{"id":2365,"date":"2021-05-19T18:22:24","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T01:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/?p=2365"},"modified":"2021-05-19T18:22:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T01:22:24","slug":"sally-dennis-becomes-first-female-chair-of-rugby-canada-board-of-directors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/sally-dennis-becomes-first-female-chair-of-rugby-canada-board-of-directors\/","title":{"rendered":"Sally Dennis Becomes First Female Chair of Rugby Canada Board of Directors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Congratulations to Sally Dennis, the current Secretary of the Canadian Rugby Foundation and member of the Executive \u00a0Committee, on her appointment to the position of Chair of Rugby Canada, the national governing body for rugby.<\/p>\n

from Rugby Canada<\/a><\/p>\n

The Rugby Canada fiscal 2020 AGM was held via an online conference on Sunday, May 16. Prior to the formal AGM, more than 35 representatives from Rugby Canada, the Board of Directors and the Provincial Unions met remotely over two additional days. The business sessions provided an excellent opportunity for discussion and collaboration while covering topics related to community rugby growth and development, inclusivity, participant welfare and national competitions.<\/p>\n

The following items were presented or voted upon at the formal AGM:<\/p>\n

Territorial Land Acknowledgement<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The meeting commenced with recognition that our game is played from coast to coast on the ancestral and unceded territories of Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples. Acknowledgement of the l\u0259k\u0313\u02b7\u0259\u014b\u0259n peoples – the Songhees, Esquimalt and W\u0331S\u00c1NE\u0106 Nations \u2013 was made, as Rugby Canada\u2019s head office at the Al Charron National Training Centre is located on their traditional territory.<\/p>\n

In Memoriam<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

There was an acknowledgement of\u00a0honoured members who were lost in 2020<\/a>\u00a0in recognition of their contributions to rugby in Canada.<\/p>\n

State of the Union<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Presented by Tim Powers (Chair, Rugby Canada Board) and Allen Vansen (CEO, Rugby Canada), highlighted items included:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2020 was obviously a year unlike any in our history. Rugby Canada has taken the view from early in the on-set of the pandemic to make difficult choices that enable the organization to emerge from the pandemic in a position to make greater gains in the implementation of our new strategic plan.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Although a difficult year, some highlights that provide a bright light for our future:<\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0 Women\u2019s 7s winning two silver medals prior to the World Series being cancelled<\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0 Men\u2019s 7s winning a bronze medal in our home event in Vancouver<\/p>\n

o\u00a0\u00a0 The coordination and collaboration between our Clubs, Provinces, and National office in both unanimously halting all rugby activities to protect our communities and to create a \u2018best-in-class\u2019 Return-to-Play protocols for our sport last spring<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With the release of the new Strategic Plan, Rugby Canada has set the direction and tone for the next 10 years to realize the potential our sport has always had; we want to be a leading participation sport amongst youth & adults, with our National Team performances providing inspiration for the next generation. We can achieve our Vision \u201cThat all Canadians can choose rugby to try, play & win\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As we strive to grow our participation, there must be continued commitment to increasing diversity and inclusion along with a continuing priority placed on participant welfare.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In order to meet our goals, we need to continue to have the uncomfortable conversations. We need to be willing to look at our structures and the ways we have delivered our product, and embrace change where needed with a mind to being on the leading edge of how sport is offered to our end users, the participants. This is a time to embrace a step change in relations between the NSO, PSO\u2019s and Clubs.<\/p>\n

Presentation of Financial Statements<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The audited 2020 financial statements<\/a>\u00a0were presented and have been posted to the Rugby Canada website. General notes on the statements include:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A healthy cash position at Dec 31, 2020.\u00a0 This is largely due to contributions received from funding partners & sponsors that were unable to be spent due to the lack of tournaments and team travel as a result of COVID-19. This is reflected in the deferred contributions.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Total revenues decreased by nearly $6M when compared to 2019. Rugby Canada made important, yet difficult, decisions throughout the year to reduce expenses accordingly.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 World Rugby funding is lower in 2020 due to the additional grants received in 2019 through participation in RWC2019 and a decrease in flight subsidies normally received due to no international matches occurring in 2020 due to the global pandemic.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The increase shown in staff salaries, benefits & commissions reflects the inclusion of National Team salary costs which are usually captured under National Teams expenses. Since there were no competitions, these were tracked differently in 2020. Comparable staff salaries were decreased over $300,000 in 2020 versus the last fiscal.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The statements continue to contain a Going Concern note in large part due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the liabilities related to the payments for the Al Charron National Training Centre.\u00a0 Rugby Canada expects the Going Concern note to be reviewed by our auditors for removal in the next 1-2 years.<\/p>\n

The Board and Audit & Finance Committee have been central to guiding management in achieving the results reflected in the 2020 financial statements in a year where many sport organizations have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Rugby Canada would also like to recognize the support of the Government of Canada via the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program.<\/p>\n

The Members approved the appointment of BDO-Ottawa as the Public Accountant for the 2021 fiscal year.<\/p>\n

Elections to the Board of Directors for Rugby Canada<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rugby Canada is proud to announce Sally Dennis (Vancouver, BC) was re-elected to the Rugby Canada Board of Directors and appointed as the first female Chair in the Union\u2019s history. She had previously served in the role of Vice-Chair during her previous term on the Board.<\/p>\n

In addition to the new Chair, David Fortier (Toronto, ON), Isabelle Oliva (Montreal, PQ) and Phil Otto (Halifax, NS) were elected as new members of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors for a 3-year period effective May 16, 2021.<\/p>\n

Karen Paquin was also confirmed to the Rugby Canada Board as a Director for a 3-year period effective May 16, 2021.<\/p>\n

The Rugby Canada Board of Directors for 2021\/22 consists of:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sally Dennis (Chair)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steve Swaffield (Treasurer & Finance\/Audit Committee Chair)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Maria Samson (Governance Committee Chair)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bill Webb<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Fortier<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Isabelle Oliva<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jeff Hassler<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Karen Paquin<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Phil Otto<\/p>\n

The Rugby Canada Board of Directors also confirmed the following Representatives will maintain their roles for 2021\/22:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Araba Chintoh – \u00a0Rugby Americas North Representative<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Pat Parfrey – World Rugby Representative<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Doug Campbell – Canadian Olympic Committee Representative<\/p>\n

Special Recognitions<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The following individuals were recognized for their contributions to rugby in Canada and their work as members of the Rugby Canada Board of Directors and Provincial Union leads:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tim Powers \u2013 Outgoing Chair, Board of Directors<\/p>\n

Tim joined the Board of Directors in 2012 and served in the role of Chair since 2016. During his tenure, Rugby Canada achieved successes that included the launching of the Canada Sevens tournaments, the building of the Al Charron National Training Centre, the re-establishment of the Rugby Canada Men\u2019s Development Academy (Pacific Pride) and important governance reforms. Tim was a tireless worker for Canadian rugby from the National to Club level and was a huge supporter of Canadian teams around the globe, traveling via personal expense. Rugby Canada, on behalf of the entire Canadian rugby community, thanks Tim for his many years of commitment and dedication.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jay Johnston \u2013 Chairperson\u2019s Award Recipient<\/p>\n

Jay has served Rugby Canada for almost 20 years, most recently in the role of Treasurer Emeritus and Finance\/Audit Committee Co-Chair. He helped Rugby Canada navigate some difficult financial times and has helped assure the financial stewardship of the organization moving forward. For his years of dedication and service, Jay was awarded the Chairperson\u2019s Award from outgoing Chair, Tim Powers.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kathy Henderson \u2013 outgoing Secretary, Board of Directors<\/p>\n

Kathy will be maintaining her role as Chair of the HR Committee moving forward.<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brian Burke \u2013 outgoing member of Board of Directors<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Seaman \u2013 outgoing member of Board of Directors<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Meaghan Howat \u2013 outgoing member of Board of Directors<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Damon Leonard \u2013 outgoing President, Saskatchewan Rugby<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gino Carew \u2013 outgoing President, Rugby Nova Scotia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations to Sally Dennis, the current Secretary of the Canadian Rugby Foundation and member of the Executive \u00a0Committee, on her appointment to the position of Chair of Rugby Canada, the national governing body for rugby.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2365"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2365"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2366,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2365\/revisions\/2366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianrugbyfoundation.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}