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Dear Mr. Loewen,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed reintroduction of grizzly bear hunting in Alberta.
The grizzly bear is a threatened species with slow recovery rates. Introducing hunting at this critical juncture is unnecessary and unjustified. Scientific studies have consistently shown that grizzly bear populations are still vulnerable, and reintroducing hunting could severely damage their recovery prospects. Conservation experts recommend continued protection to ensure their long-term survival and ecological role in Alberta's wilderness.
The process through which this policy has been introduced appears to lack transparency and adequate public consultation. Good governance demands that significant wildlife management decisions be made based on rigorous scientific evidence and democratic processes, ensuring all stakeholders are heard.
Moreover, your personal interests in hunting-related industries raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Effective wildlife management should prioritize ecological sustainability and public interest over private gains. The involvement of conservation officers in these processes is crucial to maintain objectivity and uphold the integrity of our wildlife management practices.
I urge you to reconsider this decision, taking into account the long-term ecological impacts and the principles of good governance. Protecting Alberta’s wildlife heritage should be a priority, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Andy H.
Dear Mr. Loewen,
I am writing to follow up on my previous correspondence regarding the proposed reintroduction of grizzly bear hunting in Alberta. Recent developments have raised significant concerns about the accuracy of the data being used to support this decision and the ethical implications of its manipulation.
In various media interviews, you have repeatedly stated that 20 or more "problem grizzly bears" are killed annually in Alberta. However, according to independent data from the Alberta government, the actual number is approximately three per year. This substantial discrepancy calls into question the integrity of the information being presented to the public and used to justify the reintroduction of grizzly bear hunting.
The manipulation or misrepresentation of data not only undermines public trust but also jeopardizes the ethical foundation of wildlife management policies. Decisions of this magnitude must be based on accurate, transparent, and scientifically sound data to ensure that they are in the best interest of both the species involved and the broader ecosystem.
Moreover, the ethical implications of using inflated numbers to advocate for hunting are deeply troubling. It suggests a disregard for the principles of good governance and responsible stewardship of Alberta's natural resources. As a public official, it is your duty to ensure that policies are formulated and communicated with honesty and integrity, reflecting the true state of our wildlife populations and the challenges they face.
As an international visitor who has spent considerable sums visiting Alberta specifically to view its magnificent wildlife, including grizzly bears, I find this issue particularly concerning. The prospect of diminished wildlife due to poorly justified hunting policies directly impacts my travel plans and financial contributions to Alberta’s tourism industry. My plans to visit Alberta, along with another person, for two weeks would involve an estimated spending of upwards of $6,500 CAD on local accommodations, dining, vehicle hire, and guided tours. Decisions that could harm the wildlife viewing experience also affect the province's appeal to international tourists like myself.
In light of these issues, I urge you to reconsider the reintroduction of grizzly bear hunting and to prioritize transparency and accuracy in all wildlife management decisions. Protecting Alberta's wildlife heritage should be guided by the best available science and ethical governance, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Andy H.
