Your Guide to the 2026 Election and Referendum

Eligible CKC members will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the Canadian Kennel Club by electing the Board of Directors for the 2027–2029 term and voting in the 2026 referendum. 

The referendum will include proposed By-law changes, the recognition of four new breeds and their corresponding Rules of Eligibility (ROEs), along with 44 additional ROEs, for a total of 48. 

Below is an overview of the key dates and steps in the election and referendum process. 

Board nominations 

Board nominations will open in the coming days. Eligible CKC members may nominate a candidate to represent their electoral zone on the CKC Board of Directors. 

Each nomination must be supported by an eligible nominator and seconder from the candidate’s electoral zone. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the CKC By-laws and submit all required information with their completed nomination paper. 

A separate communication will be sent when nominations are officially open, including a link to the nomination paper on CKC.ca. 

September 1: Board nominations close 

Completed nomination papers must be received by the Election Commission no later than 5 p.m. ET on September 1, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. 

Nomination papers may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed, postage prepaid, to: 

Election Commission 
360 Oakville Place Drive, Suite 500 
Oakville, Ontario L6H 6K8 

Campaign contact opt-out 

Eligible voting members may opt out of receiving contact from nominees campaigning in their electoral zone. 

Members are encouraged to submit opt-out requests before September 15, as zone membership lists containing members’ names, addresses and email addresses will be supplied to nominees on or before that date. Requests received after the lists have been provided may be more difficult to accommodate. 

To opt out, email [email protected] or contact CKC Customer Service. 

October 15: Voting preference deadline 

Electronic voting through the Member Portal will be the primary voting method for the 2026 Election and Referendum. 

Members who require paper voting materials must update their voting preference by October 15. To do so, log in to the Member Portal, scroll to the Voting Preferences section at the bottom of your profile and select Edit to change your delivery method. 

Members who select paper voting will receive a paper election and referendum booklet and ballot. 

November 1: Election and referendum voting opens 

Eligible members will be able to vote electronically through the Member Portal beginning November 1. 

Members will have the opportunity to: 

• Vote for a Board candidate in their electoral zone, where an election is required 

• Vote on proposed referendum amendments, including proposed By-law changes, the recognition of four new breeds and 48 Rules of Eligibility 

Before voting begins, members will receive detailed information about the candidates, referendum items and voting process. 

November 30: Voting closes 

Completed electronic and paper ballots must be received by November 30, 2026. Members are encouraged to vote early to ensure their ballot is received before the deadline. 

Prepare to participate 

Log in to the Member Portal to confirm that your contact information and date of birth are current. You can also review your voting delivery method under Voting Preferences at the bottom of your profile. 

Additional information, including nomination materials, candidate profiles, referendum details and voting instructions, will be shared throughout the coming weeks. 

The future of the CKC starts with you. Make sure you’re prepared to have your say.