Since taking on the role of Director of Organizing two months ago, I've had the opportunity to travel across the country and meet with many chapter activists at our regional meetings. Witnessing first-hand the skills and insights that chapter activists bring to the Council is an experience that never fails to impress.
REGIONAL MEETINGS
The Council of Canadians held four successful regional meetings from March to May of this year. These meetings took place in New Westminster, Moose Jaw, Tatamagouche and Kingston. The meetings were well attended, full of good conversation and ideas, and clear in their outcomes. There is no doubt that chapter activists are committed to the Council and are looking for new and effective ways to fight deep integration with the United States. I have no doubt that many of the ideas and imperatives that were raised at these meetings will be reflected in our common work plans for the coming year. I thank all of the chapter activists who gave their time to attend the meetings.
BOARD ELECTIONS
One of the key discussions we had at the regional meetings was about the election of regional chapter representatives to the Council's Board of Directors. Adopted at our last Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg, this is a new measure to ensure that the perspectives of chapter activists are even more reflected in the discussions at our Board.
Under this new system, chapters are now able to nominate candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. After the close of nominations on September 16, 2005, and the distribution of the nominees through our chapter listserv and broadcast e-mail, chapters may convene a special meeting to vote for a candidate. Chapters not able to attend this year's Annual General Meeting in Ottawa may forward their vote to me by 9:00 a.m. EST on Friday, November 4. Chapters who are able to attend the AGM will cast their vote at the start of the annual chapter caucus day.
Each chapter has received a "Frequently Asked Questions" document that describes this whole process in much more detail. If you are a member of a chapter, and have time to contribute to Board work, I'd strongly encourage you to consider putting your name forward as a nominee.
POLITICAL ACTIONS
The Council’s chapters are hard at work, fighting the threat of deep integration with the United States. They are also working to promote energy sovereignty, clean water, peace and security, fair trade, public health and safe food. As The Council of Canadians celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it’s clear to me that our mandate remains vital, and that our activist base is as strong as ever.
REMEMBERING DICK BECK
Dick Beck was a founding member of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chapter of The Council of Canadians. He helped us initiate the Peterborough Electricity Coalition, which fought a lively and successful campaign against the deregulation and privatization of Ontario's electrical system, particularly Hydro One. We shall always remember how he helped us during our founding months by reminding us regularly to be sure of our facts before embarking upon any activist commitment. And when we were ready to do just that, Dick insisted that it be done professionally.
That was Dick – a real professional and a great man!
– Roy Brady, The Council of Canadians, Peterborough and Kawarthas Chapter. |
Brent Patterson is the Director of Organizing for The Council of Canadians.
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