Annual General Meeting

August 8, 2021

Dear Friends of H.M.C.S HAIDA Member,

I hope this message finds you well and safe during these difficult times.

I wish I were writing to tell you about the great season we have been having welcoming visitors to our historic ship however due to COVID 19 restrictions and social distancing Parks Canada had made the difficult decision to keep the ship closed.

While this is very disappointing for all it is the right decision as safety must remain a number one priority.

That said your Board of Directors has been very active to ensure HAIDA remains in the hearts and minds of Canadians as the Flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy.

With this in mind, I am looking forward to our Annual General Meeting for which the notice and details are attached.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances, we are faced with and out of an abundance of caution, the meeting will be held virtually.  The Board of Directors made a motion and voted to amend to the bylaws to allow a virtual meeting to be held, details for which are contained in the AGM notice. 

Life has changed because of COVID-19 and as a result of the pandemic and government regulations to lessen the effect of the pandemic we are required to hold the AGM entirely by virtual means. While I understand this may affect the participation and cause some dissatisfaction we are doing the best we can under the circumstances. I hope that you can appreciate and understand our situation.

Details on how to join the virtual meeting and the agenda are attached to this letter.

One of the Agenda items will be to present a slate of Directors for election to the board.

I am very pleased that the following individuals have agreed to put their names forward to continue to serve Friends of H.M.C.S HAIDA for an additional term.

• Richard Bialachowski
• Kenneth Lloyd
• Barbara Shackleton
• Gail Urquhart

Thank you to the above members along with all the Board Members for their continued efforts to support HAIDA.

It continues to be a tremendous honour for me to serve as your President and to be able to work with a dedicated Board of Directors and Volunteers.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Yours,

Jeff Topping
President