COMPLIMENTARY AND SELECTION COMMITTEE REPORT Chairperson Lizz Lindsay and Co-Chair Steve Cochrane The British Columbia/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion 53rd Convention was held at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC, June 1-4th, 2017. It was wonderful to see the Convention held on the weekend and to see so many members attend for the first time. Parade The Master of Ceremonies was Glenn Thompson. Seven wreaths were laid by the following: Silver Cross Mother Sian LeSueur; MP Joe Peschisolido for Richmond East; MP Alice Wong for Richmond Centre; MLA John Yap for Richmond Steveston; Walter Poustie Vimy Ridge; Dominion Command President David Flannigan and Dominion Treasurer Mark Barham; Command President Marc Tremblay; Graham Williams and Adrienne Alford-Burt from Veterans Affairs Canada. Opening Ceremonies The Opening Ceremonies took place on Friday evening at the River Rock Resort. The Platform Party was piped in. After the Opening Ritual Command President Marc Tremblay introduced the Platform Guests. He then welcomed the delegates and guests. There was a warm welcome from MP Joe Peschisolido representing the Federal Liberal Party; MP Alice Wong representing the Federal Conservative Party and MLA John Yap brought greetings from the Provincial Government. Graham Williams brought greetings and an update from Veterans Affairs Canada. Dr. Ryan D’arcy gave a very moving presentation on his ongoing work with Trevor Greene supporting his quest to walk. Inga Kruse and the Legion’s support through Poppy Fund has been instrumental in Trevor’s progress. Dr. D’arcy is excited to be involved in the visionary Veteran’s Village and commended us on this inspiring initiative. Dominion President David Flannigan officially opened the Convention and First Vice- President Glenn Hodge presented The Loyal Resolution. Business Sessions: Saturday Our first speaker was Barb Ashmeed from Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs. She brought eight teams of Veterans and their dogs, two who had just graduated from the arduous 52 week training program. They are able to train 12 teams per year and are seeking funding to expand this program. Next to the podium was Stephan Moreau from Invictus Games. He told a very moving story of the power of the games on his recovery from PTSD. Stephan received a standing ovation from the delegates and guests, and again is representing his country on a wider stage. 1 Dominion President David Flannigan shared a brief promotional video and talked about the innovative changes being made to support Branch membership. An online portal will be available soon. These changes will save $500,000 nationwide over the next five years. He encouraged each delegate to become and ambassador for the Legion. Dominion President Flannigan made a special presentation of an MSM to Sharon Brady for her 33 years of service to her Branch and community listing her many contributions since she got her Life Membership in 2008. He then recognized President Elect, Glenn Hodge being awarded his Palm Leaf, the Legion’s highest honour. Glenn’s contributions to the Legion and his community are an inspiration to us all. BDO presented a video highlighting their 100 years of service to their clients. They work with branches outsourcing their bookkeeping through Cloud Accounting and have had a ten-month relationship with Command. Business Sessions: Sunday Comrade Bobbi McCoy, First Vice-President Alberta and NWT Command provided an update on Fort McMurray and reported that the Legion has donated $2.2 million. LA to BC/Yukon Command President, Donna Downs spoke to the delegates and brought greetings from the LA. She read out a comprehensive report written by her predecessor Past LA to BC/Yukon Command President, Jane Birnie. Past-President Angus Stanfield presented a moving video on the Battle of the Atlantic Place currently being built in the Halifax harbour. He then thanked the delegates for their support and outlined the many accomplishments that have been made over the past few years. Outgoing President Marc Tremblay spoke of the necessity to continue to embrace change and shared his concerns about the Convention while encouraging the newly elected officers to move forward. Thank you to the Committee Members for their diligent work: Co-Chair Steve Cochrane #60 West Vancouver Dale Johnston #6 Cloverdale Stella Webers #17 Courtney Linda Findlay #114 Lynn Valley Also thanks to Veronica and Stephanie for their staff support. Respectfully submitted, Lizz Lindsay, Chair 2 .