Premier Christy Clark helped kick off the 56th annual B.C. Wildlife Federation AGM and convention Thursday at the Westerly in Courtenay by recognizing the group’s contributions towards conservation and preservation of the wilderness.  “This is the oldest conservation organization in British Columbia,” Clark said at a packed ballroom. “Your government and your premier supports hunting in British Columbia. I support people who do it for a living, and I support people who do it for a hobby.” Clark believes it is better to know where food comes and to eat locally. She also believes there is no one with a bigger investment to ensure a balanced ecosystem and sound environment than hunters. “I think every environmentalist worth his or her salt should be getting behind the B.C. Wildlife Federation because of what you do every day.”She also believes hunting — and enjoying the great outdoors — helps make families tick.”It is families that do the hard work that government can’t and shouldn’t do, and that’s raising children,” Clark said. “It is parents who instill the character in kids, who teach them right from wrong, who give them their values. And there is nothing more important in any great country than raising kids with character. It is the hardest work anybody does. It is only families that do that work. That’s why I got back into politics, because I think we need to do more to support families.”Along with supporting families, Clark feels the BCWF helps preserve the “majesty and beauty of British Columbia” by ensuring the environment is conserved and wildlife in balance.”And keeping an eye out there to make sure that what we enjoy today is there for our kids and our grandkids in the future, because that is what makes British Columbia great.” The BCWF has about 38,000 members. Scientists, government leaders, fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and hunters and anglers comprised the estimated 200 delegates expected at the four-day convention that addresses emerging fish and wildlife resource issues.Local biologist and conservationist Alexandra Morton is scheduled to speak Saturday at 10:45 a.m.reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Comox Valley Record