1. Do you support community-led organizations like the LFGA in their efforts to promote conservation, ethical hunting, and responsible firearms use for sport and education?

ANSWER: When I worked in northern Ontario during the early days of my newspaper career, outdoors writing was a big part of my work. I was involved with Ducks Unlimited and learned how important conservation of our wildlife resources are, be they fish, fowl or game. I know how many people including the Indigenous community relied upon harvesting to feed their families. For the sake of disclosure, I personally am not a hunter – I never had a taste for game – and I’m a bit clumsy so wouldn’t trust myself with a firearm – I’ve had enough incidents with errantly directed fishing lures.
Education is key to creating awareness of the hunting and sporting culture and to ensure future generations will have the natural resources available so they can put food on their tables and when it comes to sport shooting, the ability to do so for pleasure or competition.

2. In your view, what role should the City of Lethbridge play in protecting access to outdoor spaces for recreation, conservation, and education? How will municipal policies ensure that legal, permitted outdoor recreational facilities, such as shooting sports ranges, are recognized and protected as part of the broader community landscape, and not unfairly impacted by land use changes such as urban growth or rezoning?

ANSWER: With rare exceptions, there have been few issues with the current shooting range which I’ve been around often when I walked my dogs at Peenaquim Park. Safety measures are in place there and I personally don’t see why such a facility would be objectionable. It’s a form of sport and recreation, one which has been long established. If the matter ever came up of shutting it down or moving it, I would certainly be advocating a full investigation of the reasons why. I know there is a huge anti-gun culture in this world but again education is key to creating awareness of the sport.

3. Should recreational activities such as sport shooting and archery receive equal consideration alongside other sports in municipal planning and recreation policy? Would you support including representatives from these sports as formal stakeholders in long-term discussions around recreation, land use, and community health planning?

ANSWER: I believe all sports should be part of such discussions. Adjacent to your range is a disc golf course on lands which are inhabited by fowl and animals which if I recall didn’t involve much consultation about the impact on that parkland and other users of it so moving forward I believe all stakeholders have to be involved.

4. Do you personally participate in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, archery, or shooting sports? If so, please share how those experiences shape your views on land use and recreation.

ANSWER: I already pulled the trigger so to speak on hunting in a previous question. I don’t but I support those who do for sustenance and if I wasn’t allergic to feathers and again a bit clumsy, I might very well be spending autumns with friends birding. As for fishing, when I get back to northwestern Ontario, I don’t leave the water except to lose golf balls. To me, no sport is more fulfilling than spending days on a body of water like Lake of the Woods or Rainy Lake trying to catch enough fish for a shore lunch while enjoying and appreciating the magnificence of nature. Through outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing, I believe we can truly get an understanding of nature and develop enormous respect for it. And the importance of conserving resources for future generations to enjoy and create memories with their families.

5.In one or two sentences: Why do you believe you are the best candidate to support organizations like LFGA and the values we represent?

ANSWER: Simple: I covered outdoors issues for years when I started my career, I was involved with Ducks Unlimited and many of my pals to this day hunt and fish. I understand and respect the purpose of your organization.

6. Is there anything else you’d like our membership to know about your views on outdoor recreation, conservation, or supporting legal firearm owners?

ANSWER: Fish on! I wish. . .I think I’ve said it all. Thanks for giving me a chance to answer your questions.

Best regards,

Al

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