Alberta, Priscilla Haskin
» padlon@canoemail.com

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
My primary goal for my term as a Paddle Canada Director would be to work towards opening up the lines of communication and dialogue between Alberta's Paddle Canada Instructors and members of the Paddle Canada Board itself. This would enable our regional instructor voices to be better heard and shared with Paddle Canada as together we promote a nation vision for paddling in Canada.

I believe that, with my Board, Instructor, Instructor Trainer, guide, volunteer and work experiences, I can make a valuable contribution to the Paddle Canada team. I can enable Paddle Canada's smooth transition from an organization led by provincial associations to an organization led by individual members. I can assist in raising the public's awareness of Paddle Canada's deep commitment to developing leaders in the instruction of enjoyable, safe paddling; its paddling history; and environmental issues. I am firmly committed to maintaining a strong financial foundation for Paddle Canada and building on that foundation.

This is a new chapter in Paddle Canada's history. I believe that through the new regional directors, those persons who will represent the voices of their regional Paddle Canada Instructors and Members, the commitment for a national vision will be stronger than ever as the four pillars that are our foundation are supported and promoted. I am honoured to be part of this team.

British Columbia, Doug Taylor
» dgtcpd@telus.net

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
As a Director representing British Columbia, my aim will be to represent all recreational paddlers in my province in a fair and inclusive manner.

As a proud member of one of Canada's National Institutions for over 30 years, I have lived and served in most regions of Canada. I have a broad understanding of the importance that national organizations have played in shaping Canada and Canadians. I believe I am well prepared to help the Board of Paddle Canada Pagaie Canada refocus on the four Pillars of its Mission Statement and become one of Canada's premier associations, an association that its recreational and professional members will be proud to support.

Manitoba, Jamie Hilland
» jahla@mts.net

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
I envision Paddle Canada becoming a truly national paddling organization with nationwide recognition and an excellent reputation.

I would also like to see Paddle Canada foster better relations with grassroots organizations such as clubs, and to be a presence at festivals and events in an effort to connect with our members. Overall, I would like to see us increase our profile and our membership numbers.

Newfoundland & Labrador, Richard Alexander
» president@paddlingcanada.com

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
I have been the President of Paddle Canada for two years.

In that time, the association has gone from a position of significant debt (approximately $160,000) to a position of positive revenue. For the first time in many years, your association is able to devote its revenue and resources to growing the pastime of paddling and giving back to the members who are the face of the association and who generate the revenue that make our programs possible.

Your new governance structure (implemented under my Presidency) has and will continue to improve the involvement of the Board of Directors in managing the affairs of the Association. Your new Board will be meeting once a month under the new structure. This is a vast improvement from the old structure (and past financial situation), which it was only possible for the Board to have met three times in the past three years.

I would be most appreciative to have the opportunity to serve as the Director from Newfoundland and Labrador for another term and to have the opportunity to run for the Presidency of Paddle Canada for a second term. My reasons for wishing to continue on as President are to provide continuity from the old Board to the new Board, continue to manage the transition begun in the past two years and to oversee the completion several major projects underway including:

As per the Director’s Obligation Form (developed and implemented under my tenure as President) I commit to two meetings with Paddle Canada members in NL and to regular meetings with provincial canoeing and kayaking associations over the course of the year.

Thank you.

Nova Scotia, Blair Doyle
» adventure@hfx.eastlink.ca

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
Having been on the Paddle Canada Board for the past year has been rewarding. In my role as Treasurer I was witness to a Board of Directors (BOD) that wanted to see change and fiscal responsibility. I was involved in a BOD that had strong leadership and future vision. With the change in governance structure Paddle Canada has a chance to direct its future in the interest of its contributing members. Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia is a strong supporter of Paddle Canada and my involvement in both BODs can help ensure consistent lines of reporting and communication to the paddling community in Nova Scotia.

Paddle Canada has the ability now to focus on it's members and mission. My goal this term is to see those many re-focused goals come to fruition. Growth in recreational paddle sports in Canada is exponential and Paddle Canada is now positioned to be their educator and voice.

Yours on water time.

Nunavut, Alex Stuit
» astuit@hotmail.com

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
Continue advocacy for Paddle Canada course delivery throughout Nunavut. Concentrate on organizing within Nunavut to bring up Paddle Canada awareness and increase membership levels within Nunavut. Liaise with various paddling organizations within Nunavut to ensure their voice is represented at a national level. Spread the "voice" of Paddle Canada's vision statement and programs throughout Canada's northernmost territory.

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
I would like to see Paddle Canada as a strong, unified association with members in every province, able to support paddling instruction, education and promotion to all levels of the sport. I believe it is essential to develop a working relationship with all provincial associations, clubs and paddling advocates.

Paddle Canada would benefit by continuing to build a profile that promotes paddling at the grass roots level with clubs, camps and associations that themselves promote paddling sports at the entry level and carry on through to the professional and competitive levels.

Every effort must be made to mend fences and resolve disputes between our national and provincial associations.

I’d like to see the Sea Kayaking program continue to build on it’s strengths and the other programs as well, but leave the Provincial programs to do what they do best.

Saskatchewan, Viki Cirkvencic
» eddie.viki@sasktel.net

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
As a director I wish to strengthen the already well-established pillars of Paddle Canada. I believe a nationally recognized program will provide huge benefits for the residents of Saskatchewan. By learning skills that they will need both on Saskatchewan lakes and on the coastal waters broadens a person perspective on this sport.

By teaching courses I can see the influence I have on individuals and by having national certification assures my customers I have high standards and come with knowledge acquired nationwide. I hope to make Paddle Canada a household name associated with high quality recreational canoe and sea and river kayaking programs.

In the future I see Paddle Canada as a strong internationally recognized business, playing a stronger role in environmental issues, providing double the number of courses registered to date and increasing our office staff to handle this load more efficiently.

As a Director, I am prepared to dedicate personal time to participate in monthly calling meetings and a yearly face-to-face meeting. I expect as Paddle Canada becomes as strong as it should be, face-to-face meetings will increase making the resources between provinces stronger.

I look forward to being a part of this piece of history.

My Vision for Paddle Canada:
Pending New Board of Directors Election

President Emeritus, Kirk Wipper
» kawipper@nexicom.net

Bio:
Kirk Wipper was named to the Order of Canada to mark his dedication to promoting and preserving the canoe as a symbol of Canada. He is founder of, and special consultant to, the Canadian Canoe Museum as well as the President Emeritus of Paddle Canada.

Over a 45-year period, he collected more than 500 canoes and kayaks which now form the greater part of the exhibits at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. A retired professor of physical education and health at the University of Toronto, Kirk has received numerous honours for his contributions to the University and to conservation. Known as a man of vision and determination, he has helped, in his many endeavours, to bring alive the history and culture of our nation.