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To 2014/2015 Ontario Equestrian Federation Members:
Equine Canada (EC) is encouraging its members (this is you) to vote yes in support of the proposed changes to their by-laws.
What you may not be aware of is that a portion of your OEF membership is paid to Equine Canada annually, providing you with an automatic EC membership that includes EC voting rights.
The OEF has thoroughly reviewed the proposed EC bylaw changes with guidance from legal professionals who specialize in the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
The findings from the review were presented to the OEF board of directors and the board unanimously voted “NO” to the proposed changes. A copy of the findings is available upon request.
There are three main points that we want to make you aware of:
VOTING YES TO THESE PROPOSED EC BY-LAW CHANGES MAY TERMINATE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE HORSE INDUSTRY IN CANADA.
VOTING YES TO THESE PROPOSED EC BY-LAW CHANGES MAY TERMINATE YOUR AUTOMATIC EC MEMBERSHIP.
THE OEF AND OTHER PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORY ORGANIZATIONS (P/TSOs) WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A PORTION OF YOUR PROVINCIAL MEMBERSHIP FEE TO EC.
If the proposed changes are passed, the OEF will still be required to pay a fee to EC on your behalf, but you may risk losing your automatic membership status and your right to vote.
Only individuals who purchase an EC Sport License or EC Membership will have the right to an EC vote (the new proposed EC “Class A” member).
It is important to note that these changes are contrary to the accord that the provincial and territorial organizations signed with EC in 2011. Currently 7 provincial boards across Canada have voted “NO” to the proposed EC by-law changes.
As your elected representatives, the OEF board of directors has a duty to ensure members understand the impact that these changes will have, and to make you aware of your current rights as an EC member.
The OEF will not tell you how to vote, but based on legal advise and the impact this will have on your rights, we do have a responsibility to inform you that the OEF board unanimously voted “NO” to the EC proposed changes. Whether you are a competitor or a recreational enthusiast, these changes affect you. Please exercise your right to vote.
PROPOSED EC BYLAW CHANGES
CLICK HERE to review the proposed EC Bylaw changes.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
You are eligible to vote if you joined the OEF between Jan. 1, 2014 and Feb. 7, 2015 and you are in good standing. You will require your OEF membership number to register.
KEY DATES
Feb. 11, 2015 – Voter registration and voting opens
Feb. 24, 2015 – Voter registration closes
Feb. 26, 2015 – Voting closes
March 27, 2015 – Vote in person at EC AGM
VOTE!
Step #2 – CLICK HERE to vote. You will need to enter the user name and password that you receive in the email from EC.
QUESTIONS? Please feel free to contact us at 1-877-441-7112 or via email at horse@horse.on.ca
