Stephen Mogdan – 2021 -Mayor

Stephen Mogdan – 2021 -Mayor

[email protected]

I’m Stephen Mogdan, and I’m running for mayor of Lethbridge. LFGA members should elect a mayoral candidate who is supportive of your organization and the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility. That candidate is me. I don’t have an extensive background with hunting or shooting activities, but I fully support the rights of those who do. The public often doesn’t understand – and certain political agendas try to distract from – the fact that members of LFGA (and like organizations) are committed, responsible members of a vibrant sporting community. Our municipality should support such organizations. That is my commitment to you. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or via (403) 393-6715.

HI Scott, thanks for your email. My answers are below.


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


Yes, I do. In my view, this is a well-run facility that fits a crucial need in our community. This facility provides an excellent centre for training (private citizen as well as LPS, etc.), shooting practice, competitions and gathering of community members. Not everyone is involved with shooting, but we need to have a good facility for those who are involved.

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?

A municipality like Lethbridge has little place in trying to ban a legal, already-regulated activity. The federal government suggestion in this regard is meant (in my view) to curry favour with urban voters in large centres like Toronto. Lethbridge, by comparison, doesn’t appear to have a problem with handgun-related crime or violence. I would not support a motion to attempt to ban or further restrict handguns in Lethbridge.

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?

Weapons bans seem to have little effect in reducing weapons crime or violence. I don’t believe banning ‘assault-style weapons’ will have any measurable impact on community safety in a city like Lethbridge.

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

I am not a licensed firearm owner, but broadly understand the process and the rigorous requirements that must be satisfied in order to become licensed.

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

I have not shot for sport since I was a kid, so I’m by no means an expert on hunting, but I would fully expect that ‘ethical hunting’ would include things like: observance of all applicable laws; ensuring safety for all involved; reducing suffering; using means and methods that are fair in the circumstances. Hunters are keenly aware of conservation and the role that hunting plays within it, and conduct themselves in a way that promotes conservation and sound practices for wildlife management.

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


I have toured the LFGA facility at Peenaquim, but have not yet used it for shooting.

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

Yes. This is a good facility, and the City’s support is beneficial to the shooting community, as well as to the wider community.

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?

Yes, I fully support this statement.

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?

I believe the LFGA Shooting Sports Facility should be treated in its own right. It has safety and security issues that other sporting venues do not have to consider, and is an important resource for law enforcement training; that likely requires some considerations from the City that other sporting venues do not require. In addition, the City has a responsible and well-run partner in the LFGA, and should rely on the LFGA’s expertise and dedication in running the Shooting Sports Facility and recommending necessary changes, funding initiatives, and so on.

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 do believe that conservation is important at a municipal level, and I support wildlife conservation through donation. Additional support from the City will remain a priority for me, should I be elected on October 18.

I trust this is what you require, but if there’s anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have also attached a candidate message. If this is too long, etc., please let me know.

Best regards,

Stephen Mogdan