There have been some changes in the Outdoors Caucus Advisory Committee (OCAC) membership and we would like to provide you with a brief business update.

We have recently been made aware that there has been some concern expressed that some work of the Outdoors Caucus has been undertaken without consultation with grassroots organizations.

Please rest assured that nothing could be further from the truth. Last April, at the request of the Outdoors Caucus executive, a widespread invitation was issued to various outdoors organizations across the country to submit names of representatives willing to volunteer as OCAC members. The names of all volunteers put forward by outdoors organizations were approved by the Outdoors Caucus and appointed to the Advisory Committee. Any suggestion that the process has been exclusive is mistaken and in conflict with the original purpose of the Outdoors Caucus vision and intent. The OC co-chairs want this to be very clear.

Recent changes to the OCAC membership include the following:

We look forward to the guidance that Tony and Gary have to offer. The OCAC is fortunate to have access to their considerable expertise. An updated list of the OCAC is available at: www.garrybreitkreuz.com/publications/2007_new/170.htm

The OC is delighted that the proposed Canadian outdoors heritage foundation (working name) is moving forward. Peter Hayden, a corporate and commercial lawyer with Lang Michener, has produced the introductory documents that will establish the foundation. An OCAC sub-committee supported by the Outdoors Caucus has been established to work with Lang Michener to move forward.

The creation of the foundation was unanimously supported by more than 50 Members of Parliament and Senators at an OC general meeting held December 4. This all-party support for Canada’s outdoors heritage is unprecedented on Parliament Hill and we stress the importance of maintaining and utilizing the momentum that has been attained. The foundation is poised to become a pivotal not-for-profit organization that will provide valuable input and insight to parliamentarians now and in the future.

You are invited to visit www.garrybreitkreuz.com/publications/2008/876.htm to read Standing Order 31 tributes to the Outdoors Caucus in Parliament.

A list of members of the OC who have given permission for their names to be publicly disclosed is available at: www.garrybreitkreuz.com/publications/2006_new/50.htm

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on current or future OCAC business.

Thanks once again for your support of our efforts to protect and promote the outdoors heritage activities of hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting sports.

Sincerely,

Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. and Conservative Co-Chair of the Outdoors Caucus
Larry Bagnell, M.P. and Liberal Co-Chair of the Outdoors Caucus

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