Perhaps you all thought we’d disappeared into the river bottom. No such luck. In fact, since we last communicated, we’ve been very busy. Our problem with updates to the website occurred shortly after the annual general meeting (AGM). And yes, I know, the AGM announcement wasn’t removed until recently, however, I’ll try to explain.
Just after the meeting our webmaster, who was doing updates at no charge to us, found himself a new job that took him away from his Nova Scotia home for extended periods. In fact it has taken him away for the foreseeable future as he has moved to Calgary. Our loss, their gain and, on behalf of the WSU membership, I wish him well.
Now a summary of happenings at the AGM that was attended by over 40 people (not all members). All attendees were in favour of our mission and goals as evidenced by the number of questions following presentation of the agenda items. Bob, our chairman, brought everyone up-to-date on our progress, or lack thereof, over the past year. Unfortunately one of those initiatives, the smart stocking program to be carried out on the Medway and Grand Rivers had to be cancelled as our funding application to the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF) was declined. The reason, in summary, was our project was too ambitious, however, they were impressed with the detail of the project as presented and we were encouraged to apply again for next year. Thanks to Joel, Peter, Bob, and Lowell for their work on that application. It was considerable. We had also applied to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for funding assistance but we withdrew the application following ASCF’s decision and the outcome of a meeting with Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The latter meeting was held at Dalhousie’s Agriculture College and involved a number of our executive members plus two officials, Greg Stevens and Shane O’Neil, from the Department. Unfortunately they were not receptive to smart stocking at that time and indicated we should perhaps take an alternative approach. More on that later.
Lowell Weir, chair of our fundraising committee, indicated to members that our Charitable Status application was working its way through the bureaucracy.
A discussion ensued regarding the “Membership Year” which is currently the Calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31). Following the discussion, the members present were polled on 4 choices and results follow:
1. Remain the same: (Jan.1 to Dec.31) 7 votes
2. Fiscal year: (April to March). 2 votes
3. AGM to AGM: (1 vote)
4. Anniversary date of joining: (0 votes)
Lowell indicated that, once Charitable Status is obtained the calendar year maybe the most appropriate. It was agreed following the discussion, and poll, that the entire membership be made aware of the situation and a motion on the subject be brought to, and voted on, at the next AGM.
Our financial situation is stable, however, like every other organization, we can use more money and members. Those in attendance felt that once charitable status is attained fundraising will be enhanced. So please get out there and help beat the bushes for both.
Following adjournment of the meeting two draws for 2 Pieroway rods, that were generously donated by Geoff Pieroway, President of said company, were made. The two winners were: Larry Forsyth and Lewis Boudreau. These rods raised over $2000, from ticket sales for our organization. A big thank you to all who participated in selling tickets, especially Harry Vickers who encouraged and helped us participate in the “Sydney Mines Sports Show” where the majority of tickets were sold. Thank you also to those who purchased them.
An August meeting involving members of the Richmond County Wildlife Association (RCWA), WSU executive and First Nations representatives was held on Chapel Island. The purpose of the meeting was to outline a “smart stocking” project for the Grand River on Cape Breton Island that will be spearheaded by the RCWA and involve First Nations participation, Dalhousie’s Agriculture College and University of Sainte Anne in Arichat. Wild Salmon Unlimited will be the funding agency for the project.
The initiative will mirror the Grand River Project application that was made to the ASCF last year. The RCWA is in the final stages of project planning following which a meeting with DFO officials will be requested.
During the course of the planning discussion at Chapel Island, Keith Christmas from the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) was asked to be a First Nation’s adviser to the WSU Board or suggest an alternate. He indicated he would have to consult with his superiors before making a decision. To now we’ve not received a response.
Well! Some good news. After a lot of behind the scenes to and fro on the part of Lowell Weir a special meeting of WSU members was held on October 8th to address changes to our Memorandum of Association that were required by the Canadian Revenue Agency in order to achieve our Charitable Status. The required Special Resolution voted on by 13 members changed, practically, all of our objectives to meet the Agency’s requirements. The wording required is outlined below.
Special Resolution of the Members of the Society for the
Enhancement of Wild Salmon Stocks WSU ("Wild Salmon
Unlimited" or the "Society")
WHEREAS The Society for the Enhancement of Wild Salmon Stocks WSU has made an application to the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency for Charitable Status under the Income Tax Act.
AND WHEREAS The Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency has agreed to grant the Society Charitable Status subject to the Society amending the Society's Memorandum of Association.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Memorandum of Association of the Society be amended as follows:
(a) Objectives (a) to (l) of the Memorandum of Association be deleted and replaced with the following purpose.
To protect the environment for the benefit of the public by restoring wild salmon to their native rivers in Canada; and
To do all such things as are incidental or ancillary to the attainment of the above purpose.
(b) The dissolution clause of the Memorandum of Association be deleted and replaced with the following.
Upon the dissolution of the corporation and after payment of all debts and liabilities, its remaining property shall be distributed or disposed of to qualified donees described in subsection 149.1 (l) of the Income Tax Act,
AND FURTHER THAT the Directors of the Society be authorized to do all such acts and things and to execute and deliver all such documents as in the
Directors' opinion may be necessary or desirable to implement the foregoing, and
FINALLY THAT the Secretary of the Society be and the same is authorized to file with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies a Certified Copy of this Resolution.
The required paperwork has been stamped by the NS. Registry of Joint Stock Companies and forwarded to the Canadian Revenue Agency 3 weeks ago by Lowell. We should be hearing news soon. A great deal of thanks must go to Lowell for his determination.
Following receipt of our charitable status a couple of executive members will be doing a “road show” to: update our association members on our progress so far; to educate new associations and individuals on our goals and to encourage new members in all categories. Lowell will also be following up with some corporate donors who’ve been waiting in the wings for us to receive that status.
Finally, a committee has been struck and work has begun on a re-design of our website. That should be finished early in the New Year.
So long for now.
Pat.