Chris Hodgson, M.P.P. for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock who recently announced his retirement from provincial politics, is the winner of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ (O.F.A.H.) Ontario Hunting Heritage Award for 2002.
While Minister of Natural Resources, Chris Hodgson made a significant contribution to hunter education in Ontario by introducing the Hunter Safety Apprenticeship Program for young people between the ages of 12 and 15. Since its inception in 1998, almost 6,000 young hunters have successfully completed the program.
“As a Cabinet Minister, M.P.P. for Victoria-Haliburton-Brock and as an angler and hunter in his private life, Chris has worked tirelessly for the people of his community and residents across Ontario to protect our fish and wildlife resources and enhance our right to hunt and fish,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director.
Hodgson was first elected in 1994 in the riding of Victoria-Haliburton and following his re-election as M.P.P. for Victoria-Haliburton-Brock in 1995, he was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of Northern Development and Mines by former Premier Mike Harris.
While serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Chris created the Special Purpose Account which earmarked specific funding for the protection of our valuable fish and wildlife resources.
For more information about the conference, awards programs or annual general meeting, please contact O.F.A.H. Communications Liaison Mark Cousins at (705) 748-6324, fax (705) 748-9577 or e-mail to mark_cousins@ofah.org.