of ice fishing with plenty of time to test your skills and enjoy the slower (yet still very exciting) pace of life that ice fishing offers. Prairie Gal Fishing provides everything you need, including rods, electronic fish-finder, tackle and frozen bait and even a Live Imaging Fish Finder. Check out the Prairie Gal Fishing website for various options including custom adventures!

Another great option for beginners is an ice fishing excursion on Lake Winnipeg with Icebound Excursions. While experienced anglers might opt to fully rent the SnoBear for the day in their own search for greenback walleye, those just starting out will feel at ease with an all-inclusive fishing day that includes a driver, sonar, ice fishing gear, bait and lunch - all from the ultimate (heated) ice fishing machine!

Ice fishing season is extra long in northern Manitoba, which means even more opportunity to reel in a master. Located 2 hours north of The Pas and 2 hours west of Flin Flon, Wekusko Falls Lodge is picturesque getaway where you can have your pick of ice fishing on 10+ lakes! An all-inclusive ice fishing package includes all the essentials - from your cabin to your meals, equipment, fishing guide and even professional photos of your catches!

Located just outside of Flin Flon, this drive-to luxury lodge, with individual vacation cabins, is open year-round, offering out-of-this world ice fishing on Lake Athapapuskow. Reel in trophy lake trout, walleye, northern pike and more on a guided ice fishing excursion. Snowmobiles, shacks and gear are all available for rent - making for unlimited options and fishing opportunities!

Lake Dauphin is already known as a hotspot for ice fishing, but accessing this special spot in Manitoba is made even easier with Riverside Lodge. The lodge welcomes anglers of all skill levels (yes, even those first timers) and are able to provide fully guided fishing days, tackle/gear, meals and lake shuttles.

All anglers need to register for a fishing license prior to their trip via Manitoba e-licensing. Winter Family Fishing Weekend is held every February long weekend. During this time, people can do so without acquiring a licence. All other rules and regulations apply.

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