Canada Conference Unites Hunters, Advocates

The 2026 SCI Canada Conference has concluded, marking another successful year of engagement, productive discussions and continued advocacy for hunting, conservation and the preservation of Canada’s hunting heritage.

The conference once again demonstrated SCI Canada’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of hunters and conservation advocates are represented in important national conversations.

As SCI members arrived in Ottawa from across Canada, joined by supporters and guests from the United States, it was clear that SCI had a strong, united presence. Representatives from coast to coast came prepared to engage, advocate and reinforce the importance of protecting hunting traditions, wildlife-conservation efforts and the broader outdoor heritage valued by so many Canadians.

The conference began early with participation in the Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus (CHAC) Wildlife Symposium. The full-day event featured extensive dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders on critical issues affecting Canada’s hunting and outdoor community.

Topics included 30×30 land access and property rights, chronic wasting disease, firearms legislation and other pressing policy matters. Discussions were led by respected stakeholders and hosted by the CHAC, with SCI Canada serving as a sponsor of the symposium.

That evening, SCI Canada hosted a meet-and-greet at a local member’s trophy room in Greely, Ontario, just outside of Ottawa. The event brought SCI members, stakeholder organizations and MPs together in a welcoming setting that encouraged conversation and relationship-building. SCI Canada provided food and refreshments while participants had the opportunity to strengthen connections and foster new partnerships.

The following day was dedicated to meetings with members of Parliament and their staff on Parliament Hill. With more than 28 meetings, SCI Canada had a substantial presence throughout the day.

The meetings provided an opportunity to raise key concerns, communicate priorities affecting hunters and conservationists, and build new relationships with decision-makers and their staffs. That evening, the conference continued at Stornoway, the official residence of the leader of the opposition. SCI Canada contributed its Sensory Safari trailer for the event, helping to create a memorable and engaging experience for attendees.

Guests were served a wild-game menu featuring moose, bear, beaver, seal, duck and other expertly prepared dishes. Hosted again by CHAC of Canada, the event provided another opportunity to showcase the cultural and culinary importance of our hunting traditions.

The next morning, activities moved to the Stittsville Shooting Range for the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus Range Day for members of Parliament and staff. SCI Canada, which serves on the advisory council to the caucus, was proud to participate in the event for the 14th consecutive year.

Once again, SCI Canada sponsored breakfast and lunch and also provided volunteers to help at event stations throughout the day. During the event, SCI Canada also announced that, through the Life Hunter Advocate Society (LHAS) granting program, it would organize and fully fund hunter-safety and firearms-licensing training in Ottawa for any members of Parliament, senators or staff interested in participating.

LHAS is dedicated to advancing SCI’s advocacy mission through its endowment that funds initiates such as this. Joining LHAS allows SCI’s Life members to further contribute to defending the right to hunt around the world.

About 155 attendees from all political parties took part in the day’s activities, reflecting strong cross-party interest and engagement. The Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partners, a coalition that emerged from the previous year’s conference, also met during the week.

Made up of like-minded organizations working collaboratively to advance hunting, trapping, angling and firearms rights, the group focused its discussion on opportunities to make advocacy efforts on Parliament Hill stronger and more coordinated in the future.

SCI Canada also held its annual meetings with Chapter representatives and organizational leadership during the conference, providing a forum to review ongoing priorities, discuss Chapter activities and strengthen alignment across the organization. The meetings offered opportunities for leaders from different regions to share updates, exchange ideas and consider strategies for advancing SCI Canada’s mission while supporting members more effectively in the year ahead.

The week also included the SCI Canada Foundation meeting, during which organizational business was formally addressed, and attendees received a presentation from the Ottawa Community Foundation. This session added further depth to the conference by highlighting opportunities for partnership, community engagement and future collaboration in support of shared goals.

The Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations gathered all members while in Ottawa. Of foremost concern for all associations is the continued progress of 30×30, specifically how newly protected areas will impact outfitter operations. Reconciliation has become a significant element of this effort, complicating its implementation.

Tourism Canada joined to report increasing numbers of American tourists and new efforts to include the use of hunting imagery in marketing materials. Outfitter associations are the backbone of the hunting industry throughout Canada.

Considerable effort and dedication went into making the 2026 SCI Canada Conference a success, and the results were evident throughout the week.

The conference continued to strengthen relationships, reinforce shared priorities and support the ongoing work required to protect our hunting heritage for future generations.

SCI Canada’s presence in Ottawa once again demonstrated the organization’s leadership, commitment and determination in advocating for hunters and conservation values across Canada and beyond.