Ottawa, Ontario — Following two and half years of extensive consultation with the membership and horse industry, the members of the Canadian Equestrian Federation (CEF) approved a new constitution on January 23 at a special general meeting held at the 2000 CEF Convention, January 19-23, in Halifax, NS. Pending final approval from Industry Canada, the new constititition will take effect in 2001. Since beginning the restructuring process in 1997, much time and effort has gone into creating a new Federation that will serve and respond to the needs of the Canadian Horse Industry. To meet these objectives, the restructured CEF will now have a seamless membership, consist of four Divisions, and have an 11-member Board of Directors. The restructured CEF now opens up membership to everyone involved in a provincial or national horse-related organization affiliated with the CEF. Anyone belonging to any of these organizations will now be a member of the CEF under the new structure. The four newly-created Divisions of the CEF will include an elected Council. Each Council will be responsible for managing the affairs of their Division within broad policy guidelines set out by the Board of Directors. The Councils will include a Sport Council, overseeing all issues related to sport development and competition, a Breeds and Industry Council to develop programs and services to support the business of horses in Canada, a Recreation Division to represent and advocate on behalf of trail and recreational riders, and a Provincial Council, to coordinate provincial affairs. Directors of the restructured CEF Board will be elected, either by their division Council or by the CEF membership. From each of the four Councils, two members will go forward to the Board of Directors. With eight Directors coming from the Councils, an additional three Directors at Large will be elected by CEF members. Members of either provincial equestrian federations or national organizations affiliated with the CEF, i.e. Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada, will have the right to vote for these three Directors at Large. In order to compete in CEF-sanctioned competitions, riders/drivers will be required to purchase a competitive license from the CEF. In order to purchase a competitive license, the individual must be a member of their provincial equestrian federation. Non-competitive members may purchase additional services or programs from the CEF. The year 2000 will be a transitional year, with the new structure being put into place at the 2001 CEF Convention next February. The next CEF Bulletin will provide further details. Canada Games: In other news arising from the Convention, the CEF has made it a priority to be part of the Canada Games, held every four years, to further enhance its athlete development program. The CEF endorsed the submission that will be made to the Canada Games Council in April, 2000, to be included in either the 2005 Canada Summer Games or the 2007 Canada Winter Games. Competition Agreement: The Competition Agreement was further refined and will be finalized by May 2000 and implemented in the 2001 competition season. The agreement, which clearly outlines roles and responsibilities, will be a three-party agreement between the CEF, the provincial equestrian federation and the competition organizer. English Coaching: Jody Sloper, charged with the task of analyzing the current CEF english coaching program, reported on her findings and presented a proposal to restructure the CEF coaching program. This was endorsed in principle by the coaches present and further endorsed by the CEF Board of Directors. It is hoped the proposed changes can be made in 2000 and implemented for 2001. Eric Lamaze: Show jumping rider Eric Lamaze reported to the Board of Directors on his reinstatement program, which was developed in consultation with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and the CEF. When Lamaze was reinstated in 1997, it was on the condition that he must advocate to promote drug-free sport and lifestyle one day a month over the three-year reinstatement period, which is now coming to an end. At the Convention, Lamaze also spoke about drugs and sport in a session open to the public. Risk Management: The first meeting of the newly-formed Risk Management Committee was held during the Convention. The CEF is looking to take a leadership role in educating the public on riding safety, including the use of approved helmets. CEF Executive Committee: Elections to the CEF Executive Committee were held on Sunday, January 23. Alf Fletcher, BC, remains as President, Sandra Conrad, NS, remains Vice President – Competitions, Debra Thomson, AB, remains Vice President – Western, Chris Gould, AB, remains Vice President – Breed and Horse Industry, Deanna Phelan, NB, remains Vice President – Provinces, Sue Ockendon, PQ, becomes Vice President – FEI Disciplines and Sherman Olson, BC, becomes Vice President – Recreation, taking over from Jim McCrae, BC. Bob Bromley, ON, remains Secretary/Treasurer while Members at Large include Marie Giroux, PQ, Isabel Reinerston, BC, Mark Samuel, ON, Geri Sweet, MB, and Robert Young, AB. This Executive Committee, as well as the entire CEF Board of Directors, will be in place until February 2001, when the restructured Board comes into effect. Special thanks to Jim McCrae and former members at large, Connie Dorsch, SK, and Gary Gushuliak, MB, for their commitment and contribution to the CEF. The CEF wishes to thank the Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation who did a superb job of organizing and hosting this year’s Convention, which had been held in Ottawa for the past four years. Meeting Dates: The next meeting of the CEF Executive Committee will take place May 12-13, 2000, in Ottawa, ON, while the CEF Annual General Meeting will be held October 14-15, 2000, also in Ottawa. The dates for the 2001 CEF Convention will be February 7-11, 2001, location likely to be Ottawa but still to be finalized. For Further Information Please Contact: Jennifer Ward Media Relations Coordinator Tel: (613) 248-3433 ext. 133 e-mail: jward@equestrian.ca