Update: Access to Information Review Request for Grizzlies Killed by Hunters to be Completed April 2027
August 10, 2026
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In March, AWA requested a review of our Access to Information Request on the Wildlife Responder Program, asking for information on the grizzly bears killed by members of the public.
The partial release we received was lacking the majority of information requested. On July 31, following a short call clarifying our request, we received an update acknowledging the request for review and promising the review would be completed April 5, 2027, unless the date was extended.
See the full letter here.
The text of our requested review is provided below:
We appreciate the partial release of information relevant to the Wildlife Management Responder Program. However, given the importance of this issue to wildlife and ecosystem management, as well as human-wildlife conflicts, we request additional information from our request is released. We request documentation on all authorizations issued (reported to be four last year) the reasons the Wildlife Management Responder Network was called on, other options explored, and actions taken to confirm the correct problem bear was destroyed. Where no records exist, we ask for confirmation of this fact to be provided.
While the release package provides some of the information requested, other important information is clearly missing. Information on the first Grizzly Bear Management Authorization, mentioned in the package, is not available. Part of the redacted information in the package includes reasons these bears were considered for removal by the Wildlife Management Responder Network, information that was requested. As well, information was requested on other options for problem animal management and how a member of the responder network was chosen, which was not provided.
Although we respect lack of disclosure due to personal information (Access to Information Act section 20(1)), we argue that disclosure of information related to reasons for the destruction of a grizzly bear or problem animal should not cause harm to law enforcement matters (Access to Information Act section 23(1)) nor be harmful to the interests of any public body (Access to Information Act section 30(1)). To the contrary, understanding these decisions could boost support for the program, if reasons are practical and logical. Regardless, we argue a public interest exemption (Access to Information Act section 37) must be made here, as these decisions affect public resources, hunter and community safety and pertain to “information about a risk of significant harm to the environment.”
Destruction of bears should be a last resort. In a letter from the Minister, we were told “Alberta’s Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan remains in place.” The Recovery strategy highlights a need to reduce human-caused mortality, stating “the recovery priority is to resolve human-caused mortality, and ensure a supply of high-quality secure habitat through appropriate land management.” Therefore, options other than the destruction of the bear should be explored, and we request any records or correspondence indicating other options were considered, or an explicit denial that such records exist.
With the shifting of responsibility from wildlife officials to hunters, there is a concern for the accuracy of identifying and killing problem bears. Therefore, we request any documentation on actions taken to confirm the appropriate bear was killed, or a denial that such records exist.
Wildlife are a public resource, managed by the government of Alberta for all Albertans. As such, records understanding the management and decisions of our government are necessary to ensure fair management of public resources. We request these records be shared with us in full, with particular emphasis on reports or correspondence relating to the reason Grizzly Bear Management Authorizations were issued, other options considered for these bears, and selection of a member of the Wildlife Management Responder Network.