Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species in Alberta, with hunting banned for almost 2 decades. Other wildlife quotas have also increased
The amendment was made via ministerial order by Todd Loewen. Loewen being both minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism and owning a sports hunting outfitter was noted as a conflict of interest back in 2023. His disclosure statement on the Alberta Ethics Commissioner’s website lists “dividends” from Red Willow Outfitters Ltd. but no dollar amount. At one point it appears that Mr Loewen was operating Red Willow directly from his telusplanet.net email address, so his involvement can be considered significant.
Rocky Mountain Outlook calls the move a “failure” by the provincial government.
Loewen had also not consulted with conservation specialists last month when the hunting quota on cougars was more than doubled.