We cannot thank you enough for signing this petition and giving a voice to surf/SUP governance inclusivity and democracy.
The first advertised AGM for CSAsurf has been set for Oct.7,2025.This is the first advertised AGM in two decades. We are very dissatisfied that the AGM was announced and the public was given only 7 days to apply for membership voting rights ( Class A). Many of our community did not apply because of the short notice and $365 price tag for the membership. Parents, athletes and surf business owners were also asked to not apply.
The nominations committee for board member selection was created by Sport Canada, Lionel Conacher and the COC ( Canadian Olympic Committee). The Committee is 💯 male. We fought for introducing 1 female to the committee but the request was denied. This is unacceptable in 2025.
The head coach of Canada ( Shannon Brown) sent out a secret letter to many of the voting members requesting they elect Lionel Conacher ( President), Colleen Pound ( director) and Chris Wolfenburg ( director). This is also unacceptable and is a conflict of interest. It creates a situation where voting members ( mostly athletes) fear team rejection if they don't vote as the coach suggests.
We ask you to consider writing a short email to the COC requesting democratic and EDI practice in sports governance. Let's put a stop to non democratic sports governance.
The AGM is happening Oct.7 and hopefully a few of the voting members will voice opposition to the planning/ governance of this AGM.
Thank-you for your precious time👊🤙🇨🇦