The Canadian Kennel Club is seeking volunteers to serve as council representatives for the term 2027 to 2029.
While Council Representatives will continue to be appointed by the applicable Zone Director, the process for expressing interest has changed. The new volunteer solicitation process provides all eligible members with an equal opportunity to be considered for these important volunteer positions.
About CKC Councils:
Each CKC event type is supported by a council composed of volunteer members who are recognized for their knowledge and experience in that discipline. A Council Representative is appointed from each zone to represent the interests and perspectives of members and clubs within their region. Please note that if a particular event type is not represented within a zone, the Zone Director is not obligated to appoint a representative for that event.
Role of a Council Representative:
- Represent the zone in which they reside.
- Speak on behalf of members and clubs involved in their specific event type.
- Be available to members within their zone who wish to express concerns or raise matters to be considered by the Council.
- Participate in council meetings as required.
- Review and discuss policy and rule changes affecting their event.
- Prepare motions, with guidance from CKC staff.
- Vote on proposed policy and rule changes.
- Support staff with updates of required forms.
- Proofread rulebooks as required.
Motions carried by the Council are prepared by staff and submitted to the Board of Directors for review, consideration, and vote at a quarterly Board meeting.
New Volunteer Process:
At its September 2026 meeting, the CKC Board of Directors approved amendments to Policy & Procedures, Chapter X – Committees, Councils and Appointments, Section D, Standing Councils, establishing this new volunteer solicitation process.
How to Apply:
Members interested in being considered for appointment as a Council Representative are invited to submit a cover letter expressing their interest and outlining the following:
- Name of Council (event type)
- CKC Membership Number
- Zone Number
- Brief summary of your experience in the event type
Submission Deadline:
Please submit your cover letter of interest by November 20, 2026 to:
A copy of the policy is below for reference. To view the Terms of Reference for each council, please go to www.ckc.ca, scroll to the bottom of the home page, and in the dark blue area select Policy & Procedures, Chapter X> Section E, Standing Councils Terms of Reference.
D. Standing Councils – General
(1) The Board may strike councils to represent the interests of those persons, groups or associations involved in the various disciplines which have been approved by the Club and in that capacity shall act as advisory bodies to the Board. The number and designation of such councils shall be that which is deemed necessary and appropriate by the Board and shall be comprised of CKC members.
(2) The Board may, at its sole discretion, consolidate into one (1) council, events of a similar nature, involving the same breeds.
(3) Each council shall consist of a Board member acting liaison, and a Senior Council Representative for the discipline from each zone with the option of a Junior Council Representative as appointed by the zone Board member. In cases where the discipline is not active within a zone, it will be at the discretion of the Board member from that zone to appoint a Council representative.
(4) Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern at all meetings of councils. Upon being appointed to councils, Head Office will provide members with Parliamentary Procedures Simplified and members shall sign an acknowledgement that they have read and will adhere to these procedures.
(5) Councils may appoint sub-committees as they deem necessary. Such sub-committees shall be appointed on an ad hoc basis to perform certain designated tasks for the council. Upon the assigned task having been completed and upon the sub-committee having provided the council with a full report, the sub-committee shall automatically cease to exist.
(6) The Chair of the Board shall be deemed as an ex officio member of all councils.
(7) The Executive Director or designated Staff will act as the Chair to all councils and must attend all council meetings to provide assistance and coordinate council activities with the respective Head Office functions. The chair of the council does not have voting privileges.
(8) The Chair of the Board, and/or a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, the Staff Liaison for each council and all council members shall be provided with a copy of the minutes of all council meetings upon request.
(9) Except as otherwise provided for in The By-laws and/or the Policy and Procedures Manual, the files of all council meetings shall be deemed confidential, until such time as the Board has been provided with a full and final report on the council deliberations in an open session of the Board.
(10) In general terms, it shall be the responsibility of all councils to provide advice to the Board on matters such as the development of guidelines, rules, regulations and policies relating to each discipline. At the Board’s discretion, certain councils may also play a role to one (1) degree or another, in the area of education and accreditation of judges and event officials.
(11) All recommendations for rule changes shall be presented to the Board for its consideration by the Board member appointed as liaison of the respective council. In keeping with Club policy, rule changes for each discipline shall be considered by the Board on a triennial basis. A schedule, determining the three-(3) year cycles for each discipline shall, from time to time, be adopted by the Board.
(12) Rules regarding complaint and administrative procedures are universal to all disciplines. Any changes to these rules must be consistent with the intent of CKC By-laws respecting Discipline and Appeal Procedures as well as current administrative practices.
(13) All recommendations for council-related policy changes shall be presented to the Board for its consideration by the Board member appointed as liaison of the respective council.
(14) The chair of each council shall prepare a written annual report to be included on the agenda of the Board meeting associated with the Annual General Meeting. A package of such reports shall then be presented to those members in attendance at the Annual General Meeting.