Memories relived

Dear editor:
After reading about the beef farmers’ troubles for a few months, it brings back memories about commercial fishing in this area.
In the early 1970s, the commercial fishermen received an awful jolt. Word came from the federal government to pull all walleye and northern nets from the water and dump the fish as they may have over half-a-part per million of mercury.
If you had no other source of income, you were done. Out of 22 commercial fishing businesses locally, only a few survived.
Now the beef farmers are not all that bad off. They still can sell their produce locally and eat the same. Back when we were banned from fishing, only the tourist camps and people catching their own fish could fish and eat some.
Somehow, the mercury in these fish did not hurt them.
I am in deep sympathy with the beef farmers because I know what they are going through.
Signed,
Allan Kielczewski
P.S. Since I started this letter last Wednesday (Feb. 25), events have taken place that I must also write about.
My wife suffered a massive heart attack and if it had not been for the prompt and professional services of 9-1-1, she would not be alive today. The dedication of the hospital staff, and especially Dr. Johnston, is the only reason she is hanging by a thread today.
But our medical care here in Fort Frances is making that thread more of a rope every day. Again, thanks to Dr. Johnston and the staff at La Verendrye hospital.