in E News TEAM CSSA E-NEWS – April 30, 2014
TEAM CSSA E-NEWS – April 30, 2014 ** Please share this E-news with your friends **
COMMENTARY: THE NIAGARA AGM FOCUSES ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM FOR SHOOTING SPORTS
Our spirited Annual General Meeting (AGM) this weekend once again revealed that there is no such thing as a “typical” sport shooter.
The Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) hosted nearly 200 firearms enthusiasts overlooking the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara on Saturday night. The ballroom will filled with men and women from all walks of life who share at least thing in common – they love to shoot. Some love the sport, some love the science, and some love the thrill of the hunt.
The CSSA AGM and Stick to Your Guns fund-raising dinner attracted a wide array shooters that include doctors, construction workers, accountants, lawyers, bureaucrats, truck drivers, computer experts, police officers, politicians, and many others. The sport shooting community defies a singular definition beyond the common thread that binds the participants.
During the AGM portion of the program on Saturday morning, members were briefed on CSSA’s activities in 2013. They learned that the membership has grown to 17,500, not including affiliated members who belong to CSSA gun clubs. The AGM also noted that CSSA has a more robust bank account than ever before, which is no doubt attributable to our focused political successes in Ottawa, the United Nations and other international fora.
We received a great deal of positive feedback from members that lauds the quality of our speakers and their messages. Patrick O’Neill, Director General, Explosives Safety and Security Branch at Natural Resources Canada explained how new regulations would affect ammunition hand-loaders. Obviously, Canada’s law-makers and the firearms community can find solid common ground when the parties show respect and tolerance for one another.
Dr. Caillin Langmann, M.D., Ph.D., author of Canadian Firearms Legislation and Effects on Homicide 1974 to 2008 provided scientific evidence that the gun control measures in the Firearms Act have not reduced gun-related injury or death. He explained that when Canada’s firearms statistics are subjected to scientific scrutiny, the evidence concludes that anti-gun legislation has been ineffective, and possibly injurious to public safety. Dr. Langmann also noted that many physicians have expressed support for his peer-reviewed study by agreeing that anti-gun laws have not provided any benefits to emergency medicine.
CSSA’s own regional director Joel Sturm and new director Greg Steele provided an engaging open forum address on how firearms clubs and individuals can help to educate the public and the media about our heritage activities. He explained that when torqued media reports occur sport shooters can set the record straight via social media by simply telling the truth with respect and patience. He also suggested that inviting non-shooters to the local range is the best way to seal the deal.
At the sold-out Stick to Your Guns dinner on Saturday evening, Sun News Network vice-president Kory Teneycke explained why Sun News reporters and editors had been fully briefed to understand that the firearms community does not pose a problem to public safety. He noted that many Sun News reporters, editors and employees were provided with free safety instruction by CSSA trainers and many have since secured their firearms licence. Kory pledged that Sun News is in the firearms debate for the long haul and encouraged the firearms community to train the next generation of sport shooters. Kory also introduced keynote speaker Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. as the engine behind the Conservative government movement for fairer firearms laws.
Garry Breitkreuz took the podium amid a standing ovation from the grateful audience. He explained how his journey to change gun laws started nearly 20 years ago and why he made it his personal quest. Garry provided accolades to the CSSA for its willingness to work with the government over the years to assist with that quest. The Saskatchewan M.P. expressed renewed hope with Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney handling the firearms file since last summer. He also reiterated the need for a firearms experts technical committee to rein in the reclassification process co-opted by the RCMP.
The CSSA has long been frustrated that Garry Breitkreuz has not received the government recognition he so richly deserves after two decades of fighting for gun owners’ rights. Earlier that same day, the association attempted to elevate Garry’s status by awarding him with a peoples’ choice award. He was presented with a framed certificate that reads:
“The Board, Staff and Members of the CSSA unanimously nominate Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. to be Canada’s one and only Federal Minister of Firearms given this 26th day of April, 2014.”
Garry accepted the certificate with his customary good-natured and aw-shucks demeanor. He chuckled at the notion of being the Minister of Firearms chosen by the people, and the irony was not lost on anyone who attended the CSSA Annual General Meeting.
The road has been long.
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COMMENTARY: CSSA AWARDS DEPICT DEDICATION AND TENACITY
The CSSA was pleased to announce its award winners for 2013 at its Annual General Meeting in Niagara Falls on April 26, 2014.
John Holdstock Memorial Award – Dennis Young (Alberta), former assistant to Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. and on-going crusader for firearms rights. Dennis’s work to expose the High River gun grab by RCMP officers last summer was instrumental in making the issue public. For details on his enduring contribution to the firearms community, see the March 17, 2014 CSSA E-News Commentary at http://www.cdnshootingsports.org/2014/03/enews_20140317.html
President’s Award for Merit – Dave Arrowsmith for providing excellent safety and technical training for thousands of new shooters over three decades. Literally thousands of shooters have learned firearms safety from this skilled instructor.
CSSA Regional Director of the Year – John Evers for providing excellent media relations assistance and personal training for new sport shooters. John’s spirit and tenacity is a shining example to all firearms owners in Canada.
Federal Level – Shooting Instructor – Dave Arrowsmith and Murray Ogilvie have been promoted to Federal Level Firearms Safety Instructors. Our heartfelt congratulations to them both.
Federal Minister of Firearms Certificate – Garry Breitkreuz, M.P.
Congratulations to all and thank you from the CSSA for jobs very well done!
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MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR AGM/STICK TO YOUR GUNS DINNER SPONSORS!
The CSSA was able to auction, raffle and give away many thousands of dollars worth of great shooting sports items last weekend. The event was made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:
Triggers and Bows – Otis Cleaning Technology – The Gun Centre – Shooting Chrony – Hornady – Gerber Gear – Hillman Canada – CRKT – SOG – Stoeger Canada – Select Shooting Supplies – Savage Arms Canada – North Eastern Arms – See All Open Sights – Vortex Canada – The Shooting Edge – Lyman – Target Sports Canada
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“Allan Rock said he came to Ottawa with the belief that only the police and military should have firearms. I believe that firearms ownership is a right, but a right that comes with responsibilities” – the Hon. Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety
HELP SUPPORT THE GREAT WORK THE CSSA DOES TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. DONATE HERE
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CALVIN MARTIN QC PASSES: Canada’s shooting community has lost another warrior in our fight for firearms freedom. Calvin Martin, lawyer extraordinaire, world class shooter, long time CSSA member and all around great guy passed on Monday, April 21 in Toronto. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, May 8 at 2:30 in the Boehmer Room, 12th floor of McClintock Manor/Nisbet Lodge, 740 Pape Avenue, Toronto. All are welcome.
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REMINGTON RECALL: Remington Arms Company is voluntarily recalling Remington Model 700™ and Model Seven™ rifles manufactured from May 1, 2006 through April 9, 2014 and which have an X-Mark Pro® (“XMP®”) trigger. All product manufactured after April 9, 2014 is not subject to recall. http://xmprecall.remington.com/
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ONTARIO SPRING BEARS SHOULD DUCK – COURT OPENS SEASON: There will be a spring bear hunt in northern Ontario for the first time in 15 years starting Thursday.
Ontario Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti confirmed Tuesday evening a pilot project to reinstate the controversial spring hunt will go ahead as planned following a court ruling that struck down a challenge filed by animal rights groups.
“I am very pleased with the court’s decision,” said Orazietti, suggesting the ruling demonstrates an understanding of the ministry’s role in managing wildlife in the province. The status of the planned hunt, which will run until June 15 in certain areas of northern Ontario, had been up in the air pending the outcome a judicial review, which started and wrapped up Tuesday.
Two animal rights groups – Animal Alliance of Canada and Zoocheck Canada – filed for a judicial review and notice of constitutional question, suggesting the hunt is contrary to animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code.
Julie Woodyer, campaigns director with Zoocheck, expressed disappointment Tuesday, while vowing to continue to advocate for humane wildlife practices. “Of course we will continue to fight in one form or another,” Woodyer said. “We will be very, very carefully looking at the monitoring program and maybe even have people out observing hunting. If a lactating female were killed that we found out about, we would go out to find the cubs.”
Woodyer said there may be an opportunity to appeal the decision, but her organization was still waiting Tuesday to learn the rationale for the ruling. The groups argued mother bears will be shot, leaving their orphaned cubs to starve or to be killed by predators. But Orazietti noted that under the program, the hunting of bear cubs or females with cubs remains illegal…
The former Tory government, under premier Mike Harris, decided to ban the hunt in 1999 following an intensive campaign by animal welfare organizations, claiming the hunt was unethical because bear cubs were orphaned too young to survive in the wild.
The issue has remained controversial ever since, with many northern residents blaming nuisance bear problems on the cancellation of the hunt… (Sun News – April 30, 2014)
To read more: http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/04/20140429-182848.html
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LARRY MILLER, M.P. TELLS IT LIKE IT IS IN PARLIAMENT: The following Standing Order 31 statement was read by Larry Miller, M.P. on April, 28, 2014 in the House of Commons:
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians want tough-on-crime measures that are effective, efficient and make good common sense. They don’t want half-baked schemes dreamed up by big government Liberals that do nothing to keep Canadians safe.
That is why we ended the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry. It did nothing to prevent a single crime, and Mr. Speaker, here is proof. Since 2009 gun crime in Canada has decreased by more than 25%, despite the dire predictions of Liberal elite politicians like former Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant who said, ‘I can’t imagine a measure that will do more to harm public safety, and in particular violence against women, than ending the gun registry.’
Mr. Speaker, we all know in reality that gun crimes are committed by bad guys and criminals, who acquire guns illegally. A good guy with a gun is a law abiding hunter, or a sport shooter, or a farmer. It is about time that the leaders of the NDP and the Liberals quit their long enduring harassment of these law abiding Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, I, for one, am a member of this group. We are not part of the problem; we are part of the solution!”
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GUN SHOWS ABOUNDING – PICK YOUR FAVOURITE!
Arms and Militaria Fair – Longueuil, Quebec – May 3 – Call 450-445-5801 – http://www.lca-canada.com/other_shows_eng.htm
Gun and Militaria Show – Woodstock, Ontario – May 4 – Call 905-679-8812 and check www.ontariogunshows.com
7th Annual Red Deer Gun Show and Sale – Red Deer, Alberta – May 3-4 – Call 403-347-3767
Edmonton Gun Show – Alberta Aviation Museum – May 10 – Call 780-473-3032
8th Annual Gun, Knife, Archery & Sporting Goods Show – Prince George, BC – May 10-11 – Call 250-613-0151
4th Annual Kootenay Gun and Antique Show – Kimberly BC – May 24-25 – http://kootenaygunshow.wordpress.com
River Ridge Fish & Game Gun Show – Canora, Saskatchewan – June 7-8 – Call 306-563-5497
4th Annual Whitehorse Show – Whitehorse, Yukon – July 26 – Call 867-667-2278
Torrington Gun Show – Torrington, Alberta – August 23-24 – Call 403-556-5768
…for more show listings across Canada, subscribe to Canadian Access to Firearms at http://www.canadianguns.com/
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BEASLEY VS. ONTARIO BRUINS: This week – May 3 on Canada in the Rough – Keith Beasley is hunting black bears with Shawn Galea of Advanced Taxidermy in the Boreal forest of Ontario. They will be hunting with their compounds, while trying to get close to these big bruins that Northern Ontario is so well known for. See the teaser at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlP8V0JSj0s and check out www.canadaintherough.com to find the TV schedule in your area.
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STATSCAN SAYS GUN CRIMES CONTINUE DECLINE: New data from Statistics Canada show the rate of firearms-related crime in Canada and the number of victims are declining. Incidents involving firearms accounted for 2 per cent of all victims of police-reported violent crime in 2012, Statscan reported. Police reported approximately 5,600 victims of violent crime where a firearm was present in 2012, about 1,800 fewer victims of firearm-related violent crime than 2009. Quebec is excluded from the report due to data-quality issues.
In comparison, the rate of non-firearm-related violent crime was about 49 times higher, at 1,033 victims per 100,000 population, Statscan reported. Since 2009, the rate of violent offences involving other weapons has decreased 9 per cent, while the rate of offences involving the use of physical force, threat, or no weapon has decreased 14 per cent. (Globe and Mail – April 23, 2014)
See the rest at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/firearm-related-violent-crime-outpaces-overall-decline-in-violent-crime/article18124398/
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CRIME PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER – JOHN LOTT IS CROWD-FUNDING: Help raise funds by contributing to pro-gun research in the U.S. – https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-lives-deter-criminals-help-john-lott-start-the-cprc#home
Ezra is on the job – Canada’s Sun News discusses the importance of accurate crime and gun research — a great explanation for why you should support the CPRC:
http://crimepreventionresearchcenter.org/2014/04/cprc-on-canadas-sun-news-to-discuss-the-importance-of-accurate-crime-and-gun-research/
Bogus Gun-Control Numbers: To prove that concealed handguns are dangerous, the Violence Policy Center cooks the books:
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/376745/bogus-gun-control-numbers-john-r-lott-jr
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MORE RANGES NEEDED IN ALBERTA: A family of three brandished rifles for a recent round of shooting practice in a wooded pocket of Kananaskis Country, their targets set up in front of a trail, as angry cattle ranchers looked on. The spot is among several in the region that have become increasingly popular for gun lovers who bask under southern Alberta sun as they pop off a few hundred rounds, some using barbecues, propane tanks and aerosol cans as targets.
Infuriated ranchers say these shooters set their targets up near trails with little visibility of hikers, horseback riders and cattle that may be nearby. A couple ranchers took the Herald on a tour of these makeshift ranges and stumbled upon the Christensen family shooting off their guns. “Somebody’s going to get shot out here,” said Gary Meadows, a rancher who runs cattle through the area during the spring and fall, as he watched the family fire their weapons… (Calgary Herald – April 27, 2014)
Read the rest at: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Makeshift+shooting+range+draws+fire+from+Country+ranchers/9781551/story.html
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THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The CSSA is the voice of the sport shooter and firearms enthusiast in Canada. Our national membership supports and promotes Canada’s firearms heritage, traditional target shooting competition, modern action shooting sports, hunting, and archery. We support and sponsor competitions and youth programs that promote these Canadian heritage activities.
To join or donate to the CSSA, visit: http://www.cdnshootingsports.org/membership.html
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CANADIAN SHOOTING SPORTS ASSOCIATION / CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
116 Galaxy Blvd, Etobicoke ON M9W 4Y6
Phone 416-679-9959, Fax: 416-679-9910
Toll Free: 1-888-873-4339
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website www.cdnshootingsports.org