SCI Canada Conference June 2024
SCI Canada hosted their annual conference in Ottawa recently bringing in chapter leaders, regional reps, Director at large members from across Canada. President John McLaurin, Secretary Mike Crawford, and Vice President Joe Pedersen, also Jeremy Clare and Jason St. Michael from staff attended and participated in a 3-day conference.
The Conference kicked off a week earlier for several of the attendees with the annual shooting event for Political Legislators and their staff. The day at the range is led by the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus to which SCI Canada sits on the advisory panel. SCI Canada assists the day of the shoot and sponsors both the breakfast and the lunch that day. We have 119 participants and many of whom had never held a firearm. Local chapter volunteers assist the day at the range each year, ensure safety and education is provided for the participants.
Several days following, we welcomed many of our conference participants that were traveling from across Canada and the USA to participate. We had three days of packed events and activities.
Day 1:
We attended the 2-day Conservative Angling and Hunting Caucus wildlife symposium to discuss issues facing all forms of hunting, angling, trapping, firearms and more. We heard from a variety of stake holders on Invasive species, Access, to Firearms issues. Our very own International Affairs Liaison Jeremy Clare attended and presented on Trophy bans and CITES and how these issues can play a big role in conservation and why they should be very important to everyone.
A wonderful Reception was planned for the SCI Canada committee, stakeholders, and legislators at a local members amazing trophy room. We had 68 people attend the evening reception reminiscing with old and new friends about hunting adventures and the first day symposium discussions.
Day 2:
The conclusion of the symposium was held morning of day with a Bear Pit discussion, this was several MPs from different files of the conservative party and taking questions from the many stake holders who participated. Following the symposium, the SCI Canada Committee returned to host the SCI Canada committee meetings. Once concluded we headed to a wild game garden party held at the Leader of Conservative party’s residence. More than 120 people attended this amazing event including stakeholder groups and legislators from across Canada. SCI Canada had their Sensory Safari Trailer on hand so Legislators and stake holders could learn about SCI, hunting, and sustainable wildlife conservation. Wild game from Coast to coast was provided such as bear, moose, bison, canada goose, wild salmon, Atlantic crab and much more. Chef Andrew Rochon and his amazing culinary skills were enjoyed by all. SCI got to spend some time with many of the stake holders and legislators including the Leader and potential the next Prime Minister of Canada Hon. Pierre Poilievre.
Day 3:
This day was focused on speaking with legislators that hold relevant files important to hunters and anglers, some of the discussions included access, firearms rights, Canadian Border Protection, Canadian Food Inspection, Trophy bans, import and export issues. The day concluded with a team dinner including our soon to be new hire in Canada Chris Everett who will be assisting with lobbying efforts and chapter services throughout Canada.