2023 Candidates

CKC's Board of Directors is comprised of one representative from each of the 12 Zones. Responsible for presenting the concerns and opinions of the constituents in their respective Zones, Zone Directors also have the fiduciary responsibility to:

act, at all times, in the best interests of The Canadian Kennel Club as a whole;
with complete certainty, be aware of and fully understand all matters relating to the management of the corporation and shall, at all times, be comfortable that they are fully aware of all the facts prior to making any decision on any matter before the Board;
continually maintain a level of mutual respect in the performance of their duties, whether those duties being performed are at the table, in their respective zones or in communication with the membership of The Canadian Kennel Club or the general public;
respect and accept the decision of the majority and thereafter shall support any decision which is made by the Board as a whole, regardless of their personal opinions and regardless of the manner in which they may have voted at the time.

Zone Director nominations are open from August 1st to September 1st, 2023. To learn more about the role of a board member, please review the FAQ and view our interview with Board Member Richard Paquette. To nominate someone, please download the PDF form , fill it out, and send via email to Commissioner: msconci@bdo.ca or via mail to 360 Oakville Place Drive, Suite 500, Oakville, Ontario L6H 6K8. Nominations must be received no later than 5 pm EDT on September 1, 2023.

Candidates

Zone 1 – Nova Scotia & Newfoundland & Labrador

Re-Elect Frank MacArthur

To the members in Zone 1, I believe my abilities and skills have, and will continue to enhance the operation of the CKC while positively fulfilling the office of the Board, as well, and most importantly, the members in Zone 1

As a dynamic professional, I continually display excellent communication and organizational skills, plus sound judgement along with the common sense to solve problems using my formal education, as well as my involvement with Goldens over 35 years.

As the Zone 1 Director I will continue to uphold the standards of all breeds and in this promoting healthy dogs with beautiful temperaments, which is so important for the dogs we own. I strongly advocate and encourage philosophy through education, public communication, and very positive Club membership. This includes all dogs, whether they are show or pets, all are equal in the eyes of the CKC.

I am respectfully requesting your consideration and continued support for my vote for the Director for Zone 1.

Sincerely

Frank MacArthur
7965 Sherbrooke Road
MacPherson Mills, Nova Scotia
Telephone: 902-922-3346 (Home)
e-mail: steedrider@hotmail.com

Janice Kivimaki

I am happy to be running for the position of Zone 1 Director (Nova Scotia/Newfoundland).

We have competed with some of Canada’s top dogs over the years and have represented our breed at #1 several times under the Madabout prefix. I do however look forward in representing all aspects of our sport at the table!

I recently retired after a 25 year career in the Public Service and I feel I now have the time and knowledge as well as the passion to make a difference.

I am an effective communicator both in writing and verbally, have exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills and I’m an extremely hard worker. I use sound judgment and a common sense approach to help resolve issues.

I have been on the Executive or a member of several clubs over the years including the Atlantic Labrador Retriever Club, the Labrador Retriever Club of Canada, Halifax Kennel Club, Eastern Flyway Club and the Labrador Owners Club. I have been instrumental in ALRC club fundraising and organizing and hosting some of the best stand alone specialties the country has ever seen!!

My passion and energy is palpable and I want to use that energy and my skill set to bring about greater communication and positive change while working for you within the CKC.

Janice Kivimaki

Zone 2 – PEI & NB

Elizabeth (TINA) Sandford

I have been a member of the Canadian Kennel Club for almost 30 years. It would be an honour to use the knowledge and experience gained over that time by serving as the Canadian Kennel Club Director for New Brunswick and PEI (CKC ZONE 2) for the coming term.

Professionally I served in the Military in the Resource Management field. An early retirement (service related injury) afforded me the time to give back to the CKC community and I have held positions within local clubs and national breed clubs with my focus being on conformation. However, holding positions as club president, show chair and superintendent gives one insight into the needs and concerns of those involved in performance events as well and a great deal of respect for their commitment to pure bred dogs and the CKC. I look forward to representing everyone involved in all aspects of our sport and to working with and having the support of all the members in our region.

When I think back on all the accomplishments my dogs have had over the years under the Kreuzritters prefix and those who have entrusted me with their dogs as a handler, I am humbled. Best in Shows, National Specialties, #1 in their breed and top 10 in their respective groups; many of which are both Canadian and American accomplishments.

Canadian Kennel Club events have given me so many wonderful memories in a sport I love. In saying that I wish our passion to not only carry on but thrive in future generations, I thank you for your consideration in my efforts to work as CKC Director on your behalf during the next term.

Elizabeth (TINA) Sandford

Zone 3 – Quebec

Sylvain Sirois

It is with great enthusiasm that I stand for election to the Board of Directors for Zone 3, Quebec.

I have been a breeder of Dachshunds since 2011 (Cocktail), and also have Saint Bernards. I have chaired the CKC Registration Committee since the beginning of 2023.

I am committed to doing my part to help the CKC improve its services to members and look forward to continuing the modernisation of the user experience of the IT system in French.
With my management and public relations background, I believe I can make a positive contribution to Board of Directors. I have worked for over 10 years as a manager and political representative for an organization and am currently a Labour Relations Director for a union in the health and social services sector.

I'd like to emphasize my commitment to help breeders of purebred dogs and all members. Zone 3 is vast, and we have a large number of members. I have supported our outgoing Director, Denis Gros-Louis, throughout his mandate, and I am aware of the magnitude of the task to represent you well. To this end, I intend, from the outset, to work towards creating a second Board position to represent Québec’s interests.
I am committed to working with all dog disciplines, in particular obedience, rally, hunting and agility.

Sylvain Sirois

Linda St-Hilaire

After careful consideration, I propose my candidacy to represent you on the board of directors of the Canadian Kennel Club.

Having held this position for 2 consecutive terms from 2015 to 2020, I am aware of the responsibilities and workload that this entails.

nvolved for nearly 50 years in the canine world, I obtained titles and volunteered in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, sprinter and flair work. I know the challenges faced by the organising clubs as well as the participants. I am also a conformation judge for groups 1,2,3 and 7.

When I return to the Board, I intend to conclude files that have remained unfinished, for example the review of the Canine Good Neighbour program as well as certain requests from members and that have remained unanswered. The quality of the translation and of the documents in French is also an unresolved point that concerns me.

The CKC must improve its services and support breeders and purebred dogs fanciers.

Despite not having experience in management or finance, I can bring to the table the perspective of the members and clubs that are the heart of the CKC

Linda St-Hilaire

Zone 4 – Ontario North

Ramona Bauer

I am extremely delighted to be nominated for the position of Director for Zone 4.

Dogs have always been in my life. As an infant we had a Dalmatian and over the many years I have had Australian Shepards that worked with 300 head of cattle, Lhasa Apso, Poodles, Lakeland Terriers, German Shepherds and Whippets. I have been breeding Whippets with my husband Kerry since 2011 under the Shetara prefix. We promote health tested breeding for healthy well-bred pups for the conformation ring, racing, agility, rally, and dock diving.

I currently serve on the CKC Conformation, Junior Handling and Scent Detection Councils as well being the President of the Nipissing Kennel Club Inc.

Nipissing KC has been traditionally a Conformation and Obedience Club but is now branching out Sprinter, Dock Diving, Hunt and working towards being a recognized Barn Hunt Club.

I have also been President of the Association For Bright Children, held a seat with the Board of Education was on the Ontario Real Estate Board for Victoria County.

The varied experiences I have had will position me to be an effective voice for my members in Zone 4.

Looking forward to your support.

Ramona Bauer

Zone 5 – Ontario East

Robert J. Whitney

I have decided to let my name stand for election to the position of Director of the Canadian Kennel club for Zone 5 – Ontario East. I believe I have the experience and knowledge to represent the CKC members in Eastern Ontario.

In the past I have served 9 years as a CKC Board member with 6 years as Chairman of the Board. In that time, I served as a member of many of the Committees and Councils. Since that time, I have served as a member and Chairman of various CKC Committees including the Discipline Committee, Event Officiating Committee and the Conformation Council.

My work experience includes 13 years working with teachers at various schools in the Toronto school Board, 13 years in accounting for a National Pharmaceutical company and for many years with my wife, Elaine, as a professional Dog Handler and owner of a large kennel.

I originally bred Afghan Hounds & Whippets. Since 1986 we have bred and shown Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with many winning Specialties and All Breed shows. I’m an All-Breed Conformation Judge, having judged internationally around the world.

I have the time, energy and knowledge to serve the members of Eastern Ontario.

Robert J. Whitney

Zone 6 – Ontario West

Re-Elect Peter Scott

My name is Peter Scott. I was an all-breed Professional Handler for almost 40 years before retiring last year.
I have now begun the judging process, and am CKC licensed for 2 1/2 groups,on permit for another half.
I am also a licensed UKC judge.

I bred Maltese in the 1970s and 1980s. Later I bred Lakeland Terriers and more recently Standard Poodles.
I was a founding member of the Toy Dog Club of Ontario in the mid 1980s. I am currently a member and former director of Non-Sporting Club of Ontario (Club VI). I am also a life member of the CKC.

Among my clients are a number who are involved in running clubs, so I am familiar with the issues there.
I am also the current CKC director for Zone 6.

If you would like me to continue on I will do my best to represent this zone and the CKC.
Thank You!

Peter Scott

Zone 7 – Ontario Central

Tanya (Tatiana) Hatton

I am a proud member of the Canadian Kennel Club and feel I have the experience and skills needed to ensure the Canadian Kennel Club remains prosperous in the coming years.

My husband and I have exhibited Bulldogs since 2014. We promote the breeding of quality dogs from health tested parents who represent the Bulldog Standard. Our pet puppies are just as important to us as our Champions and we encourage our owners to participate in all CKC events. Recently we participated in the CKC, “Meet the Breeds”. I welcome the opportunity to participate in more public events in the future.

Although Bulldogs are my passion, I am fascinated by all breeds and appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into organizing and promoting the various CKC events. I am a member of Caledon Kennel Association, Bulldog Club of Canada, Bulldog Club of Ontario, Bulldog Club of America and Bulldog Club of New England.
My professional career revolves around finance.
I worked in Finance Strategic Leadership Roles at Moneris, Home Trust, Merit Travel Group & TD Canada Trust.
I was a Director of Finance at Canadian Kennel Club from July 2022 until April 2023.

I promote cultures based on transparency, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.

I believe we all play a part in the success of the CKC, and I was happy to volunteer as a Member of the Audit Committee at CKC in 2018. I was elected as Chair of Audit Committee in 2019 and held that position until 2022. I am very proud of the CKC Audit Committee and its members who worked tirelessly (especially during COVID) advising the Board of Directors on Fiscal Strategies and Policies. The CKC sailed smoothly during COVID restrictions and Shows & Trials cancelations and maintained a healthy Balance Sheet while many Not-for-Profit organizations didn’t survive or went through drastic layoffs.

I understand the issues members have and I will do my very best to be effective, approachable and a respectful Director to represent members’ current and future needs and interests in Zone 7.

My formal education consists of:
Charted Professional Accountant (CPA)
Executive MBA from Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)
Bachelor of Finance from Concordia University.

Re-Elect Marc Ralsky

Hello Zone 7 CKC members,

I'm honored to seek re-election as Director, bringing my 3-year experience to the 2024-2026 CKC Board. Committed to purebred dogs, my background and dedication uniquely qualify me to advocate for you.

Proven Dedication:

Over 30 years with purebred dogs, I started with a Corgi, valuing consistency, and hard work. My 27-year CKC membership and devotion to Siberian Huskies underscore my commitment.

Empowering Strengths:

My CKC Board candidacy offers:

- Nearly 30 years of non-profit leadership in Animal Welfare, Medical Research, and Hospital Foundations.
- Recent CEO role at the International Partnership for Dogs, expanding my strategic outlook.
- 30-year history of volunteering on various Boards, showcasing my collaborative approach.
- Defending CKC's mission, preserving purebred dog contributions to society.
- Not a CKC judge; my sole focus is as Zone 7's voice, without personal agendas.

Your Optimal Zone 7 Choice:

My professional expertise ensures CKC's relevance in today's landscape. Skilled at unifying diverse groups, I promise transparency, accountability, and collaboration, championing our beloved purebred dogs.

Your vote counts. Re-elect me to secure Zone 7's future – I combine passion and strategy for our club's success.

Thank you for your support,

Marc Ralsky
CKC Board Candidate
Zone 7 - Central Ontario

Zone 8 – Manitoba

Re-Elect Corinne Walker

I am a lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club and the current CKC Zone 8 Director and Chair of
the Board. Along with my chair’s duties I have been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee,
Legislation Committee and ED Review Committee. I believe that the CKC can grow to be a stronger
organization with a strong board. Board members must have financial acumen along with a strong
understanding of national concerns of our members.

I am proud of the work that has been accomplished in the board’s last term. From hiring our present
Executive Director, to the securing of our new office space with a substantial savings, this board has
worked very hard to service the needs of our club and membership.

I have been a member of the CKC since 1984. I have retired from breeding Rottweilers as my leisure
time is spent now as a CKC judge. I have had the pleasure of judging many all breed shows along with
several working dog specialties both in Canada and the USA in the past. I am a student of everything
Canine – with the thirst for knowledge definitely unfinished.

Good luck to all the candidates running in this election. Your dedication to the CKC is greatly
appreciated.

Corinne Walker

Zone 9 – Saskatchewan

Rachel Brower

I am thrilled to be running and considered for Zone 9, Saskatchewan’s CKC Board of Directors.
I’ve lived every day of my life with a dog. I grew up with our family pets & foster pets alike. Through my junior years I competed in agility with our family dog. More recently my Doberman and I have been involved in a broad aspect of sports offered by the CKC: Scent, Rally, Sprinters & Chase, Agility and Conformation. I have galivanted all across our vast country doing so and have met many wonderful dog fanciers alike. I enjoy volunteering and helping out from ring stewarding, to show superintendent and everywhere in between. I am a member of the Alberta Doberman Pinscher Club, and the Saskatoon Working and Herding Dog Association. I thoroughly enjoy the variety of opportunity CKC offers its members.

I want to represent Saskatchewan on the Board of Directors as I feel I am Young, Fresh and bring a wide range of experience and skill to do so effectively. My focus is to be an approachable, positive representative for the members of Zone 9. I would love to have a part in continuing to help the CKC and its members develop and grow in a positive and inclusive direction.

My professional experience is well suited towards being a competent Zone Director. I have a genuine interest in law, bylaws, rules and regulations. I like to read the fine print to know the ins and outs of governing documents and legislation. I currently hold the position of Secretary on the Warman Housing Authority Board of Directors. I am a Detective Constable in the Homicide Unit of Saskatoon Police; a Commerce Student at the U of S and I am a multi business owner including my new fledgling Private off-leash Park & Dog Sports Facility.

Most importantly I feel all members of the CKC should be heard and have appropriate, competent, meaningful representation and I aim to provide exactly that.

Rachel Brower
Rachel.ann.brower@gmail.com

Valerie Bandas

Growing up, our family always had purebred dogs - a Boxer, Miniature Poodle and Boston Terrier. But as a teenager I fell in love with my cousin’s Old English Sheepdog and in 1981 I was able to acquire one of my own. With him began my involvement in the sport of purebred dogs.

I am a life member of the CKC. I have participated in a variety of CKC events, primarily conformation, but also obedience (CDX level), Rally Obedience, Sprinter, Barn Hunt and CGN. My dogs are always owner handled.

For several years I have been the Saskatchewan Conformation Council member, and more recently, on the National Advocacy and Government Relations Council. I also serve on the Conformation Judges’ Observer program.

I am a life member of the Regina Kennel and Obedience Club and have held a variety of Executive positions throughout the years. I have chaired more conformation shows and obedience/rally trials than I can count.

I am currently the President of the Old English Sheepdog Fanciers of Western Canada club.

In 2017, I retired from my position as Purchasing Analyst with SaskPower. In my 35 years with the Corporation, I held a variety of positions with duties including all aspects of procurement, contract negotiation and management, budget preparation, cost analysis, event planning, customer service and government relations.

I would be honored to serve as your CKC Director for Saskatchewan.

Valerie Bandas

Zone 10 – Alberta, NWT & Nunavut

Re-Elect Lee Anne Bateman

I am pleased to, once again, introduce myself to you! Being a CKC Director is a position and a responsibility I take seriously, and I have been very proud to represent Zone 10 for the past 3 years. I have been privileged to attend many CKC Trials, Tests and Shows, and to meet so many CKC members in our Zone.

A lot of work has been done in the last 3 years, and I believe we have made some real progress in many areas of our operations. More work is needed, however. Our vision and focus have been on the health, well-being and support of purebred Dogs, our sport and the importance of dogs in our society.

By profession, I am a retired writer and editor and communications officer who worked for the Alberta Government for over 30 years, where I managed very successful national, international and local campaigns. Communications, problem solving, teamwork and conflict management are some of the strengths I bring to the Table.

As a Life Member of the CKC, I have held committee and executive positions for the Breed Clubs and all-breed Clubs of which I am a member. I feel my experience as an exhibitor and participant in conformation, obedience, sled racing events and other disciplines, as well as being an All-Breed Judge, have served me well this past term and into the future, should you once again elected me to the Zone 10 Director position.

Our world, and most assuredly our sport, are ever-changing. We have an honourable past and are proud of our history. As an organization, the CKC must continue to focus on creating and maintaining a stronger and more positive public presence and at the same time, bolster revenue streams; streamline and improve our member interaction and on-line experience; continue to enhance our reputation as THE authority on all dog-related areas; and, foster a more respectful and strong relationship with government agencies at all levels. Changing the dialogue and changing public opinion are closely linked. We have made strides, and now must continue to solidify our role as the touch-stone to which decision makers go for clear, correct, well-considered information when issues come up that affect our canine charges.

Bringing member representation to the Table is what a Board of Directors is all about. A Zone Director should be visible in our dog community - at shows, trials, hunt tests, field trials, detection trials, coursing trials, and at public forums and events. Our Councils and Committees ensure that members involved in all disciplines have the chance to bring questions, suggestions, concerns and changes forward. Active, ongoing communication with members, Council and Committee representatives, other Board members and CKC staff is essential.

The CKC is your Club - and you deserve to be heard. As your Director, I welcome discussion and conversation. Each of us has thoughts and ideas…just think how powerful and creative we are together!

I’m Lee Anne Bateman - incumbent Director and candidate for Zone 10. The CKC is YOUR Club … let your voice be heard and please VOTE!

Lee Anne Bateman

Zone 11 – BC Southwest

Re-Elect Tempest Deptuch

I come from a ‘dog’ family. My mother and father bred Afghans and Poodles. I currently breed and exhibit standard poodles.

My late husband Sandy Fletcher and I enjoyed the dog sport together for over 30 years. Our passion also extended to breeding and exhibiting purebred Hereford cattle. Sandy proudly served on the CKC board for 8 years as Director of Zone 12. Over the past 49 years as a breeder/owner/handler, I have had multiple BIS, Specialty and group winners in both Canada and the US. I have also competed in Obedience, Rally and Lure Coursing.

I have been an active member of many dog clubs, working to promote purebred dogs and preservation breeders. I have helped to organize both Conformations shows and Obedience/Rally trials and participated in community events highlighting purebred dogs. As a club volunteer I teach both conformation and obedience classes throughout the year.
I am retired from my professional life, having spent 30 years working in software development and training.
Purebred dogs have been forefront of my life for as long as I can remember. I will continue to work for our dog community by supporting the clubs, members and exhibitors.

I would be honoured to have your vote.

Life Member of the Tyee Kennel Club
Past President of the Kamloops Kennel Club
Member of the Poodle Club of Canada
Librarian for the Canadian Dog Judge Association
Education Coordinator for the Mid Island Judge’s Study Group
CKC Licensed All Breed Judge

Best regards
Tempest

Tempest Deptuch
dpoodles@shaw.ca

1 (250) 815-6477

Zone 12 – BC Interior & Yukon

	Delvina Beaulac I am a CKC licensed judge and currently hold the position of President for the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada. During my years of involvement with purebred dogs, I have been President of the Nanaimo Kennel Club as well as Show Chair. I have worked with KoolK9 as Show Secretary for both CKC and UKC events. In competition, my performances in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, herding, and tracking have given me good insight to the many aspects of the sport of dogs. I hold a degree in Marketing and Business Administration which was the majority focus of my working career in Vancouver, B.C. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Toronto, Ontario. One of the principal responsibilities of a CKC Board Member is to “…present the concerns and opinions of the constituents in their respective zones…” and I feel my diplomacy, integrity and loyalty will serve me well to be your voice in the CKC. In addition, being retired affords me the time to actively perform the duties, consult with members and hear your concerns and input. I will dedicate my time to listen and act on the issues we are facing now and in the coming years. Del. Beaulac
	Re-Elect Tammy Luethje As the Director for Zone 12 this past year I have learned so very much about the "behind the scenes" activities within CKC. It's been a huge learning curve but one I've thoroughly enjoyed. I've done a bit of traveling across our Zone and met many of our wonderful exhibitors which has been a pleasure. I've decided to run again because the job is not done. I'd still like to see more advocacy on the part of CKC, I'd like to see the Juniors program expanded and more in line with other kennel clubs around the world, and I'd like to see more support for the other CKC activities such as field and other various trials. In the next term, if elected once again, these will be my main focuses. There are a lot of changes coming within CKC that I'm sure you all will be very excited about. I would enjoy helping to introduce these changes, and more, if you'll once again allow me to be your Director. Tammy Luethje CKC Zone 12 Director Join the Zone 12 Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/778796216633551/?ref=share_group_link Canadian Kennel Club - ckc.ca
	Wayne Davidson Awaiting bio

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