Mike noted that Lucette was taken ill on her recent cruise and is
unable to attend. All wished her a speedy recovery. Mike to take notes
for the minutes.
Approval of the Minutes of October 21, 2019. It was proposed by
Gerry to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Mitzi.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Mitzi provided an update on convention arrangements, including
hotel. Convention hotel will be Lord Elgin. Rooms will be
available at $169 + tax and a link will be available for the
upcoming newsletter for reservations. Mitzi reviewed draft agenda
and solicited comments and suggestions. Some details on event
locations still unresolved. Mike offered to write a letter of
invitation to the Minister, VAC.
Gerry provided an update on the Book of Remembrance. The
idea of a train trip across Canada with the book appears to be not
practical, and will not be pursued.
Financial Statement
Barry presented the Financial Statement for October 2019 and
moved to accept statement as presented. Seconded by Mitzi.
Carried.
Mike encouraged Regional Directors to submit material to Jim
for December newsletter.
Barry discussed the stamp project, which was shelved last
month. He volunteered to resurrect it and work on a proposal to
Canada Post.
Region Reports
A comprehensive report was submitted by email by Carol. Other
regions reported on their activities verbally.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) January 22, 2020.
Adjournment - Gerry moved to adjourn at 9:45 pm.
October
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h32 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of September 25, 2019, it was proposed by
Mark to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Barry.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Homecoming Theme for 2020 (Gerry) - A new contact was
established with the special events director of Via Rail and send
our proposal on a trip across Canada. Will follow up with an
advanced deadline.
Book of Remembrance - Meeting with the printer and all is
progressing. Will work on an advanced deadline.
We would need all answers from Via and the Printer for our
December edition of the newsletter.
Update on Convention (Mitzi) -
Have all contacts for Veterans Affairs and need to produce
our Budget by mid November for the fund application.
Will be sending a formal written application for the Gov.
General and the War Museum.
Event announcements for the Legion Magazine and other
newspapers, it would be nice to also have an accompanying
article.
Next week we will be holding our Committee meeting.
A suggestion was made for a promotion item commemorating
the 75th Anniversary, will look into this possibility.
Ottawa August Commemorative Ceremony - All went very well and
reported in our recent newsletter.
Postage Stamps (Mike) - Looking for a volunteer to continue
this project. Possibly could have a stamp of some sort for 2021,
Anniversary of the Battle of HK.
Financial Statement
Barry presented the Financial Statement for September 2019 and
moved to accept statement as presented and seconded by Mitzi.
Carried.
Mike noted that 2020 will be an election year and we will need
an Election Officer. We will need to appoint an Election Officer
at February BOD meeting with the mailing to all members in June.
Region Reports
BC - Gerry - On December 9, we will have a Plaque Presentation
at the Nanaimo Military Museum.
Prairies - This last weekend we held our Annual Meeting and
Reception. Our Guest Widow laid a wreath. Also had a very good
representation of members from the Legion and other Veterans
Associations. We still have two Plaque Presentations for this year
and will resume in the spring if new applications received.
Quebec - Lucette reports that with the activities of the Poppy
Campaign, Veterans Week Ceremonies and winter weather on our
doorstep, the remaining Plaque presentations will resume in the
spring. Received an invitation from Les Voltigeurs de Québec to
attend their Commemorative Ceremony and the Official Inauguration
of the World War 1 Commemorative Site followed by the Banquet on
November 9. Will have more news on their Regimental activities
early in 2020. Will see their possibility of some representation
at our Convention.
Ontario - Mike reports that a luncheon will take place on
November 9 in Toronto with a tour of the Military Institute and
see a display on Kay Christie, Nursing Sister in Hong Kong. The
Niagara Military Museum held their well attended Hong Kong display
on September 28 and following this event the museum is prepared to
lend their display panels for our upcoming Convention. Even with
the unrest of recent weeks, the Annual Commemorative Ceremony will
be held as usual in Hong Kong.
Atlantic - Bernie - No report.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) November 27, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 9:50 pm.
September
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h39 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of July 24, 2019, it was proposed by Mark
to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Barry. Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Homecoming Theme for 2020 (Gerry) - A contact was established
with the special events director of Via Rail with our proposal on
a trip across Canada. Since the initial contact, have difficulty
receiving an update. Will continue to try.
Book of Remembrance - Contacted the printer and got some
feedback but no cost estimates to date.
We need to have a deadline set for both the Book of
Remembrance and VIA.
Update on Convention (Mitzi)- No report.
Ottawa August Commemorative Ceremony - No report.
Postage Stamps (Mike)- No update at this time.
Financial Statement
Barry gave a clarification on the postage refund of the August
statement which was accepted. He then moved to accept the July and
August 2019 statements as presented and seconded by Bernie.
Carried.
Jim reports our Membership at 458 Regular Members, 7 Veterans,
92 Widows for a total of 557 members.
Web/Social Media - No report
Newsletter - Jim reports 329 successful deliveries, 209 emails
announcing the newsletter displayed, therefore 120 newsletters not
read.
Paper mailings in Canada 177 and 7 US.
Online Services - 57 members have either joined or renewed for
2019 and will accept 2020 dues early in December.
The latest newsletter had great content with all the Plaque
Dedications and the Ottawa Ceremony.
New Business
Mike received a request to post on our web a letter from the
National Council of Veteran Associations Chair of the Executive
Committee, The War Amps asking our government for better services
for our veterans in general.. The BOD agreed to post.
Region Reports
BC - Gerry - We are waiting for date confirmations for 2
plaques.
Prairies - Carol’s written report - They are planning their
Annual Meeting and observance of VJ Day on October 20. Date change
from August is due to many people are away at that time. Many
plaques were dedicated and by the end of this year will have, MB
18, AB 6, SK 3 for a total of 27 and will resume in the spring if
more requests received.
Quebec - Lucette reports no news at this time and still
waiting for date confirmations for additional plaque
presentations.
Ontario - Mike reports that a luncheon will take place on
November 9 in Toronto with a tour of the Military Institute and
see a display on Kay Christie, Nursing Sister in Hong Kong. The
Niagara Military Museum will have a Hong Kong display on September
28 and following this event the museum would be prepared to lend
their display panels. Mike will see to reserving early these
panels for our Convention. Ontario will install a plaque in the
Red Lake legion.
Atlantic - Working on the presentation of a Commemorative
Plaque at the local Legion. Also working on updating their
membership list with possibly a membership chair.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) October 23, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 9:09 pm.
July
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h34 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of June 26, 2019, it was proposed by
Mark to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Mitzi.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Homecoming Theme for 2020 (Gerry) - A contact has been
established with the special events director of Via Rail with
our proposal on a trip across Canada. Will follow up on this.
Book of Remembrance - Contacted a printer which has done similar
tasks for other veterans' associations. They made suggestions on
different possibilities as for presentation etc. The BOD
supports these possibilities and suggests to continue with a
cost proposal for this project and the possibilities of having 3
books done.
Update on Convention (Mitzi) - Discussion on activities to
be held during the convention. Possibilities of a reception at
the Governor General, yes, Friday Tour at the museum, evening
reception with/without guest speaker. If speakers, suggestions
of names. Memorabilia room with a table for the sale of books,
flags etc. Will also look into possible activities for our
younger generation to accommodate families with young children.
Ottawa August Commemorative Ceremony - 25 people have
confirmed their presence to date with 12 negative. Will
advertise in the Ottawa Citizen, HKVCA Web Site, our Facebook
and Veterans Affairs.
Update re Newsletter Survey (Mike) - Work is in progress and
to be completed.
Postage Stamps (Mike) - Contacted Ron McGuire and yes a
stamp was issued in 1991 and 1995. Will check the possibilities
of re-publishing the stamp.
Financial Statement
Barry moved to accept the May 2019 statement as presented
and seconded by Mitzi. Carried.
Web, Online Services, Newsletter, Membership Reports (Jim) - no
report.
New Business
Convention Guests (Mitzi) - Mitzi will be sending invitation
letters.
Fall Newsletter (Mike) - Submissions and Reports should be
in by the first Sunday of the publishing month or earlier if
possible.
Region Reports
BC - Gerry The Celebration of Life for our BC HK Vet. Horace
Gerry Gerrard was very well attended at the Langford Legion Br
#91 on July 7th. We will Remember Them.
Prairies - Barry gave a summary of Carol's report. Many
Plaque Presentations still to come.
Quebec - Lucette reports a quiet time with vacations and
Plaque Presentations early next fall.
Atlantic - No Report.
Ontario - Mike reported that the Niagara luncheon was well
attended and have three Plaque Presentations scheduled in the
near future.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) September 25, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 9:41 pm.
June
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h33 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of May 22, 2019, it was proposed by Carol
to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Barry. Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Update re Film Project - Mike has been in contact with the
film producer, no solution at this time.
Update on Fundraising Program for the Memorial Wall Parking
(Mike)-Received updated cost estimates with a great increase in
cost. A grant request was submitted to the Ontario Trillium
Foundation and will see what comes of it. At this time we still
have our private donations to the parking project.
Update on Convention (Mitzi) - From estimates received the
Westin Hotel is the best offer for all costs and necessities
needed and we will need to sign the contract by July 26. A minimum
of 50 rooms will be blocked as well as the halls and banquet room.
Hopefully will receive help from government sources for events and
busses. Discussed need for speakers after the dinner and if we
need books for sale as usual.
Financial Statement
Barry moved to accept the May 2019 statement as presented and
seconded by Mitzi. Carried.
After discussions on reasons for a low number of readers of
the online version of the newsletter, we will take steps to survey
the reading of our newsletter by our members. It was noted that
some regions are heavier users of the paper version of the
newsletter than others. We will continue to encourage members to
switch to the online version due to its much lower cost
Discussed the need for enhancements to the new online dues
collection and registration system. Decided that the system is
achieving its goals and the cost making enhancements is not
justified.
New Business
Postage Stamps (Barry) - Following a number of requests re a
specific stamp for the HKVCA, Barry explains a Canada Post Program
Promoting self-designed stamps. Of course the cost per stamp is
higher. A member has offered to investigate and produce a
proposal, and we will take up her offer.
War Amps inquired about the possibility of knowing dates of
our Plaque Presentation with their interest to attend. Will send
them more info and upcoming dates etc.
Region Reports
BC - Gerry (by e-mail) The passing of our BC HK Vet. Horace
Gerry Gerrard has dominated the conversation and mood of our
membership. A celebration of life for Gerry will take place at the
Langford Legion Br #91 on July 7th at 2pm. We will Remember Them.
On the "Homecoming" front, contacted VIA rail re the train trip
proposal across Canada and waiting for a reply from the Director
of Partnerships & Alliances. The "Book of Remembrance" with a
local printer, it is fairly straight forward to lay out the 1975
names on perhaps 50 pages depending on the layout. They have
previously done this type of work and waiting for his quote.
Prairies - Carol reports a Plaque Presentation in July and
more in early fall. We have received requests for the soft roll
type of the plaque for easy carrying.
Quebec - Lucette reports Plaque Presentations took place at
the Cascapedia-St.Jules RC legion and the Bay Chaleurs Military
Museum of New Richmond, QC on June 23rd. Phil Doddridge HK Vet was
the special guests with other dignitaries present. A great number
of family members, friends, legion and museum members were
present. Other presentations in the fall on the Gaspe coast.
Atlantic - No Report.
Ontario - Mike reported that the Niagara luncheon was well
attended and have three Plaque Presentations scheduled in the near
future.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) July 24, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 10h pm.
May
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h35 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of April 24, 2019, it was proposed by Mark
to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Mitzi. Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Update re Film Project – Mike had no progress to report at
this time.
Update on Fundraising Program for the Memorial Wall Parking
(Mike) –As our cost estimates for the parking are already one year
old, we will ask for a new updated estimate on costs. All
donations we received to date for the parking project will go to
the parking project.
Update on Convention (Mitzi) – Dates and all other needs have
been sent to the hotels for their availability. Will be working
jointly with Veterans Affairs for events on the 75th Anniversary
and the theme “Homecoming”. Looking into inviting representatives
from Hong Kong as well as other special guests. We will be in need
of items for the Memorabilia Room and contacting someone to take
on this responsibility.
Homecoming Theme for 2020 (Mike) – All in favour of the
Homecoming Theme and related events. Gerry will give us updates on
this project.
Update re Online Payment System Issues (Barry) – Membership
response to the online payments was less than anticipated.
Presently payments for the current year only are accepted. Jim,
our Web master, is presently working on updates to the system.
Financial Statement
Barry received a generous anonymous donation of $ 10,000
towards our Parking project. Very well received, Thank You. Barry
moved to accept the April 2019 statement as presented and seconded
by Carol. Carried.
Mike presented a request from JP Bear, US Vietnam Veteran,
writer of a Screenplay on SGT Gander. In our next newsletter he
will be presenting his project. He would also like to offer his
t-shirt with the Gander picture for sale via the HKVCA. The use of
our logos was discussed.
Mike gave a brief account on his recent trip to Hong Kong and
meeting the UK film documentary people. It was very interesting.
Region Reports
BC -Gerry announced the very sad news on the passing of Gerry
Gerard. Words of sympathy from all as well as very good comments
on this generous man. We will remember them!
Prairies - Carol reports that they still have many Plaque
Presentations and are already promoting the 2020 Convention in
Ottawa. During these presentations they have received new member
applications.
Quebec - Lucette reports date confirmations on Plaque
Presentations in the next month.
Atlantic - Bernie is just arriving from a Plaque Presentation
and others are scheduled shortly.
Ontario - Gail and Mitzi attended a recent Plaque Presentation
which began with an amazing prayer. All was very well prepared.
Other presentations are still to come.
Mike reports on the status of our Hong Kong Veterans. 6 RRC 1
WG
Date of next Meeting (Mike) June 26, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 9h58 pm.
April
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h32 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of March 27, 2019, it was proposed by
Bernard to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Mitzi.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Update re Film Project - Mike explains possibilities that
would need to be clarified as to our involvement in the production
of two Canadian films about the Battle of Hong Kong.
Mike proposed that he be authorised to proceed in the
negotiations and prepare a contract with filmmaker to acquire
intellectual property rights for educational purposes and
services. Seconded by Mitzi. Carried.
Mike proposes a motion to be authorised to engage a lawyer as
a consultant and writing of the contract. Seconded by Mark.
Carried.
Update on Fundraising Program for the Memorial Wall Parking
(Mike) - Part of the fundraising will be pending on the
fundraising of the Film Producer. A registration for a grant to
the Triellium Foundation was sent and accepted. Mike will be
submitting the actual grant application in early May. Mike has
sent a letter to the Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command
requesting their support and publicity during their upcoming
Convention.
Financial Statement
Barry referred to the low % of online membership payments and
all questions being asked in reference to additional services,
credit cards etc. Our Web master is working on this. Barry moved
to accept the March 2019 statement as presented and seconded by
Bernard. Carried.
British Documentary Project (Mike) - Mike provided information
regarding a documentary titled "My Grandfather's War" being
produced by a British company.
Newsletter Lead Article (Mike) - Mike reminded the BOD that
Jim Trick would appreciate having a lead article. Regions are
requested to propose suitable topics and authors.
Gerry suggested a "Home Coming" book of emembrance to travel
across Canada on the route of the repatriated C Force members. An
online version might be desirable. Gerry to investigate.
Region Reports
Atlantic - Bernie reports that the press published a very nice
interview with Veteran Hormidas Fredette on his story and his
recent birthday 102 years young with more than 21,000 views
already. Two plaque presentations are in the works.
Quebec - Lucette is waiting for confirmation on dates for the
5 unveilings of the plaques.
Ontario - Mike reports that the Niagara Military Museum
display on Hong Kong is deferred to the fall. There will be a
luncheon in Toronto in the fall and a plaque presentation will be
held in Smith Falls the weekend of April 27, 2019.
Prairies - For Carol, Barry reports a very good turnout for
the Stonewall Presentation. Will also have plaque presentations in
Winnipeg and in St-Laurent.
B.C. - Gerry reports on Gerry Gerard's health situation. He
continues to stay in contact with Gerry.
Mike reports on the status of our Hong Kong Veterans. 6 RRC 1
WG 1 Bgde
Date of next Meeting (Mike) May 22, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 10h pm.
March
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h31 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of February 27, 2019, it was proposed by
Barry to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Carol.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
At this time we still do not have a Project Leader for the
Memorial Wall Parking project. Mike suggests that we focus on
finding a representative from the Ottawa area.
A letter with reference to our Memorial Wall Parking publicity
and fundraising will be sent by Mike to Dominion Command of the
Legion in time for their June Dominion Convention and Mike will
also write up submissions to government councils, civic
organisations in the region for possible grants.
Financial Statement
Receiving no questions, Barry moved to accept the February
2019 statement as presented and seconded by Mitzi. Carried.
The March Membership Report shows Regular members 451,
Veterans 9 and Widows 98 for a total of 558 members.
Newsletter Report - detailed numbers of newsletters emailed
and by post. A fair number of web copies are not read, many
questions as to the reasons.
Online payments - experienced a few difficulties and are being
worked out.
New Business
Status of Convention Project Team (Mitzi) - Mitzi gave a well
prepared 'To do List' in preparation for the convention. She
already has 6 people on the team and 5 more to be confirmed. She
will soon be contacting two hotels for quotes and availability.
Looking for transportation to and from the Memorial Wall, other
activities and the airport or the shuttle service. Also working on
the publicity for the convention. There will be a visit and talk
at the War Museum.
Request from Film Producer (Mike) - Mike explains the film
maker's proposal. After analysing the proposal, our situation with
the CRA guidelines etc., although it is a very good opportunity
for our cause, it was decided to not venture at this time in the
financial side of this. Will be consulting on the possibilities,
if any, of our involvement and at what cost. It was suggested to
invite the film maker to our convention for talks.
Region Reports
Atlantic - Bernie reports that the press will in the next few
days be in contact with Veteran Hormidas Fredette on his story.
All members will be contacted on this event and 2 plaques have
been ordered for presentations.
Quebec - Lucette has been in contact with the Gaspe District
Commander of the legion and waiting for confirmation on dates for
the 5 unveilings of the plaques.
Ontario - Mike reports that a museum near Niagara Falls will
have a display on Hong Kong and are looking for memorabilia.
Prairies - Carol reports that many Plaque Presentations are
being held and 5 more have been ordered for northern Manitoba
presentations.
B.C. - Gerry reports that Gerry Gerard's health is failing and
that he will not be attending the convention and any further
public events. He continues to stay in contact with Gerry.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) April 24, 2019.
Adjournment - Mitzi moved to adjourn at 9h 37 pm.
February
Mike called the meeting to order at 8h36 pm.
Approval of the Minutes of January 23, 2019, it was proposed by
Barry to accept the minutes as published and seconded by Mark.
Carried.
Business arising from the Minutes
Update - Auditors, It would be quite costly for having an
audited statement for the size of our association and CRA does not
require an audited financial report. The yearend financial report
would suffice. Barry proposes at this time to use our yearend
financial report and evaluate at a later date if we would need
Auditors and seconded by Carol. Carried.
Financial Statement
Receiving no questions, Barry moved to accept the January 2019
statement as presented and seconded by Mark. Carried
Web, Online Services, Newsletter, Membership Reports (Jim) - No
new Reports at this time.
New Business
Fundraising Program for Memorial Wall Parking (Mike) - We
would need to raise $ 100,000 for the project. We have a
commitment from Veterans Affairs for $ 25,000 and Canadian
Heritage a possible $ 10,000. Mike presented a draft fundraising
plan and a publicity project to families, members, commercial
sponsors and the public. Publicity suggestions for fundraising
were proposed and will be studied. We will also need a Fundraising
Project Leader.
Posting of BOD Minutes on the Web Site - It was agreed to post
the Minutes on the Web Site. Possible sensitive items could be
posted following their approval.
Status of Convention Project Team (Mitzi) - Tabled to next
meeting.
Newsletter Articles (Mike)- News Items or articles are needed
for the upcoming Newsletter.
Region Reports
B.C. - No Report.
Prairies-Carol reports that many Plaque Presentations are
being held and that more are to come. Family members are
questioning where to send their memorabilia items for safe
keeping. Barry noted the need for the dues.
Ontario - Mike nothing new to report.
Quebec - Lucette is waiting for confirmations on the Plaque
Presentations. Will be holding our yearend meeting in the next few
days.
Atlantic - Bernie talked about inviting the press for
interviews and meeting with Hormidas Fredette, RRC Vet as he will
be celebrating his 102nd birthday in April. They are working on
Plaque Presentations to come.
Date of next Meeting (Mike) March 27, 2019.
Adjournment - Bernie moved to adjourn at 9h 32 pm.
January
Minutes of November 28, 2018 were presented and approved.
Financial Statement for December a view of the year end report was
approved.
Recommendations made by the Elections Committee were acted upon.
The number of Directors will be fixed at 10.
Elections will be held every two years instead of the current
practice of every year. Next elections to be held in 2020.
Our revised and updated Policy & Procedure Documents were approved.
The confusion following the Membership Renewals will be rectified.
The positions of a 2nd Vice President and Publicity Director are not
needed.
The Commemorative Ceremony at the HKVCA Wall in Ottawa was well
attended. Many members also attended the luncheon and the AGM.
A meeting was held in Hong Kong with the Sham Shui Po Park
representatives towards the design, installation of a descriptive plaque
in Sham Shui Po Park.
Region Directors reported on activities in their regions.