Safari Club International (SCI) is proud to announce Blaine Calkins, MP, as our International Legislator of the Year award recipient. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding individual rights and preserving Canada’s outdoor legacy has set him apart as a champion for hunting and conservation around the world.
In his extensive career, Blaine has emerged as a dedicated advocate for hunters, anglers, trappers, and firearm enthusiasts, confronting legislative challenges that pose a threat to the sporting lifestyle.
His instrumental role in founding and leading the Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus in 2013 underscores his commitment to uniting voices against legislative hurdles. A defining moment in Blaine’s advocacy was his opposition to C-246, an Animal Rights bill, where he vehemently defended the responsible use of animals and conservation for the outdoor community. Further, he is dedicated to protecting the rights of firearms ownership and has fought recent attempts to ban firearms, particularly hunting rifles and shotguns. Most recently, he spearheaded Canada’s first Outdoors Symposium which brought together representatives from all corners of the outdoor industry: hunting, fishing, trapping, and firearms advocacy groups.
SCI EVP of International Government & Public Affairs Ben Cassidy said, “SCI is honored to recognize Blaine Calkins as the International Legislator of the Year, celebrating his tireless advocacy that exemplifies our commitment to conservation, outdoor heritage, and the protection of individual freedoms.”
Blaine Calkins is a Canadian Member of Parliament representing Red Deer – Lacombe and a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. He is one of his party’s longest-serving MPs, holding the position since 2006.
