On April 11, 2015 the Board of Directors of the Canadian Slovak League (CSL) met at the Head office in Mississauga (Ontario) for the 2015 Annual General Meeting. Also, the CSL's Public Accountant, Andrew Walker (Durward Jones Barkwell and Company), and the CSL's Investment Advisor, Peter McDowell (CIBC Wood Gundy) attended the meeting. The reports of the CSL Officers, Investment Committee, Kanadský Slovák/The Canadian Slovak Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Committee, Business Committee as well as the financial statements and investment review were presented, discussed and approved.
It was a great privilege to welcome two special guests to this meeting. The Hon. Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification proudly spoke to us about her Slovak roots and heritage and showed us documents, including CSL memberships, which belonged to her Slovak great grandparents. The Hon. Michelle Rempel represents Calgary Centre-North in the House of Commons and has become a member of CSL Branch 65 (Calgary). H.E. Andrej Droba, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Canada addressed the attendees and talked about the close relationship between Slovakia and Canada as well as his priorities and initiatives to work with Slovaks living in the various communities in Canada.
At the annual general meeting, the Board of Directors admitted several applicants to CSL membership, and bestowed upon H.E. Andrej Droba honorary CSL membership. In terms of planning for the 33rd CSL Convention in St. Catharines, the Board is considering two alternative dates (April 23 and 24, 2016 or April 30 and May 1, 2016) based on the availability of a suitable venue.
In closing, the Board of Directors will continue to fulfill the CSL's mandate and solidify its leadership role for all Slovaks in Canada. And let's all work together to preserve the legacy of the Kanadský Slovák/The Canadian Slovak newspaper for current and future generations of Slovaks in Canada.
Mary Ann (Hačková) Doucette
President, Canadian Slovak League
Photos: Paul Stacho and Paul Carnogursky