Skate AB | NT | NU - Annual General Meeting

last year

https://skateabnwtnun.ca/about/agm-elections/annual-general-meeting/

Date:
Saturday, June 8, 2024
9:00 am MT

Location:
Radisson Red Deer
6500-67 St, Red Deer, AB T4P 1A2

Transcript

00:00:30Good morning, everyone.

00:00:49We just need a few moments for a technical intermission.

00:00:56I know it's early in the program to do that, but we're just waiting for something from

00:00:59Skate Canada, so if everybody can just hang tight, talk amongst yourselves, we'll be commencing

00:01:05the program very shortly.

00:04:29Okay, good morning, everyone.

00:04:34Sorry for that small delay.

00:04:38It's now 9.05.

00:04:40First of all, welcome to Red Deer.

00:04:44My name is Mary Moran, and I'm the section chair, and it's my pleasure to welcome you

00:04:48here today to the 2024 Annual General Meeting for Skate Canada, Alberta, Northwest Territories,

00:04:54and Nunavut section.

00:04:56Thank you to everybody for joining us.

00:04:59I know some of you have driven in this morning, a special thank you to you.

00:05:03Our Annual General Meeting is being brought to you today from Red Deer, and we acknowledge

00:05:09that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and we respect the histories, language, and

00:05:14cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples whose presence continue

00:05:20to enrich our vibrant communities.

00:05:25We are joined by many of our members and friends within our skating community, and

00:05:30we are grateful to have the opportunity to present in this territory as well as all the

00:05:35other territories across the section.

00:05:37At this time, I would like to remind everyone that this meeting is being recorded and will

00:05:43be made available on the section website.

00:05:46Before we proceed any further, I just want to do a technical check with Kelly to make

00:05:53sure the live stream is working.

00:05:55Okay, great, thank you.

00:05:58I encourage all voting delegates to make sure that you are signed into the voting software.

00:06:03It is important to be watching the meeting, but it's also important that you sign into

00:06:09the voting software to ensure that you are ready to vote.

00:06:12If you are having problems signing into the voting system with your token, please get

00:06:16in touch with us right away via email, and for those of you in the meeting room, please

00:06:21raise your hand if you need assistance, and a section staff member will be happy to assist

00:06:26you.

00:06:27Okay, we see a few hands here.

00:06:32Thanks, Kelly.

00:06:48We will be allowing specific times during the meeting for questions after the review

00:06:52of the financial statements, the appointment of the auditors, and the presentations of

00:06:57the committee reports.

00:06:59You may also submit questions or comments by texting 780-886-8848.

00:07:08That's 780-886-8848.

00:07:14Colleen Yavis of the section office will be receiving your questions.

00:07:19For everyone in the meeting room, there is a microphone available in the middle right

00:07:23behind Ashley, and you can approach the microphone.

00:07:28When you submit or ask your questions, please provide your name and the club or skating

00:07:33school you are affiliated with, along with letting us know what your key role is.

00:07:41Nelson Mandela has a saying about sport, that sport has the power to inspire and unite

00:07:47people in a way little else does.

00:07:50All of us, in various ways, have turned to skating for both inspiration and to be united

00:07:56to a very special community.

00:07:59We are blessed to be involved in a sport that is not only creative and artistic, but is

00:08:04athletically demanding.

00:08:06The skating community is unique and inclusive in the sense it is available to those who

00:08:11want to skate as individuals, as pairs, and on a team.

00:08:16We don't care where you came from.

00:08:18We don't care what your religious or cultural beliefs are.

00:08:22We don't care what gender you identify as, and we certainly don't care about how old

00:08:29you are.

00:08:30I think I'm living proof of that.

00:08:33Skating is for everyone, and skating is for life.

00:08:37It is the time of year to celebrate our sport, and the people that inspire us, and the community

00:08:41that unites us.

00:08:43The 2023-24 season was full of many exciting, inspiring, and historic moments.

00:08:51Hence this year's AGM and Award Banquet is aptly named Creating Moments and Making History.

00:08:59Let us start by acknowledging the Board of Directors.

00:09:03The Director and Alternate to the Chair, Travis Hillier, just maybe give a wave, Travis.

00:09:09Director of Coaching and Governance Committee Chair, Alison Bonny Gregson.

00:09:15Director and Finance and Risk Management Committee Chair, Tammy Finnerty.

00:09:21Director of Regions, Jackie Zalizak, who isn't able to join us today.

00:09:27Director and Membership Relations Committee Chair, Rod Garasino.

00:09:32And our other Directors, Leslie Keene, Jennifer Kelleher, Kara Slemko, and Renee McIntosh.

00:09:42I thank you for your time, your effort, your dedication to the section, and our membership

00:09:47over the last season.

00:09:51I also want to acknowledge the section office staff who are critical to the operation of

00:09:56our organization.

00:09:58The Executive Director, Lisa Hardy, Technical Director, Holly Henderson, Events and Safe

00:10:05Sport Manager, Kelly Staniszewski, I never say that right, Skating Programs Official

00:10:12and Team Coordinator, Lisa Bonderov, Coaching and Events Coordinator, Colleen Yavis, Member

00:10:21Services Coordinator, Jennifer Boone, Administrative Coordinator, Leona Boyle, and Finance Coordinator,

00:10:29Corinne Chin.

00:10:33We could not have achieved our goals without your tireless work and your relentless commitment,

00:10:37and I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for all that you do.

00:10:44We are also pleased to be joined by the members of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation Board

00:10:49of Directors.

00:10:50Thank you so much for your continued dedication to the skaters in Alberta, and for your support

00:10:56with the section events.

00:10:58Thank you so much for joining us.

00:11:02Before I call the meeting to order...

00:11:20Thank you.

00:11:31Now moving into the business, I now call the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Skate Canada,

00:11:37Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to order.

00:11:44I confirm that all section clubs and skating schools received electronic notification and

00:11:50the notice of the meeting of the Annual General Meeting to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024,

00:11:56at 9 a.m., and is being held online and in person.

00:12:03I now welcome Kelly, the Events and Safe Sport Manager, to provide the report as to quorum

00:12:10and to review the voting procedures.

00:12:23Thank you, Mary.

00:12:24Good morning, everyone.

00:12:25Our section has 155 clubs and skating schools eligible to vote, along with 10 board members

00:12:31and eight region coaching representatives, for a total of 173 eligible votes.

00:12:36A quorum has been received with 61 delegates, which is fantastic.

00:12:41I think that might be a record, and with 29 observers present.

00:12:46I will now review the voting procedures.

00:12:49Skate Canada has allowed us to use our online voting system this morning.

00:12:52Thank you so much to Steve Finney from Skate Canada for managing that this morning for

00:12:56us.

00:12:57This online voting system is designed for ease of use while ensuring accurate and confidential

00:13:02voting.

00:13:03Voters can choose to access this voting system through their own personal computer or by

00:13:08using their phone.

00:13:26Here is how you will vote using the software.

00:13:28Begin by accessing the section voting webpage at http://www.skate.ca.uk.

00:13:51And enter it into the token field.

00:13:53Then press login.

00:13:55And please don't try it now.

00:13:56It won't be open until the vote is open.

00:14:00You will now see the active vote.

00:14:02Select the option you wish to vote for, then click continue.

00:14:05You will be shown your selection.

00:14:08Check that your selection is correct.

00:14:10If you want to change the selection, click change and reselect.

00:14:14When you are ready to finalize your selection, click confirm.

00:14:18Once you have selected confirm, your vote is complete and you will not be able to change

00:14:22your ballot as it has been sealed.

00:14:25Once you have voted successfully, your computer or mobile device will say the word success.

00:14:30Click okay.

00:14:34Prior to any votes commencing, we will have our voting system technician begin the process

00:14:37of opening the vote.

00:14:38Once it has been confirmed that the vote is opened, you will then be instructed to vote.

00:14:43Make sure that you have the voting address entered and ready to go and it will be displayed

00:14:46on the screen again for your reference.

00:14:48If you have any issues casting your vote, contact the section office by email and they

00:14:53will be able to provide you assistance.

00:14:55For those of you in the room, please raise your hand.

00:14:58Once it has been determined that approximately 80% of the votes have been cast, there will

00:15:02be an announcement of time remaining in the vote.

00:15:04Once this time has elapsed, the voting system technician will close the vote.

00:15:09And that is all for me.

00:15:10Back to you, Mary.

00:15:18Thank you so much, Kelly.

00:15:20At this time, I will remind the observers that they have no vote in the meeting.

00:15:24Before I present the first motion, and to help keep the meeting on time, we have reached

00:15:29out to members in advance to move and second the motions.

00:15:34At the time of the respective motions, the members and organizations will be identified.

00:15:42All members will then vote following the normal voting process.

00:15:48The following motion is presented to allow the observers a voice in the meeting.

00:15:53The motion will read that the observers will be allowed a voice in the proceedings of the

00:15:59meeting.

00:16:00The motion is moved by Rhonda Daniluk, representing White Court Skating Club, and seconded by

00:16:08Brenda Hart, representing the Beaumont Skating Club.

00:16:14I ask that the voting technician open the vote.

00:16:17And please wait until I have announced the vote is opened.

00:16:47The vote is now open.

00:17:17It's not in the script, by the way.

00:17:43We are still receiving some votes.

00:17:45We will give the remaining voters 30 seconds to submit their votes.

00:17:52We have a technical problem in the room.

00:17:55If somebody can assist, thank you.

00:18:07For those of you online, we just have a little technical issue, and we just require your

00:18:36patience for a little bit longer.

00:19:06Okay.

00:19:26The technician has now closed the vote.

00:19:32We will take a moment to verify the results.

00:19:46Thank you, everyone.

00:19:47The motion is carried.

00:19:50Moving on to the agenda, the agenda was distributed on the section website.

00:19:56Are there any changes or additions to the agenda?

00:19:59For those watching virtually, please text your comments.

00:20:02For those in the meeting room, please go to the microphone.

00:20:09Just as a reminder, when you submit your comments or suggested changes, please state your name

00:20:14and the club or skating school you are affiliated with, as long as letting us know what your

00:20:18key role is.

00:20:24There being no comments, we will prepare for the next vote.

00:20:29The motion will read, to approve the Skate Canada Alberta Northwest Territories and Nunavut

00:20:33Annual General Meeting Agenda for June 8th, 2024, as presented.

00:20:40The motion is moved by Leslie Keene, Board of Directors, and seconded by Bonnie Smile—Smile—Smile—sorry,

00:20:48Bonnie.

00:20:50Leone told me five times how to say it—representing the St. Paul Figure Skating Club.

00:20:59I ask that the voting technician open the vote.

00:21:02Please wait until I have announced the vote is open.

00:21:12The vote is now open.

00:21:14Please navigate to the voting website.

00:21:16If you do not see the current motion, please refresh your page or select the home button

00:21:20on the voting page, and the active ballot will appear.

00:21:46We are still receiving some votes.

00:22:01We will give the remaining voters 30 seconds to submit their votes.

00:22:16The vote is now closed.

00:22:42We will take a moment to verify the results.

00:22:49Thank you, everyone.

00:22:50The motion is carried.

00:22:53Proceeding now to the approval of the previous Annual General Meeting minutes from June 10th,

00:22:582023.

00:22:59If anyone notices any errors or omissions with the minutes, please submit your comments

00:23:04through the text, or for those in the room, please raise your hand.

00:23:08We will pause for a moment to see if any comments come in.

00:23:23There being no comments, I will now call for the vote.

00:23:27The motion will read that the Skate Canada Alberta Northwest Territories and Nunavut

00:23:31Annual General Meeting minutes of June 10th, 2023 be approved as presented.

00:23:38The motion is moved by Ashlyn Kelly, representing the Red Deer Skating Club, and seconded by

00:23:45Kara Slemko, Board Director.

00:23:49I ask that the voting technician open the vote, and please wait until I have announced

00:23:54the vote is open.

00:24:11The vote is now open.

00:24:12Please navigate to the voting website.

00:24:14If you do not see the current motion, please refresh your page or select the home button

00:24:18on the voting page, and the active ballot will appear.

00:24:47We are still receiving some votes.

00:24:52We will give the remaining voters about 30 seconds to submit their votes.

00:25:18I ask the technician to please close the vote.

00:25:24The vote is now closed.

00:25:25We will take a moment to verify the results.

00:25:29Okay, thank you everyone.

00:25:31The motion is carried.

00:25:34We will now move to the Skate Canada report.

00:25:37I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the recent Skate Canada

00:25:42Ice Summit and Annual General Meeting.

00:25:45And congratulations to our own Brinda Hart for being acclaimed to the Skate Canada Board

00:25:50of Directors as the Director West for another two years.

00:26:01On behalf of Brinda, I'd like to cover a few highlights from the Skate Canada AGM.

00:26:16We had over 1,000 skaters and almost 6,200 coaches across the country.

00:26:29It was a very successful season, and particularly a successful competition season for Skate

00:26:35Canada, hosting five national competitions and two international competitions, ending

00:26:41the year with the grand finale hosting the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in

00:26:46Montreal.

00:26:48For those of you who were fortunate enough to attend or watch the competition, you will

00:26:52know that it was a memorable experience from both a skating perspective and an audience

00:26:57entertainment perspective.

00:26:59The Bell Centre was vibrating with energy and enthusiasm for our sport.

00:27:04Of course, the crowd was on their feet to witness Piper Doudek, Salado Doudek, and Maxim

00:27:16Duchamp being crowned the World's Pairs Champions, rewriting history with Deanna being the oldest

00:27:23World's Figure Skating Champion of all time at 40 years of age.

00:27:28So awe-inspiring.

00:27:35It was an extremely successful international season for Skate Canada with a total of 54

00:27:40international medals, including Les Sopremes, Jr. taking first at the World Synchronized

00:27:46Skating Championships in Croatia, and Les Sopremes, Sr. breaking another world record

00:27:52by becoming the only team to win the World Synchronized Skating Championships in Canada.

00:28:04Their victories have heightened the importance of the discipline of synchronized skating

00:28:08as a way to grow our sport in the future.

00:28:11Of course, Skate Canada continues to focus on digital transformation, delivering skating

00:28:16to more people, and developing coaches and officials, as well as incorporating more EDIA

00:28:23Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility programs to serve the changing demographics

00:28:28of Canada.

00:28:31Skate Canada has also made some significant changes to its bylaws, which we'll be talking

00:28:35about in the next segment of today's program.

00:28:39I'd encourage all of you to read Skate Canada's annual report when it comes online.

00:28:44It was truly an exciting and successful season for Skate Canada, and one that has set our

00:28:50skating community up for years to come.

00:29:14Let's take a look at some of the historical moments this year.

00:29:41From a record number of registrants, to growth of coaches and officials, to some very moving

00:29:48performances and podium placements of our athletes on both the international and national

00:29:53stage.

00:29:54And of course, who could forget Kaya Reuter's first place finish in Senior Women at the

00:30:00Canadian National Championships here in Calgary, in front of the home audience?

00:30:10And the historic first ever Youth Olympic Games medal, figure skating medal for Canada,

00:30:16with Annika Banecki and Cole Sauve, remarkable skates in Korea.

00:30:23And of course, the promise of our section's novice skaters with Leah Chow and Kento Nakashima,

00:30:33who finished on top of the podium at the Novice Canadian Championships.

00:30:41And in the synchro world, we continue to see the growth in this part of the sport, and

00:30:46we are very proud of Black Gold's Elite 12 for their debut on the national stage with

00:30:52a solid second place finish, only a margin behind Ontario-based Nexus Elite 12.

00:31:03These are just a few of the historic moments for the section, but there were many...

00:31:17We are so very proud of you.

00:31:20And a big shout out to the local organizing committees and the other volunteers who ensured

00:31:25our competitions went off without a hitch.

00:31:27And in particular, those who supported both the Canadian National Skating Championships

00:31:31in Calgary and the Mountain Regional Synchronized Skating Championships in Leduc, even in the

00:31:3840 degree weather here in Calgary for nationals.

00:31:46There are many other operational accomplishments this season, which Lisa Hardy, our Executive

00:31:50Director, will cover later in her report.

00:31:56Now one of the big accomplishments in the fall of 2023 was completing our 2022-2026

00:32:02strategic plan.

00:32:04There is no question our preference would have been to have completed this in the spring

00:32:08of 2022, but COVID slowed everything down, and then we went into an absolutely frenetic

00:32:15competition season in the early part of 2023, hosting World Juniors, Canadian Novice Championships,

00:32:22and Skate Canada Cup.

00:32:24All that, we are so very grateful for the valuable feedback of our stakeholders to form

00:32:29this strategy.

00:32:31The final strategy is solid, and we should all be proud of this final document.

00:32:36It aligns with Skate Canada's goals and objectives, but considers the uniqueness of our section.

00:32:43You have our commitment that we will live and act according to our values, collaboration,

00:32:49excellence, inclusion, and integrity.

00:32:52We will embrace these values to support and promote excellence in the delivery of safe,

00:32:58inclusive, quality skating programs, events, and development opportunities for all levels

00:33:03of skating.

00:33:05It is our goal to inspire everyone.

00:33:23Skating for everyone, ensuring that we are adjusting to the changing demographics, and

00:33:31that everyone that chooses to participate in skating feels safe and welcome in our section.

00:33:39Skating to win, supporting competitors to have success, but also ensuring that all skaters

00:33:43strive to be the best selves and achieve their personal goals.

00:33:48And finally, building organizational excellence.

00:33:51This encases everything we do, and is a top priority for the organization.

00:33:57Although we have had historical success as a section, we want to commit to continuous

00:34:01improvement, better collaboration, and strong leadership.

00:34:07With the hope and dream

00:34:21As a board and an organization, we believe in the philosophy that strategies are living

00:34:42documents.

00:34:44We are measuring our progress by areas of focus and activity at every board meeting

00:34:49using our 2022-2026 strategy dashboard.

00:34:54We are now in the discipline of allocating time to strategic discussions about what is

00:34:59working well, what is not working, and what we need to watch out for in the future.

00:35:05We are moving along the path of becoming a true governance board, and the strategy and

00:35:09dashboard are helping us accomplish this goal.

00:35:14This is a good segue into a brief overview of how the board is structured, the purpose

00:35:20of our committees, and the annual reports by each committee.

00:35:25I am very proud to stand here and represent my esteemed colleagues on the board and the

00:35:30board committees that have worked feverishly and diligently over this last year.

00:35:35Their knowledge of skating, governance, non-profit organizations, and business has been incredibly

00:35:41valuable to help moving this section forward, and I'm honored to serve alongside of you.

00:35:50The board standing committees are the Governance Committee, with two subcommittees of the Nominating

00:35:56Committee and the Executive Director Review and Advisory Committee, the Finance and Risk

00:36:03Management Committee, the Membership Relations Committee, and the Administrative Subcommittee.

00:36:30That Nominating Subcommittee is responsible for identifying the skills required to populate

00:36:35the boards and committees, and the recruitment of the board.

00:37:30Thank you for your tireless work and a successful season.

00:37:55I will now turn the meeting over to Alison Bonny-Gregson, Chair of the Governance – oh,

00:38:00wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, I forgot one committee, the most important committee.

00:38:07We also had our Ad Hoc Advisory Committee, which immediately following the AGM last year,

00:38:14we quickly established an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to help support the Executive Director

00:38:18finalize and develop the final strategy, create the dashboard, and to measure our progress.

00:38:28Now I will turn the meeting over to Alison Bonny-Gregson.

00:38:54Thank you, Mary, and good morning, everyone.

00:38:57The by-laws currently in effect are dated July 27th of 2023.

00:39:03The by-law amendment process is outlined in Article 12 of the by-laws.

00:39:09Opportunities for the membership to make proposals were made available during this process, and

00:39:14there were no submissions received from the membership.

00:39:18The Sections Governance Committee also did not have any proposed amendments to bring

00:39:23forward at this time.

00:39:26If you were in attendance at the Skate Canada National AGM a few weeks ago, either in person

00:39:32or virtually, you may be familiar with the Canadian Sport Governance Code and the changes

00:39:38that all national organizations are expected to implement to be in compliance.

00:39:44As a result, Skate Canada brought forward a number of changes at the May 25th AGM.

00:39:51The Sections Governance Committee has also reviewed this code, and I am pleased to report

00:39:57that many of the requirements are already in place and in practice in our section.

00:40:03At the present time, this code is only mandated for national sport organizations, however

00:40:09it is reasonable to expect that provincial sport organizations may also be required to

00:40:15bring their organizational structures in line with this code.

00:40:19In this regard, we are in a very good position.

00:40:23The size of our section board, along with our education and orientation practices follow

00:40:28the requirements set out in the code.

00:40:30As well, our focus on board member skills competency, term limits, policy board structure,

00:40:37and well-managed standing committees and finance policies also demonstrate that we are well

00:40:42ahead of the game.

00:40:44We continue to work toward greater diversity and have laid the groundwork for ensuring

00:40:49that we have best practices in place to move forward.

00:40:54The bylaws changes that were approved at the National AGM in Vancouver included revised

00:41:00term limits for board members, a removal of the position of president as an elected position,

00:41:07the addition of one more director.

00:41:19We continue to work to incorporate best practices outlined in the Canadian Sport Governance

00:41:48Code into our organizational structure.

00:41:52Following a comprehensive review, a list of proposed recommended amendments will be brought

00:41:57to the membership for consideration at a special meeting to be held in the fall.

00:42:03This will allow our section to be prepared and able to enact approved changes in time

00:42:09for the 2025 election cycle.

00:42:18I don't know what that was supposed to mean.

00:42:39This is fun.

00:42:40Isn't this fun?

00:42:44Okay.

00:42:46Thank you, Alison, and good morning, everyone.

00:42:51The audited statements were provided to you prior to the meeting and include the items

00:42:57shown on the slide.

00:42:59I'll try not to speak to the slide.

00:43:01I'll speak to everybody.

00:43:05The auditor's report outlines the opinion of the auditor as to whether or not the statements

00:43:11present fairly the financial position of the section and the steps taken by the auditor

00:43:16to support that opinion as well as the responsibilities of the management and the board with respect

00:43:22to the preparation and presentation of the information.

00:43:28The remaining statements outlined the revenue and expenses of the section, the impact of

00:43:34results on the net assets, the assets and the liabilities of the section and changes

00:43:41in its cash position, as well as additional detail with respect to key items.

00:43:59The next slide outlines the section's revenues and expenses over the last four years.

00:44:04An asterisk on the 2021 fiscal year as well as other places in the financial presentation

00:44:11notes a difference of some figures as a result of the change in auditors and reclassification

00:44:16of some figures.

00:44:21Programs and activities included participation in Alberta Winter Games and Arctic Winter

00:44:26Games and the related training activities.

00:44:31Skate Canada funding again showed a strong increase driven by significant membership

00:44:36increases both in the section and nationally this past year.

00:44:43Skate Canada funding also includes grants we received for hosting national and international

00:44:48events in our section.

00:44:52A decrease in provincial grants from the prior year is primarily related to the funding we

00:44:57received related to the participation in the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

00:45:09We'll review the significant changes within each of the expense categories a little bit

00:45:13later in the presentation.

00:45:17Overall, the excess revenue in 2024 was driven by three main factors.

00:45:26One continued increase in membership levels, which sounds like we're repeating ourselves

00:45:31this afternoon or this morning, hosting grants related to World Junior Figure Skating Championship

00:45:38and Canadian National Skating Championships, and three, a strong recovery on our long-term

00:45:44investments during the year.

00:45:50Skate Canada funding remains the largest revenue source for the section at 52%.

00:45:56Program and activities contribute 30%, provincial grants 9%, and this year investments contributed

00:46:068%.

00:46:09On the expense side, costs rose with increased activity from the prior year.

00:46:15The section allocated 64% of its resources to programs and activities.

00:46:23Leadership costs decreased to 16% due to the Skate Canada Ice Summit being held virtually

00:46:29in May of 2023, and administration costs fell to 20%.

00:46:37Okay.

00:46:45Membership levels continue to show a strong increase in the past year.

00:47:15So, the Government of Alberta Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation branch, also known

00:47:36as SPAR, beyond the base development program grants, other funding depends on the events

00:47:44being held in any given year and grants available.

00:47:49So now we will move on to the expense side.

00:47:55Programs and activities.

00:47:56This category includes athlete development, coaching, skating programs and events, excluding

00:48:03the section AGM, and accounting for 64% of total costs.

00:48:09As you can see here, clear results reflected with the increase in activity of our training

00:48:16and development.

00:48:19On to leadership.

00:48:21Leadership, which includes board of directors costs, official committee, regions committee,

00:48:27and the section AGM accounted for 16% of total expenses, slightly lower than 2023, and part

00:48:35due to the National Ice Summit being held virtually this last fiscal year.

00:48:43And our administration costs accounted for 20% of total costs, slightly lower than the

00:48:48prior year.

00:48:50Can skate at school program expenses previously included, were included in administration

00:48:55and they have been reclassified to programs and activities to better reflect the activity.

00:49:04Okay, so the section's balance sheet has remained relatively stable.

00:49:10Additionally, the section held $200,000 in a one-year GIC, another $200,000 in a three-year

00:49:38cashable GIC maturing March 31st, 2026.

00:49:43Deferred revenues and contributions include fees for programs, courses and events scheduled

00:49:49after the fiscal year, unexpended gaming funds, and other future expenses.

00:49:56A significant portion includes the Federal Heritage Sport Fund, which will be used to

00:50:02support programming next year, and a new $200,000 provincial grant received in March

00:50:09to expand our Can skate at school program and other initiatives.

00:50:17So this completes the review of the section's finance statements for this past season.

00:50:24I now invite questions from the floor and will also allow for time for questions about

00:50:29finance and risk management to be submitted.

00:50:32For those here in the room, you may proceed to the microphone and ask your question.

00:50:38And for those joining us virtually, you may text your question to 780-886-8848.

00:51:02There being no questions, I will continue with the appointment of the auditors.

00:51:32All right, as we receive no questions, we will prepare for the vote.

00:51:50I'd like to move that COIL and company are approved as the auditors for Skate Canada,

00:51:54Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

00:52:02The motion is seconded by Travis Hillier, board director.

00:52:08And I ask that the voting technician open the vote and please wait until...

00:52:23If you do not see the current motion, please refresh your page or select the home button

00:52:28on the voting page and the active ballot will appear.

00:52:58Oh, okay, so we're still receiving some votes, so quickly get those last-minute, last-second

00:53:08votes in and we will get that closed.

00:53:12Please be patient.

00:53:15Okay, I'll ask the technician to please close the vote.

00:53:24The vote is now closed.

00:53:43We'll take a moment to verify the results.

00:53:50Thank you, everyone.

00:53:58The motion has been carried.

00:54:00I now turn the meeting over to Mr. Rod Garacino, chair of the membership relations committee,

00:54:06to present the membership report.

00:54:13Thank you very much, Tammy, and good morning, everyone.

00:54:25I have been handed a note that I've been asked to share.

00:54:29We are aware of some internet technical issues for the live stream.

00:54:35Please be patient with us as we are working through this.

00:54:39Thanks for your patience, everyone.

00:54:44I had the distinct privilege this year to chair the membership relations committee and

00:54:49I'm pleased to provide an update on the membership in our section.

00:54:57Last season, the section experienced unprecedented growth, which has continued into 2023-2024.

00:55:05Membership statistics show that our clubs and skating schools have surpassed pre-pandemic

00:55:09numbers, recording the highest number of registrants ever, both in our section and nationally,

00:55:16with the section surpassing 30,000 registrants for the first time.

00:55:28After an increase in CanSkate registrations last year, this year CanSkate experienced

00:55:33an additional near 4% growth for a total growth of almost 36% over two seasons.

00:55:40Both Skate Canada and the section have experienced growth in star and podium pathway registrations,

00:55:47with section podium pathway registrants increasing by 22% and 14% in star pathway.

00:55:55This growth is an indicator of post-pandemic sport recovery.

00:56:00The greatest program growth was program assistance at just over 22%, yet another indicator of

00:56:07sport recovery, more specifically, increased engagement of athletes.

00:56:11This is encouraging as we seek to broaden our membership base.

00:56:33The adult skate program continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, as clubs and schools

00:56:39in the section provide learn-to-skate and star programming to skaters over the age of 18.

00:56:47As of March 31, 2024, we remain the third largest section in Skate Canada, with 30,068

00:56:55registrants.

00:56:56Synchronized skating gained momentum with 32 teams registered last season and was featured

00:57:03in the National Figure Skating Championships for the second time.

00:57:06Additionally, our officials' community grew by 15%, outpacing the growth of officials

00:57:37This is encouraging as we seek to broaden our membership base, as we continue to increase

00:57:51engagement as members become accustomed to this annual initiative.

00:57:56Survey feedback is aggregated and shared with board committees and operational leads to

00:58:03address areas for improvement in the next season's plans.

00:58:08As Chair of the Membership Relations Committee and on behalf of the Section Board of Directors,

00:58:12I thank everyone who completed the survey.

00:58:16Your input is crucial for our decision-making.

00:58:20On a personal level, I just want to put a personal thank you to all of the members of

00:58:28the committee and a special thank you to the staff support, especially Jen Boone, who

00:58:33I could not function without, so thank you very much.

00:58:39We will now continue with the operational reports.

00:58:42I am pleased to introduce our Executive Director, Lisa Hardy.

00:58:58Thank you, Rod, and welcome to everyone for joining us, both in person and virtually,

00:59:02for the AGM.

00:59:03As Mary mentioned earlier, the Section recently launched our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and

00:59:09I'm pleased to share some of the key achievements from the year that align with our goals.

00:59:13Due to time constraints, I'll be highlighting only some of the accomplishments in each area

00:59:17and it's notable that many of these items also cross over into more than one area of

00:59:21focus.

00:59:22I would encourage you to read the annual report that will be posted on our Section website

00:59:26next week for more details on the work each committee has done in the past year.

00:59:31Building organizational excellence is integral for a strong, healthy organization and ensuring

00:59:36success in the other areas of focus, which is why it's a priority for the Section.

00:59:41Through the work of several committees, we were able to increase delivery capacity through

00:59:46training and recruitment, as well as through the rollout of our competition restructuring

00:59:50this past year.

00:59:51Thank you.

00:59:52Bye.

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01:14:00Thank you to Jennifer and the members of the Region Committee for your work and dedication

01:14:01this season.

01:14:03To the Local Organizing Committee members, Cindy Mueller is in the room here and she's

01:14:13looked up the Volunteer Management Portal, which is a beast all to its own and deserves

01:14:17a special shout-out.

01:14:20Over 200 volunteers came together to host the 2024 National Skating Championships in

01:14:24Calgary.

01:14:26Thank you.

01:14:27Hosting these types of events brings together our community and provides numerous development

01:14:31and recruitment opportunities.

01:14:33Our section and volunteers are recognized as hosting exceptional national and international

01:14:37events and although the crazy, crazy cold temperatures tested the limits of both people

01:14:43and the building, everyone pulled together and we once again stepped up and met the challenges.

01:14:50I also want to thank each of the section staff that I have the privilege of working with.

01:14:54The team works tirelessly to support committees, volunteers, coaches, officials, athletes,

01:15:00clubs and skating schools throughout the year.

01:15:02This team's dedication and commitment comes from their passion and love of the sport,

01:15:06athletes and volunteers.

01:15:08I'm honoured to work alongside them and appreciate the time, talent and treasure each of you

01:15:12brings to the team.

01:15:14It's been a busy time and at times exhausting year with no shortage of challenges, however

01:15:19each of you continue to step up in your own way to make things happen and get things done

01:15:23so thank you.

01:15:25Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank all of our board members for their leadership

01:15:34support and guidance throughout the year.

01:15:36We welcome new board members Jennifer Kelleher and Leslie Keene to the board this past year

01:15:40who have brought fresh perspectives and new skill sets to the board and at the close of

01:15:44this AGM we'll see the retirement of Allison, Travis and Jackie.

01:15:48It's been an honour and a privilege, can't look at you guys, to work along each of you

01:15:53and your leadership, dedication and passion for the sport will be greatly missed.

01:15:58I think at this time I'm supposed to ask if there's a given moment for questions to come

01:16:08in.

01:16:39I'm like is that right?

01:16:47The 2025 Starskate and Adult Championships will be hosted March 21st to 23rd, 2025 in

01:16:52the Calgary region.

01:16:54A local organizing committee is still being confirmed.

01:16:57I'm now pleased to introduce the section nominating subcommittee chair Monique Moore to provide

01:17:02an overview of the 2024 elections.

01:17:26Thank you Lisa and hello everyone.

01:17:29I'm pleased to provide you with an overview of the 2024 region representatives and region

01:17:34coaching representatives elections and to conduct the elections for the board of directors.

01:17:40The nominating subcommittee would like to thank everyone who let their name stand for

01:17:44election.

01:17:45Our goal as a committee is to ensure the nominating and election policies and processes are transparent,

01:17:51accessible and that they encourage effective use by our membership.

01:17:55I will start with an overview of the region elections.

01:18:00Our section is divided into regions and each region has its own committee led by a region

01:18:05representative.

01:18:06These positions are elected from amongst the clubs and skating schools in their respective

01:18:10regions.

01:18:11Your 2024-2025 region representatives are Calgary region Diana Peters, central region

01:18:20Andrea Pegu, Edmonton region Jackie Hampton, northeast region Bonnie Smill, northwest region

01:18:32Jennifer Ferguson, peace region Wanda Langelle, south region Ali DeBeer and the northwest

01:18:43territories is currently vacant.

01:18:52Thank you to the following region reps who have retired from the committee.

01:18:55The Edmonton region Jasmine Gehring, northwest region Carly Wilson, south region Terry Gauchstrick

01:19:04and Jamie Harris representing the northwest region.

01:19:17The region coaching representatives elections took place in February.

01:19:21Region coaching representatives for the 2024-2025 season are the Calgary region Melissa Butler,

01:19:30central region Nicole Sabash, the Edmonton region Antoinette Hamplebacker, northeast

01:19:39region Kimberly Mercier-Bucha, northwest region Patricia Forsell, northwest territories region

01:19:48Cammie Harney, south region Charlotte Sugimoto and the peace region is currently vacant.

01:19:59Thank you to the following region reps who have retired from the committee.

01:20:02The Edmonton region Deborah Lyon, Calgary region Andrea St. Cyr and northeast region

01:20:09Rebecca Zikes.

01:20:13I will now present on the election of the board of directors.

01:20:17In accordance with the section bylaws the call for applications for the elections for

01:20:21directors was announced in March.

01:20:25The application deadline was May 11, 2024.

01:20:29The nominating subcommittee is delighted to report that we received applications from

01:20:33six candidates interested in serving on the board of directors as director of regions

01:20:38and directors.

01:20:40Each of these candidates has met the requirements to run for the board of directors pursuant

01:20:44to the section bylaws.

01:20:50The following categories were available for election this year.

01:20:54Director of coaching for a two-year term, director of regions two-year term and director

01:21:01two-year term.

01:21:04Election category one, director of coaching.

01:21:06One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:10We received one nomination for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:14to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:24Election category two, director of regions.

01:21:28One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:31We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:32to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:33Election category two, director of coaching.

01:21:34One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:35We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:36to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:37Election category two, director of coaching.

01:21:38One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:39We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:40to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:41Election category two, director of coaching.

01:21:42One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:43We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:44to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:45Election category two, director of coaching.

01:21:46One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:47We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been

01:21:54acclaimed to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:21:56Election category two, director of coaching.

01:21:57One position available for a two-year term.

01:21:58We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:21:59to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:22:00Election category two, director of coaching.

01:22:01One position available for a two-year term.

01:22:02We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:22:03to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:22:04Election category three, director of coaching.

01:22:05One position available for a two-year term.

01:22:06We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:22:07to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:22:08Election category three, director of coaching.

01:22:09One position available for a two-year term.

01:22:10We received two nominations for director of coaching therefore Lynn Coper has been acclaimed

01:22:11to the position, congratulations Lynn.

01:22:12Thank you.

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01:23:09Thank you.

01:23:10Can I just do my introduction before we begin with the club?

01:23:11I'm an alumni of the University of Alberta with both a

01:23:13Bachelor of Science and an MBA and I've worked in the

01:23:17corporate world in Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Calgary with

01:23:20TransCanada Energy for over 20 years.

01:23:23I've always volunteered but when the kids joined CalAlta

01:23:26in 2011 it seemed to become my full-time occupation.

01:23:30I started as vice-president on the board with my first

01:23:33duty being the LOC Chair of CWI in 2014, learning under

01:23:38under the watchful eye of Elaine Ertin.

01:23:41Became President, Managing Director, back to President,

01:23:44and now 13 years later, I'm the Events Coordinator,

01:23:48which is another name for doing just about anything.

01:23:51And yes, I'm still doing CWI.

01:23:55I'm serving my last year of my last term

01:23:58as the Calgary Region Rep.

01:24:00And over the last five years, I'm

01:24:02pleased to say that the Regions Committee has accomplished

01:24:05an enormous amount.

01:24:07Are we done yet?

01:24:08Not at all.

01:24:09Our list of tasks is long, but we're getting there.

01:24:12And Jen is probably, yes, we are, slowly.

01:24:16It's an exciting time for figure skating.

01:24:18Numbers have bounced back, as we saw, with a vengeance.

01:24:23Skate Canada shared we are at 207,000 registrants

01:24:26this past year.

01:24:27Like, wow.

01:24:29So how do we continue down this path?

01:24:31How do we support the clubs, which at the end of the day

01:24:34is what matters?

01:24:35How do we help you all be successful?

01:24:39The opportunities exist.

01:24:40The question is, how do we capitalize on them?

01:24:43How do we turn the Oilers playoff run

01:24:46into Can Skate registrants?

01:24:48Because as we all know, every little hockey fan out there

01:24:51is going to need to know how to skate.

01:24:53And the bigger kids, in Calgary, we're

01:24:55bursting at the seams in our adult and teen programs,

01:24:58which has been fantastic.

01:25:00But how do we keep going?

01:25:01How do we capture that momentum?

01:25:04So the ultimate question is, why do you vote for me?

01:25:07Well, firstly, my experience and insights

01:25:10from being involved with Calalta in a leadership position

01:25:13for over 10 years.

01:25:14Certainly didn't do this alone.

01:25:16So a big thank you to both the section and Skate Canada,

01:25:20as I've had to lean on them many times

01:25:22throughout some of the issues that have been thrown my way.

01:25:26I also need to thank my hairdresser and her ability

01:25:28to cover up my many gray hairs that I seem to have collected.

01:25:32Secondly, my corporate background.

01:25:35Over 20 years in oil and gas and progressively

01:25:37more responsible leadership positions

01:25:39in supply chain, field services, project engineering,

01:25:43and my favorite, IT, has provided me

01:25:45with insight, knowledge, and strong business acumen.

01:25:50Lastly, my willingness to get the job done.

01:25:53This has served me well throughout my entire career.

01:25:56As I said when I was awarded the 2023 Volunteer of the Year

01:25:59for Skate Canada, I don't believe in the statement,

01:26:02it can't be done.

01:26:03I think where there is optimism, hope, vision,

01:26:07and a willingness to roll up your sleeves

01:26:09and work hard, anything can be done.

01:26:11The opportunities are endless.

01:26:13Thank you.

01:26:14Thank you.

01:26:27Thank you, Diane.

01:26:40I apologize for that oversight.

01:26:43All right.

01:26:45Our next we would like to welcome Ashley Brandt.

01:26:56Okay.

01:27:05Good morning, everyone.

01:27:07As you've just heard, my name is Ashley Brandt, and I'd like to start by telling you a little

01:27:12bit about myself.

01:27:14My husband, David, and I have four wonderful daughters between the ages of seven and 13

01:27:19who all skate and share my passion for the sport, followed by my law degree at the University

01:27:28of Alberta.

01:27:30I work part-time in my husband's law office, and it seems like everything goes to our skating

01:27:36fees.

01:27:37My husband doesn't think that's very funny.

01:27:42My passion for skating began as a young girl of five as I journeyed through the skating

01:27:46programs of the time, and my love for the sport has never left.

01:27:51I continue even today with adult skate, and through the amazing support of the coaches

01:27:56and fellow skaters, I have still surprisingly managed to land an axel.

01:28:05My passion for volunteering has come from my mother, who has been instrumental in sport

01:28:10development in Alberta, and was recently inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame for her

01:28:15contributions.

01:28:16She is an amazing role model and mentor.

01:28:19I am currently the vice president of the Red Deer Skating Club's board, and I've just recently

01:28:24completed my term as secretary on the central region board.

01:28:28But I know, and I hope you will agree, that I still have some positive contributions to

01:28:32give to the sport of skating.

01:28:35I think with my education as a catalyst, my journey has led me to be interested in the

01:28:40governance and organization of the sport.

01:28:43I have several interest areas in the strategic organization of sport, primarily governance

01:28:48and safe sport, and I'm also interested in community involvement.

01:28:52These are big issues that are developing in today's sport organizations, where local sport

01:28:57organizations need the provincial sport organization's strategic guidance in helping to make their

01:29:02boards stronger.

01:29:04Stronger boards make a better place for all to enjoy the huge benefits of the sport of

01:29:08skating, which leads me to my second interest area, safe sport.

01:29:13Safe sport has many facets, one that we have struggled with in our local area in establishing

01:29:19a respect program between other user groups and our skaters.

01:29:23Developing open communication and educational awareness of the needs of our skaters is critical.

01:29:30This is just one example of an ingrained culture that a good safe sport program can

01:29:35work through changing.

01:29:37And finally, community involvement.

01:29:39Involving the community in our events and our programs is good for our skaters, our

01:29:44coaches, our clubs, and for the community as a whole to spread the passion, joy, and

01:29:48love we all feel for the sport.

01:29:52Giving back to the community, whether at the local level, provincial level, is an important

01:29:57responsibility.

01:29:58I feel that I can contribute insight to the future of skating in our province.

01:30:04We need to be forward thinking while respecting the work of the past.

01:30:08And we need to be ready to pivot while knowing when to hold fast to solid plans.

01:30:13As one of your representatives, I will seek the right balance through careful thought,

01:30:21consideration, and kindness, as we could all use a little extra of that.

01:30:26Thank you for taking the time to listen to me today.

01:30:28And thank you to everyone who's put so much work into this whole weekend.

01:30:34I'm very excited for this afternoon's award recipients.

01:30:37Thank you.

01:30:38We will now prepare for the election.

01:30:52In compliance with the election policies and procedures, all directors must be elected

01:30:56by a simple majority of votes cast.

01:30:59If additional ballots are required, should we not achieve a majority for one candidate

01:31:03on the first ballot, we will proceed with up to two additional ballots.

01:31:08Candidates who have tied or have not reached a simple majority after two additional rounds

01:31:12of voting shall have their respective names entered into a draw box.

01:31:17One name shall be drawn by the scrutineer.

01:31:19The name drawn is the elected official.

01:31:24There being two candidates for this position of Director of Regions, please select one

01:31:28candidate on the ballot.

01:31:30In preparation for the vote, I ask that the voting system technician begin the process.

01:33:54The vote is now closed.

01:34:23The vote is now closed.

01:34:25Be patient while we finalize and verify the results.

01:34:33The following nominee has been elected to the position of Director of Regions.

01:34:37Please join me in congratulating Diana Peters.

01:34:48We will now move to the election category three, Director.

01:34:52Three positions available for a two-year term.

01:34:56We received five total nominations for this position of Director, and accordingly, we'll

01:35:00hold the election for this position.

01:35:03With Diana being elected as Director of Regions, her name is now removed from the Director

01:35:06ballot, which leaves four candidates for three Director positions.

01:35:11The candidates in alphabetical order are Ashley Brandt, Rod Garasino, Jennifer Keeler,

01:35:20Renee McIntosh.

01:35:23Each candidate for Director will now have an opportunity to provide up to a five-minute

01:35:26speech following which we will call for the vote.

01:35:29A draw was conducted with the candidates prior to this AGM to select the order of the speeches.

01:35:41Please welcome Rod Garasino to speak first.

01:35:52Thank you very much, Monique.

01:35:55Congratulations Diana.

01:35:57I thought I would start by just reminiscing a little bit about what skating means to me.

01:36:05I was a small kid from a small town, yay car scares, who was never actually any good

01:36:12at anything physical.

01:36:15Skating was the first and really only thing that I found in my life that I was any good

01:36:19at.

01:36:21And it worked out pretty well.

01:36:26I was, along with my sister Karen, I was very proud to have represented Alberta at eleven

01:36:32national championships.

01:36:34Winning three...

01:36:35...and said that the older we get, the better we were.

01:37:02It's true, right?

01:37:07My competitive skating career taught me that I was actually capable of more than I thought

01:37:12possible.

01:37:14And skating remains a big part of who I am.

01:37:18And every skater in every rink feeling the run of the edge over the ice is on their own

01:37:25journey of self-discovery.

01:37:28Finding out just how good they can be and even just loving skating.

01:37:34After skating I earned a bachelor's degree in physical education at UBC specializing

01:37:39in leisure and sport administration.

01:37:42My post-skating and post-university career has been quite eclectic.

01:37:47I have worked in public relations, sponsorship marketing, corporate community investment,

01:37:53civic partnership consulting with the City of Calgary, non-profit management and fund

01:38:00development.

01:38:03But community has been the consistent through-line with my career.

01:38:10And my greatest sense of fulfillment has come from understanding how my work has contributed

01:38:16to making...

01:38:18The same sense of contribution is what appeals to me the most about serving as a board member.

01:38:26My six years on the National Skate Canada Board gave me the opportunity to re-engage

01:38:32with my skating family after a long hiatus and I can thank Michael Slipchuck for helping

01:38:38to recruit me back in.

01:38:41And it gave me the chance to contribute on the national level.

01:38:47But more than anything I learned a lot and gained valuable governance experience that

01:38:52I believe has enabled to make me a more meaningful contribution...

01:38:57Helped me make a more meaningful contribution at the section level.

01:39:01I have truly loved being on the section board over the last four years and I'm grateful

01:39:06to have had the opportunity to contribute to the system that supports and enables so

01:39:11many people to explore their love of skating.

01:39:15With your support today I would love to continue to make a positive contribution to our sport

01:39:21as a member of this amazing board.

01:39:24Thank you.

01:39:27Thanks Rod.

01:39:37I would like to next welcome Ashley Brandt.

01:39:50I just want to thank everybody for considering me for this position and I won't bore you

01:39:56with another speech but thank you very much.

01:40:06Thank you Ashley.

01:40:07The next speaker that I would like to invite up is Jennifer Keeler.

01:40:22Thank you Monique and good morning everyone.

01:40:24My name is Jennifer Kelleher.

01:40:26I had the privilege of serving this past season as an appointed director on the section board.

01:40:32In putting my name forward this season for election I hope to continue building on that

01:40:36experience and to leverage the insights I've gained over the past year into how the section

01:40:41really works and be able to hit the ground running for 2024-2025.

01:40:47So why am I suited to take on the role of a director?

01:40:51Three things.

01:40:52First is my experience in skating.

01:40:54I currently live in Calgary but I was born and raised in Edmonton so I get the Calgary

01:40:59Oilers dynamic like Diana.

01:41:02I did singles and ice dance and while my competitive aspirations eventually faded I never lost

01:41:08my love for the sport and I eventually found my way back to it about nine years ago when

01:41:12I became an official.

01:41:14First in Nova Scotia where I lived at the time and since 2020 here in Alberta.

01:41:19So over the past several years I've regularly attended Starskate and Podium Pathway events

01:41:24throughout the province and the vantage point I've had from the judges stand really informs

01:41:30the perspective I bring to the board table.

01:41:33Being on the ground at competitions I see how our athletes are performing.

01:41:36I see how the clubs put into hosting these events and the countless volunteer hours and

01:41:49work that goes into it.

01:41:51And I've gotten to meet the most talented and dedicated group of officials.

01:41:55So this really informs my thinking when I come to the board table.

01:41:59Second is my broader experience with the section.

01:42:02So in addition to sitting on the board this past year over the past four seasons I've

01:42:07served in different capacities on board committees.

01:42:11First as a member and later chair of the nominating subcommittee as well as member of the section's

01:42:16governance committee.

01:42:18And third is my legal background.

01:42:20So I think I was initially pulled into all of those committees because of my experience

01:42:24as a practicing lawyer which I've done for the past nine years.

01:42:28First as a general civil litigator and then in house and government roles.

01:42:32I currently work as a barrister and solicitor with Alberta justice practicing in the areas

01:42:37of constitutional and aboriginal law.

01:42:40And across all of these varied roles I've spent a lot of time identifying and managing

01:42:44risk generally knowing the legal do's and don'ts of various situations and I've spent

01:42:49a lot of time digging into statutes, bylaws, policies, legal documents, et cetera.

01:42:55For the 2024-25 season the board will be committed to helping the section achieve the

01:43:00goals set out in its new strategic plan including its focus on building organizational excellence

01:43:05and that is something I really want to be a part of.

01:43:08As Allison mentioned earlier in the program we also anticipate changes being made to our

01:43:12section bylaws in light of the changes made at the national level.

01:43:16I feel that that's a place I'm well versed in and would be able to make a positive contribution

01:43:23to.

01:43:24I suppose lastly I'm a mom of three so by necessity I consider myself a good listener

01:43:29and a skilled negotiator.

01:43:34I truly believe skating is just the most remarkable sport there is period.

01:43:40I'm very grateful to have found a place in the skating community especially here in Alberta

01:43:44since moving and in standing for election I want to be a part of a board that helps

01:43:50make that community even stronger.

01:43:52So go Oilers go and thank you all.

01:43:55I think these stairs are going to kill me.

01:44:07Thanks Jennifer.

01:44:08I'd like to next welcome Renee McIntosh.

01:44:22As some of you may know I grew up in rural Manitoba in the 80s.

01:44:49There weren't many activities for us girls to do in the winter especially in a hockey

01:44:52community but my mom made sure that all of her kids were involved in at least two things

01:44:56at all times and skating was the first activity I ever joined and the last one that I ever

01:45:00left in grade 12.

01:45:03So in the later years of skating it was like 11 months of the year as a lot of you skaters

01:45:07do now.

01:45:08As a child I must admit with some regret that I didn't always love it.

01:45:15Starting to skate in Foxhorn Manitoba which is voted the coldest rink in North America.

01:45:19You can Google it and it'll tell you that.

01:45:22And Robin has also skated there so she can tell you that how she had the pleasure of

01:45:26skating there too.

01:45:27She knows how cold it is.

01:45:28So getting up early in the spring fall and summers to drive an hour to her skating school

01:45:32training sometimes taking up entire weekends while my siblings led normal lives.

01:45:37Sometimes I felt like I missed out and it was hard but I kept at it finding tiny successes

01:45:41along the way and it became part of my identity.

01:45:44When I decided to focus on other things because I had to be honest with myself I wasn't going

01:45:47to the Olympics I found that figure skating was always with me.

01:45:51I didn't know it at the time but the same lessons that helped me find successes in the

01:45:55rink aided in my successes outside of it.

01:45:58Above all else figure skating taught me to believe in myself.

01:46:02Years later after I'd settled into my life here in Red Deer I found my way back to the

01:46:06rink.

01:46:07I laced up my skates and discovered my love for the sport all over again.

01:46:10I was encouraged by my coach to become an evaluator and I loved seeing the next generation

01:46:14of figure skaters find their own successes in the rink but more than that I found a real

01:46:18appreciation for all of the people who work behind the scenes to make these kids dreams

01:46:22come true.

01:46:23Now it's my turn to get emotional.

01:46:25Twelve and a half years ago I suffered a terrible concussion while skating in Foxhorn that left

01:46:32me with an undeniable truth that my figure skating days were over and that hurt.

01:46:38So I took a break from evaluating while I recovered and I had to drop out of my professional

01:46:41accounting program that I was almost completed.

01:46:44So luckily though it didn't mean that I was done with figure skating.

01:46:47A few years later when I started to feel better I decided to try my professional accounting

01:46:51program again having to start over from the start taking one course just to see how it

01:46:56went and kind of went from there.

01:46:58So once I had a couple courses under my belt my mentor at the time suggested that I look

01:47:01at joining a board to supplement my CPA experience.

01:47:05There was only one organization that came to mind when he suggested this.

01:47:08Only one organization that I wanted to give back to and that was skating.

01:47:12So I reached out to the Red Deer Club to see if they could use some help on their board

01:47:15and it was suggested that I check with the section office.

01:47:18So I filled out the volunteer application a couple months later was contacted to join

01:47:21the finance and risk committee and I was elated.

01:47:25Then I was honored when a couple years ago the same individual contacted me wanting to

01:47:28nominate me for a board position.

01:47:30In these past two years as a director I've learned so much.

01:47:33I'm humbled and honored by those sitting and those that have sat at the table around me

01:47:37and I truly believe that the support and volunteer base our section has is second to none.

01:47:41To see how staff and volunteers pull together to put on world-class events has really opened

01:47:45my eyes to how valuable the people that support our section are and I'm so grateful for all

01:47:49of you.

01:47:51Whether you're a skater, coach, parent, official, partner or volunteer in any capacity you do

01:47:56make a difference and your hard work has not gone unnoticed.

01:48:00So for the past two years now I've been a senior accountant with BDO Canada and I've

01:48:04completed all of the education.

01:48:05I'm just waiting to finish up the last of my experience to get my CPA designation.

01:48:09So I went back to it and I'm almost done now.

01:48:12So I prepare audits for non-profit organizations and I have an array of accounting knowledge

01:48:15at my fingertips.

01:48:17So this experience coupled with years of analyzing budgets and financial information, we're making

01:48:22data-driven decisions of second nature.

01:48:23I'm well equipped and committed to helping our board continue towards a bright future

01:48:27of growth and sustainability.

01:48:30So my commitment to figure skating runs much deeper than spring.

01:48:52And volunteer with Skate Canada, I've worn many hats and because of this I have a great

01:48:56respect and admiration for our skating community and I am committed to fostering an environment

01:49:00where our athletes can thrive and our programs flourish.

01:49:05My goal is simple.

01:49:06To ensure every skater from the youngest beginner to the most seasoned competitor from every

01:49:09province and territory we have the honour to represent has the resources and support

01:49:13that they need to thrive.

01:49:15And as the third largest section in the country, having grown 6,000 skaters, 24% through COVID,

01:49:20I had to throw some numbers in, our responsibility to support these skaters has only grown with

01:49:25it.

01:49:26So if elected, I pledge to continue to bring the same dedication and passion to my role

01:49:30and I'll do whatever I can to ensure our section has access to the resources we need to succeed.

01:49:47So let's lace up our skates and get to work.

01:49:49Thank you.

01:49:55Thank you.

01:50:01Thanks, Renee.

01:50:02We will now prepare for the election.

01:50:05All directors must be elected by a simple majority of votes cast.

01:50:09If additional ballots are required, should we not receive a majority for one candidate

01:50:13on the first ballot, we will proceed with up to two additional ballots.

01:50:17Candidates who have tied or have not reached a simple majority after two additional rounds

01:50:21of voting shall have their respective names entered into the draw box and one name shall

01:50:26be drawn by the scrutineer.

01:50:28The name drawn is the elected individual.

01:50:32With there being four candidates for three positions of director, please select three

01:50:37candidates on the ballot.

01:50:39In preparation for the vote, I ask that the voting system technician begin the process

01:50:44of opening the vote.

01:50:46Please do not attempt to vote until I confirm the vote has been opened.

01:50:51If you have problems casting your vote, we have staff standing by at memberservices

01:50:57at skatenwn.ca.

01:51:02For those in the room, please raise your hand if you need assistance.

01:51:07The vote is now open.

01:51:08You may now proceed with voting.

01:51:20The vote is now open.

01:51:50The vote is now open.

01:52:20The vote is now open.

01:52:50The vote is now open.

01:53:20The vote is now open.

01:53:50The vote is now open.

01:54:20The vote is now open.

01:54:21The vote is now open.

01:54:23The vote is now open.

01:54:24The vote is now open.

01:54:25The vote is now open.

01:54:26The vote is now open.

01:54:29I now announce the following candidates for the governance board.

01:54:43I am now pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Section Board of Directors.

01:54:47of Directors, Chair Mary Morin, Director of Coaching Lynn Koper, Director of Regions

01:54:57Diana Peters, and Directors Temi Finnerty, Leslie Keene, Kara Slemko, Rod Garasino,

01:55:13Jennifer Kelleher, Renee McIntosh.

01:55:22On behalf of the nominating subcommittee, thank you to each of the election candidates

01:55:26and to everyone who has volunteered their time for the board, the local region committees,

01:55:31and the region coaching committee.

01:55:34Thank you.

01:55:47Thank you so much Monique and thank you to everybody that put their names forward for

01:55:53election.

01:55:54I think it's a testament to the quality of people that are attracted to skating and

01:56:02speaks of the promise of developing our board and further diversifying our board, so a very

01:56:08big thank you to all of you.

01:56:13The next portion of the program is to honor and recognize our Directors who are retiring

01:56:20from the board today.

01:56:23The commitment and dedication from each of our board members and what they contribute

01:56:27to the section as a whole is really important and I would like to take a moment to thank

01:56:33those who are retiring.

01:56:53I would like to take a moment to thank our board of directors, coaches, and representative

01:56:58from 2014 to 2018 and upon completing this commitment, which she took very seriously,

01:57:05The board move along to operating like a true governance board.

01:57:35She continues to enrich the lives of many athletes.

01:58:04Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:33and the board stronger.

01:58:34Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:35and the board stronger.

01:58:36Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:37and the board stronger.

01:58:38Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:39and the board stronger.

01:58:40Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:41and the board stronger.

01:58:42Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:43and the board stronger.

01:58:44Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:45and the board stronger.

01:58:46Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:47and the board stronger.

01:58:48Thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to making this section

01:58:49and the board stronger.

01:58:51that Travis has been a very strong board member and will be greatly missed by all.

01:59:05Travis joined the board in 2017 as the Director of Coaching.

01:59:10As Alison stepped into that role, Travis became a regular director on the board.

01:59:15He has served on the Membership Relations Committee, including as Chair from 2019-2020.

01:59:22He has introduced many business, HR, and research processes into our committees, and he never

01:59:39hesitates to roll up his sleeves and take on some of the meaty board tasks.

01:59:45He also served as the alternate to the Chair for the last four years, and was immensely

01:59:50helpful to me as I transitioned into the Chair last year.

01:59:53For that, I am forever indebted.

01:59:56When I think of Travis, I think of one word, laconic.

02:00:01He is a man who uses few words, yet expresses so much.

02:00:06He is concise, he is thoughtful, and when he speaks, everyone listens.

02:00:12As many of you know, in addition to his daytime job at the City of Lethbridge, Travis has

02:00:17coached in Lethbridge for many years.

02:00:19Travis, a sincere and heartfelt thank you from all of your board colleagues and the

02:00:25staff and all the stakeholders in this section.

02:00:28Your legacy will carry us forward for many years to come.

02:00:31And you were right, Carolina won the 2006 Sandy Cup.

02:00:42And finally, Jackie Zielinska, who isn't able to join us today, but I would be remiss

02:00:50if I didn't acknowledge her significant contribution to the board.

02:00:54She's the Executive Director of the United Way in Lethbridge, and Jackie brought valuable

02:00:58perspective to the board as she walks in the shoes of leading a non-profit, a community-based

02:01:03organization every single day.

02:01:05Jackie is a busy person, and during her two-year tenure on the board, she was committed to

02:01:10ensure the section was a better place.

02:01:12As an agent of change, she often challenged the norm, but she always provided solutions

02:01:18of alternate ways we could conduct business.

02:01:21Jackie, you will be missed, I hope you're online, and we are very grateful for your

02:01:25time and effort over the last two years.

02:01:29Okay, as we conclude today's AGM, I want to take a few moments to make some departing

02:01:41comments.

02:01:42First and foremost, thank you for having the confidence in me to chair the section over

02:01:48the last year.

02:01:49Personally, it's been intrinsically rewarding getting to know many of you, delving deeper

02:01:55into what makes a section operate effectively, and watching so many athletes at all levels

02:02:00flourish.

02:02:02It has not only been a memorable season, but a historic one in many ways.

02:02:07However, I'm intensely aware that none of this is made possible without the hard work

02:02:12and the unfaltering commitment of so many people, from coaches to officials to volunteers

02:02:18to staff to my esteemed colleagues on the board.

02:02:21I am truly humbled by your dedication to the sport, and how indefatigable you all seem

02:02:28to be delivering lasting, and in some cases, historic moments for both our aspiring and

02:02:34our accomplished athletes.

02:02:36I want to thank you for making this season a success.

02:02:43Winston Churchill has a saying, that anyone can recognize history once it has happened,

02:02:49but it takes a wise person to recognize, in the moment, what is lasting and memorable.

02:02:58I think we can all agree that this past season will leave us with many, many lasting memories,

02:03:03and for me, I'm very appreciative of the intrinsic reward it has given our section.

02:03:13That, I would like to say, is the end of our program for today.

02:03:18So thank you very, very much for joining us, and there being no further business, I present

02:03:24the following motion to adjourn the Annual General Meeting of June 8th, 2024, which is

02:03:29moved by Alison Bonny Gregson as her last business.

02:03:41Thank you so much to everyone, and I look forward to socializing with you a little bit

02:03:46at the awards blanket, if you are joining us.

02:03:51Thanks again.

Skate AB | NT | NU - Annual General Meeting

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