Advocating for Conservation, Public Access and Responsible Firearms Policy in BC

With the 2026 BC provincial election underway, the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) has encouraged clubs across the province to engage directly with local candidates on issues important to conservationists, hunters, anglers and sport shooters.

Our club, located in Chilliwack North (oddly enough), is following the BCWF’s recommendations to help ensure these important issues are raised with candidates and our members’ interests are represented.

Key Issues That Matter to Our Members

The BCWF has identified three important areas for candidates to address:

  • Public access to Crown land and resources — protecting opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing and other activities.
  • Dedicated funding for fish, wildlife and habitat management — supporting conservation efforts and the long-term health of BC’s fish and wildlife populations.
  • Federal firearms confiscation and buyback program — raising concerns about the program and its implications for lawful firearms owners, including sport shooters.

Steps We’ve Taken for Our Members

Following the BCWF’s recommendations, our club has been encouraged to engage with candidates in Chilliwack North using the BCWF’s 2026 BC Election Candidate Questionnaire.

The questionnaire asks candidates to respond to these three key issues, providing an opportunity to bring our members’ concerns directly to those seeking elected office. The BCWF has also encouraged clubs to highlight local access and conservation issues that matter to their communities.

By participating in this initiative, we can help ensure candidates understand the perspectives of our membership and the importance of these issues to local hunters, anglers, conservationists and sport shooters.

Chilliwack North MLA Candidate Responses

As part of our efforts to keep members informed, the responses received from MLA candidates in Chilliwack North are attached to this article for members to review. We encourage everyone to read through the responses to better understand where candidates stand on public access, conservation funding and firearms policy ahead of the election.

The BCWF candidate questionnaire was sent to the following MLA candidates in Chilliwack North:

  • Heather Maas — Conservative Party of BC
  • Daniel Grice — CentreBC
  • Adila Shaukat — BC NDP

You’re Invited: BCWF Virtual Town Hall

The BC Wildlife Federation is hosting a Virtual Town Hall for the 2026 Provincial Election, giving members of the public an opportunity to hear directly from representatives of BC’s major political parties.

Event details:

  • Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
  • Time: 5:00 PM Pacific Time (new time)
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Cost: Free

The BCWF has invited every major political party. The BC NDP and BC Conservatives are confirmed to attend.

Where do BC’s major parties stand on public access, conservation, funding and firearms? Join the discussion, hear their answers and ask your questions.

Register for the Virtual Town Hall on Zoom

We encourage our members to participate and share this opportunity with others in the community. Taking part is a practical way to stay informed and help ensure the concerns of conservationists, hunters, anglers and sport shooters are heard.

By working together with the BCWF and other clubs across the province, we can help advocate for the future of conservation, outdoor access and sport shooting in British Columbia.