I lean centre-left. But as a gun owner, I feel my only choice is the Conservatives [Video]

This First Person article is the experience of Patrick Osborne, who lives in Metro Vancouver. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ. 

Firearms have been a big part of my life, even though I didn’t grow up around them. 

When I was 12, I got the chance to shoot a small-bore rifle for the first time in the Air Cadet program. Target shooting demands focus, discipline and consistency. That challenge had me hooked from the start. 

In between my time as a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces, I worked in the firearms industry doing everything from retail and distribution to importation and manufacturing for 10 years. I also worked at a popular rental range as an instructor, teaching novice shooters how to use guns safely under close supervision. 

I met my wife, Tara, there. 

Tara was on stress leave from her job as a 911 emergency operator after taking several firearm-related calls …