The International Hunter Education Association-Canada (IHEA-Canada), New Brunswick Instructor of the Year was awarded on Nov 13 to Edward Christie from Harvey who has been teaching Firearms Safety / Hunter Education courses as a volunteer instructor and participating in mentoring programs for young shooters and hunters for 46 years.
This is the first year that this award has been given and is based on nominations put forward by the board member from that province or territory. The award will be presented annually to a Firearms Safety/ Hunter Education in New Brunswick who best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and dedication to Hunter Education.
The award for 2019 is a beveled glass pyramid with a variety of ammunition types enclosed. In addition Mr. Christie received a certificate signed by the president of IHEA-Canada and a limited edition signed print by Guy Hobbs, BC Wildlife Federation Artist of the Year for 2014.
The award was presented by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Hon. Mike Holland. In attendance were the departmental Executive Director Kristian Moore and the Allocation and Education Conservation Education team as well as Nancy Christie, Edward’s wife, who received a bouquet of orange roses.
Hunter Education was introduced to New Brunswick in 1952 and became the Department's responsibility in 1972. Since 1952, over 150,000 students have participated in Conservation Education Courses. New Brunswick has an enviable record for both being accident free and for sheer course numbers, with instructors delivering 179 courses Province-wide so far in 2019.
Thank you Ed for your tireless work and effort, which is still ongoing, and Congratulations on your well deserved award!
