Canada’s frigid northern winters keep many people indoors – but they don’t need to. Our winter climate is envied by many people who live in warmer areas, as is the long season we have to enjoy invigorating winter outdoor sports. Not only do those activities help us forget about the plunging thermometer, they foster community and good health – to our bodies, our minds and our economy.

Snowmobiling is one of those winter pleasures. The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), a volunteer not-for-profit national organization which provides support for 735 member clubs and twelve provincial or territorial snowmobile organizations, notes that “the majority of snowmobiling-generated dollars are spent in rural Canada, where comparatively few other major winter economic activities exist.”

Those snowmobiling dollars benefit both federal and provincial governments through tax revenues derived from snowmobiling-related spending. The 2012/2013 snowmobiling season alone contributed over eight billion dollars to the Canadian economy.

The activities of those who enjoy their snow machines don’t only benefit our economy. Recently, many riders in the Yorkton-Melville constituency participated in the Easter Seals™ Snowarama, a fundraising event held in Yorkton. Snowarama combines winter fun with community spirit and raises money for children with disabilities. The event has, over the years, generated millions of dollars, all donated to charities.

The CCSO envisions that “across Canada, organized snowmobile trail networks and riding areas provide a lasting legacy of responsible riding experiences that are highly valued, safe, enjoyable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

This vision of conservation, safety, and sustainability is echoed by another proponent of outdoor activities – the non-partisan Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus, which I founded in 2006. The Outdoors Caucus encourages Canadians from all regions who fish, hunt, trap and participate in recreational shooting to enjoy the bounty of Canada’s outdoors in every season. Its mandate is to preserve and promote those pursuits, and accept them as traditional outdoor heritage activities.

The federal riding of Yorkton-Melville holds numerous opportunities to enjoy outdoor winter activities, but please remember that sub-zero temperatures mean following safe practices. Learn more by searching Seven Steps to Cold Weather Safety at www.getprepared.gc.ca.

If you’re a snowmobiler and need more information on CCSO, contact the provincial branch through www.sasksnow.com.

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