The federal government is adding two more weekends to this summer’s recreational food fishery, extending it beyond the Labour Day long weekend.

The new dates are Saturday, September 6th to Monday, September 8th, and Saturday, September 13 to Monday, September 15th.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says Ottawa made the decision because wildfires throughout the province have prevented people from participating in the fishery, and because the effects from Hurricane Erin will make for dangerous sea conditions this weekend.

Thompson stresses that people need to keep safety top of mind.

She is urging people not to go out on the water if it is not safe to do so. She also acknowledges that many first responders are busy tackling the wildfires, so she wants to minimize any risks on the water.

In a post to social media, Premier John Hogan says he is pleased to see the dates extended, noting that he raised it with Thompson during a recent meeting.

He hopes it will help lift people’s spirits during this difficult time.