Under brilliant blue skies and bathed in sunshine, 130 MPs, senators, and Hill staffers descended upon the Stittsville Shooting Ranges for the 12th annual Parliamentary Day at the Range. Picture this scene: These politicians and their staff — many holding a firearm for the very first time — discovered what 2.3 million licensed Canadian gun owners already know. Target shooting is fun. The 12th Annual Parliamentary Day at the Range is the greatest firearms advocacy initiative in the history of Canadian gun ownership. Nothing else even comes close. But here's what makes this event so revolutionary.It's not about politics. It's about people. We call it the 'Moment of Change.'"What do you mean this gun isn't legal for me to buy? Why not?"This question echoes across the range every year, and in that moment of genuine confusion, bridges are built. Understanding blooms. .The complex reality of Canada's firearms legislation becomes crystal clear through hands-on experience rather than theoretical debate. Media isn't permitted at this event, by design.Without cameras rolling and reporters scribbling, real conversations happen. Raw questions emerge. Authentic learning unfolds. Politicians can drop their guard, ask the questions they've always wondered about, and discover truths that will inform their decisions for years to come.It's the power of one shared experience. The look on their faces says it all. They experienced our culture of personal responsibility and safety firsthand. They felt the weight of responsibility that comes with every trigger pull. They witnessed the meticulous attention to detail, the unwavering commitment to safety, and the deep respect for both tradition and law that defines our community. Every single attendee walks away with a smile and a story..This isn't just education. It's transformation. When they return to Parliament Hill, they retain the memory of sunshine on their faces, the satisfaction of hitting their target, and the profound realization that Canada's firearms community represents something far greater than political talking points.It’s about Canadian culture, Canadian heritage, and the traditions that helped found our nation; traditions that are worth defending. The roots of this remarkable event trace back to 2006, when visionaries Garry Breitkreuz, Larry Bagnall, and Peter Stoffer — representing Conservative, Liberal, and NDP parties respectively — recognized that our differences pale in comparison to our shared values. They founded the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus with a mission that transcends party lines: to preserve and promote fishing, hunting, trapping, and shooting sports as acceptable, traditional, and environmentally sustainable outdoor heritage activities. Today, under the leadership of co-chair MP Bob Zimmer, Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus Association president Phil Morlock, and vice-president Tony Bernardo, this mission continues to unite rather than divide. None of this would be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our partners and volunteers, starting with Stittsville Shooting Ranges Inc. Linda, Lisa, Ken, and the entire team at Stittsville Shooting Ranges don't just host an event, they open up their facility and make this transformation possible. And those 100+ volunteers? They're not just giving their time and expertise. They're investing in the future of our community, one conversation, one demonstration, one shared moment at a time. What happens when 130 decision-makers experience firsthand the responsibility, heritage, and culture of safety that defines legal gun ownership in Canada? The ripple effects extend far beyond a single sunny day at the range. Every question answered becomes a seed of understanding. Every smile shared becomes a bridge across political divides. Every moment of genuine connection becomes a foundation for informed, empathetic policy-making. This is how real change happens. Not through heated debates or partisan rhetoric, but through shared experiences that reveal our common humanity. Under clear skies and warm sunshine, hearts open. Minds shift. And the future of firearms advocacy in Canada gets a little brighter. The 12th Annual Parliamentary Day at the Range wasn't just a massive success. It was a masterclass in the power of personal connection to transform understanding, one heart and one mind at a time.
