After watching two orphaned cougars get hauled off to captivity, it’s time to talk about Alberta’s ethics and conflict of interest... again 🧵

Two years ago, we did a post about concerns raised over Todd Loewen, a Hunting Outfitter Co. beneficiary, being put in charge of Alberta’s wildlife. The ethics commissioner denied the concern and Loewen soon after, allowed trophy hunting outside of hunting season.

If you are an American, or wealthy hunter anywhere in the world, you can now bid on Minister’s Special Licences to conduct a trophy hunt outside of hunting season in Alberta.

After the change, Alberta Fish and Game Assoc. who distributed the Minister's Special Licences, said recent changes are of deep concern and AFGA would no longer be administering the program after 9 years.

All Minister’s Special Licence's sold to non-residents at auctions around the world will be required to hire a licensed Alberta outfitter and be accompanied by a designated guide.

Alberta Outfitters to be used with the Minister's Special Licence includes Red Willow Outfitters of which Minister Loewen is a benefiting partner.

“Loewen said he has hired lawyers and is working with the ethics commissioner's office to guard against conflict of interest."

Meanwhile Loewen and his team are busy travelling across the world on an all expense paid (by taxpayers) trip promoting these licences at hunting shows.

In their advertising, they’re pointing out that they should bid on this auction item It allows “unprecedented opportunity” by hunting out of season with a weapon of your choice.

So while we mourn the fate of this young cub, we need to ask ourselves how many other orphans are being created with the Minister’s Special Licence. Are the season, wolverine trapping limit and a host of other changes, in Alberta’s best interests… or minister Loewen’s.

The corruption is deep. What kind of lowlife offers up licenses to foreigners to kill our animals off season when they are a threat to no one. Oh right, UCP. Despicable people.