Ryan Parker <[email protected]>

Received Oct 7, 8:36 PM

LFGA City of Lethbridge By-Election Candidate Questions.

1) Do you support the continued operation of the Lethbridge Fish & Game Shooting Sports Facility in the current location in Pennaquim Park?

Yes I fully support the current location. I have shown this through my advocacy and voting record on Lethbridge City Council.

2) The Federal government has said it will place the choice of banning handguns in the hands of municipalities. Lethbridge has an extremely active handgun sport-related community and culture. Would you support banning handguns in Lethbridge? Why or why not?

No I would not support banning the use of handguns at the range because if it is a sport (competitive or recreational) there should be a facility to practice and compete safely in.

3) Do you believe a ban on so-called ‘assault-style weapons’ that were legally owned by law-abiding people involved in the shooting sports makes our communities safer?

No. Words matter and true definitions are even more important. The term “assault style” weapons appears to be vague and has no legal definition and I’ve been told there’s no legitimate classification in the Canadian firearms system. Actual assault rifles have been banned since the 1970s so adding new definitions or classifications should be a standardized process. This is an issue for those that classify firearms. Federal politicians, law enforcement, firearm professionals and sport users. As I understand this issue, they all have a different agenda.

I would like to understand this even more by hearing the perspective of LFGA.

4) Do you understand the process of becoming a licensed firearm owner in Canada? Do you have a PAL or RPAL?

I completely understand the process. Thanks to the numerous visits that I have had with Rick Blakeley Allan Friesen, and Scott Sweetman

5) Have you experienced sport shooting or ethical hunting yourself?  What do you think are the key points to ethical hunting?

My first actual experience of sport shooting was at LFGA under the supervision of Scott Sweetman. Most of my experience in regards to ethical hunting occurred when joining friends on hunting trips.

Ethical hunting consists of 6 key principles.

1.            Obey all laws

2.            Respect your quarry

3.            Take shots at a reasonable range

4.            Respect others

5.            Practice the principles of fair chase

6.            Fully use the animal

6) Have you used the Lethbridge Fish & Game Associations Shooting Sports Facility or been involved in any of our many conservation projects or activities?

Yes I have used the Lethbridge Fish & Game Facilities.

7) Do you support the City’s financial support of facility upgrades at the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility? 

Yes, I fully support the City’s financial support of the facilities upgrades. I’ve shown this through my voting record on Lethbridge City Council.

8) Do you support the statement that the Lethbridge Fish and Game Association Shooting Sports Facility and related organizations represent an important community sport and recreation resource in our community?

100% yes I do.

9) Do you believe that the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility should be treated differently than other sporting venues by the City of Lethbridge. If so, how?

This facility deserves to be treated differently. Even though it’s a sporting facility, it’s needs to be supported in three main ways.

1. Financially
2. Joint partnerships on safety 
3. “Morally” we must stand up for this organization 

Safety is also a key ingredient that makes this facility different than the other facilities.

10) The LFGA on behalf of its members donates thousands of dollars, and thousands of hours into conservation and habitat yearly. Do you feel this is important at the municipal level and are you involved in any of these activities or do you support wildlife conservation and habitat protection in other ways?

I truly appreciate what the LFGA do for conservation and habitat protection. I believe most people in the community don’t realize how much LFGA has done for the City of Lethbridge in regards to conservation and habitat protection. 

Message to the Members

As a current member of Lethbridge City Council I’ve had the privilege in being a strong advocate for the LFGA. I’ve done this by bringing proposals/resolutions to the Council table on their behalf. I also stood behind the LFGA when some community members wanted it shut down. I have learned the importance of this facility by not only using it, but more importantly listening to its members. It plays a vital role in our community, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for its growth and prosperity.

 Thank you for the opportunity.

Ryan Parker