Meeting chairs, Bruce Woodrow, Geoffrey Dabbs and Noreen Dunphy receive their headgear during the traditional hat ceremony themed on the War of 1812.

More than 800 co‑op members and staff gathered in Niagara Falls, Ontario from June 6 to 9 for CHF Canada’s 2012 Annual Meeting.

Delegates expanded their horizons, absorbed new ideas and networked at a diverse array of workshops.

The United Nations International Year of Co‑operatives (IYC) was a central focus of the AGM with a stellar line up special presentations.

In the annual report to members, CHF Canada President Wes Hosler and Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard outlined how CHF Canada focused on good governance during 2011, the Year of Getting Governance Right. They also spoke about the link in 2012 between IYC and CHF Canada’s Year of Getting Management Right. And they emphasized the importance of the challenge facing federal Section 95 co‑ops with the end of operating agreements.

The AGM saw Wes Hosler step down as president after many years of dedicated service to CHF Canada. CHF Canada`s new president is Anne Davidson.

Delegates also heard about the follow-up to last year’s resolutions in support of young co‑op leaders, which included the development of a young member engagement strategy for the co‑op housing movement. The follow-up also involved the collection of information about the number of young directors on boards of directors.

Members passed resolutions, elected representatives to the Board of Directors, Ontario Council and Finance and Audit Committee, and honoured co ops and individuals who have contributed significantly to the co‑operative housing movement in Canada.

CHF Canada thanks the sponsors who helped make this year’s event such a great success. Gold sponsors this year were Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, The Co‑operators, Ontario’s Housing Services Corporation, MemberGuard/Autoguard, Morneau Shepell, Phillips Hager & North, Prentice Yates & Clark and Ricoh.

Homestarts sponsored Lindsay Kyte's wonderful Tompkinsville presentation.

And various breaks, receptions and lunches were sponsored by The Co‑operators, CHFT, COHO Management and CRS, Manitoba Housing, Ontario Property Management Group, Niagara Peninsula Homes and Community First Development Inc.

Thanks also to the Government of Nova Scotia and the Manitoba Co‑op Promotions Board for bursaries helping many housing co‑op representatives from these provinces to attend the Annual Meeting and workshops.

Visit our AGM photo gallery to enjoy some of the visual highlights of the meeting. And be part of next year’s festivities at the 2013 AGM in Calgary from June 5 – 8.

Online and downloadable documents

• Resolutions considered at the 2012 annual meeting
• CHF Canada 2011 annual report (pdf)
• CHF Canada 2011 audited financial statements (pdf)
• Resolutions considered at the 2011 annual meeting