Postponement of AGM

March 17, 2020

Dear Members,

After careful deliberation, the Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone the Annual General Meeting (AGM) until June 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and with it brings new daily challenges and considerations. The decision to postpone the AGM was very difficult, and we feel that doing so is in the best interests of all of our members and the organization.

Public health recommendations are changing daily and gradually increasing social distancing guidelines. Further, we were concerned that members may feel uncomfortable attending an in-person meeting, be in self-isolation following international travel or due to flu-like symptoms, or at-risk of severe complications (e.g. those who are immunocompromised).  As our bylaws require the AGM to be held in person, we do not have an alternative mechanism to conduct our business.  All of these factors caused concern that the meeting might not be easily accessible to all.

Our legal counsel has confirmed that the Corporations Act allows for an AGM to be held within 15 months of the previous meeting. Our Medical Director was also consulted and endorses this decision. A date for the rescheduled AGM will be announced later this spring.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. Your health, safety, and ability to participate in the AGM were at the very heart of our decision.

Please continue to follow all public health recommendations.

Elizabeth Proskurnik
Chair, Board of Directors