Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is coming under fire for vowing to end "racially divided" fisheries.

In a letter published last week in The Calgary Herald, Harper said he would call an inquiry into the fishery on the Fraser River in the "coming months." An appeals court in British Columbia ruled that a Native-only fishery on the river was legal in response to a challenge by non-Native fishermen.

Harper also said he would oppose "racially divided fisheries programs" despite it being a part of federal policy for the past 14 years. Native leaders said his comments would lead to more confrontation and heighten racial tension during the upcoming fishing season.

Get the Story:
Harper vows to end 'racially divided fisheries' (CBC 7/12)
Harper vows to end race-based fisheries (The Vancouver Sun 7/12)

Court Decision:
R. v. Kapp (June 8, 2006)

Related Stories:
Appeals court rules in favor of Native-only fishery (06/09)
Column: Tensions rising over First Nations fishery (06/07)
Report suggests drop in salmon due to Native fishing (03/23)
Non-Natives to challenge First Nation fishery (11/10)
Native-only fishery in British Columbia to resume (07/27)
British Columbia court upholds Native-only fishery (07/13)