CANADIAN CLUB LOOKING FORWARD
By Kirk Winter
Are you looking for an evening of good conversation, stimulating guest speakers and meeting new people? If any of the above appeals to you, the Canadian Club of Lindsay may be a group you have been looking for.
The Canadian Club movement dates back to 1892, when Charles McCullough, of Hamilton, began a group that would "encourage the study of Canadian history, literature and resources, the recognition of native worth and talent, and the fostering of a patriotic Canadian sentiment." The Lindsay Canadian Club was formed in 1936.
Until fairly recently, the Lindsay Canadian Club was a formal supper club. Seeking to make the organization more sustainable, the club has shifted away from the supper format to a cafe-style format, with coffee, tea, and light refreshments available at the meetings. A cash bar is also available.
The club executive has also taken steps to ensure that the topics covered by this year’s speakers and other guests are in keeping with the interests and issues that matter to Canadians today -- particularly young Canadians, whom the club is reaching out to in an attempt to balance their demographic.
For the 2019-2020 season the Canadian Club has three guest speakers, a film screening, and two panel discussions:
October 9, 2019: Senator Kim Pate, CM, will be talking about her work with marginalized populations in Canadian prisons. Prior to her appointment to the Senate in 2016, Ms. Pate was the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies.
November 13, 2019: Jackie Holzman, formerly the Mayor of Ottawa, and Monica Patten, member of the Order of Canada from Compassionate Ottawa, will discuss creating communities that support and empower individuals and families throughout life.
January 8, 2020: Evan Craft of BDO will talk about what Canadians can do to stay financially healthy in 2020.
February 12, 2020: Attendees will view an award-winning contemporary Indigenous film from Canada’s North that explores the tension between traditional Indigenous practices and Settler colonial perspectives. A National Film Board screening, followed by Skype Q & A with director Alethea Arnaquq-Baril. This event will take place at Fleming College, Lindsay.
March 11, 2020: Moderated by Mike Perry, a panel of local entrepreneurs will tackle the question of "entrepreneurship in a small town," focusing on challenges and opportunities.
April 8, 2020: Panelists will discuss pressing conservation needs facing the Scugog, impact of water conservancy on the community, and steps that can be taken to ensure sustainability of the Scugog from a research, restorative action, and Indigenous perspectives.
Membership in the Lindsay Canadian Club is open to Canadians from all ages, from all walks of life, and from all parts of the world. Yearly memberships are $60, or choose any three events for $30. Attend a single event for $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, you can check www.facebook.com/CanadianClubLindsay or write to canadianclublindsay@gmail.com. Meetings take place in the Vimy Room at the Royal Canadian Legion, 12 York Street North, in Lindsay.