Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association names 2024 Industry Legends Award winners for Western Canada

The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) has announced its 2024 Industry Legends Awards for Western Canada.The winners are Bob MacDonald of Cariboo Outdoors, Dianne Harnois of P&D Enterprises and Paul Simms of Westcan Marketing.

Launched in 2023, the CSAA says that its Industry Legends Award program celebrates unsung heroes, whose passion and selfless contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring its growth, sustainability, and flourishing for generations to come. “We are thrilled to recognize Bob MacDonald, Dianne Harnois, and Paul Simms as the 2024 Industry Legends for Western Canada,” said CSAAA President Wes Winkel. “Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping our industry, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Bob MacDonald

In his 42-year career, MacDonald has held various pivotal roles as a customer service manager, beginning in 1982 with Inland Pacific Distributors, where he honed his expertise and leadership skills through various acquisitions and organizational changes, until his transition to Cariboo Outdoor Distributors in 2019. As a volunteer, MacDonald has dedicated decades to organizations championing hunting and wildlife conservation. That includes over 20 years with Safari Club International Canada, advocating tirelessly for the preservation of the “freedom to hunt,” along with 45 years as a volunteer with the Alberta Wildlife Federation (until recently, known as the Alberta Fish and Game Association). He’s also been involved with the Boone and Crockett Club for 50 years, he actively supporting fair chase hunting principles in aid of habitat conservation efforts.

Dianne Harnois

As a partner at Edmonton’s P&D Enterprises, Dianne Harnois has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of the hunting and firearm community across Canada, and stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, commitment and unparalleled longevity within her field. Through P&D Enterprises’ retail and mail-order operations, Harnois has facilitated the distribution of essential equipment, while fostering a culture of support for numerous shooting and hunting organizations throughout the country. Her tireless efforts have also offered a leg up to many individuals within the industry, through her mentorship, advocacy and philanthropy.

Paul Simms

With a career in the firearms industry dating back to 1977, Simms has made profound contributions to shooting sports in Canada. For nearly a decade, he honed his expertise at B.C.’s Redl Sports, then moved to Coast to Coast, before bringing entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership to the position of owner and operator at Calgary’s Westcan Marketing in 2001. Simms has also dedicated decades of his life to advancing the cause of hunting and firearms through volunteer work with the British Columbia Trapshooting Association and the Alberta Sporting Clays Association.

The firearm and hunting industry will to honour MacDonald, Harnois and Simms at the Western Legends Banquet in Stony Plain, Alberta. The event will follow the 2024 Legends Dealer Range Day being held at the CHAS Range in Leduc County, Alberta, on May 13.

Learn more about the CSAAA at www.csaaa.org.