B.C. should be a model in defending wildlife

Re: “Grizzly ‘hunter’ returns with rich array of trophies,” Nov. 4, and “We need to end the trophy hunt in B.C.,” Nov. 5.

These two articles clearly state the economic, scientific and social reasons to ban trophy hunting in our province. Why is our provincial government so resistant to ending this senseless slaughter of wildlife for sport?

In 2012, Premier Christy Clark was presented with the Guide Outfitters of B.C. president’s award and applauded for her government’s pro-hunting stance. In 2013, the outfitters’ association contributed $17,500 to the B.C. Liberal party. Is this lobbying at the root of government’s continued inaction on trophy hunting?

Trophy hunting is not in line with the values of British Columbians. Our natural environment and intact ecosystems are second to none, a source of pride and a source of peace, for ourselves and for visitors from around the world. British Columbia should be a model for standing up for our wildlife.

Keeping pressure on government by writing letters to the editor, letters to gov- ernment leaders and by making donations to organizations such as Raincoast Conservation Foundation and Pacific Wild will tip the balance of lobbying strength.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau observes: “It’s 2015.” It’s time to see our collective values reflected in government policy. The violent, chest-pounding ego satisfaction of trophy hunting is not something to proudly pass along to future generations. Val Murray Cordova Bay