A Message from Natalie: Reflecting on My First AGM and Looking Ahead Together
June 17, 2026
This year’s Annual General Meeting marked an important milestone for me personally – it was my first AGM as Executive Director of the Canadian Kennel Club. More importantly, it served as a meaningful touchpoint with our members and a reminder of how essential open, consistent communication is to the strength of our community.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the CKC staff whose dedication and hard work ensured a smooth and successful event. Whether you joined us in person or participated virtually, I am equally grateful to our members for taking the time to engage, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute to the conversations that shape our future.
I would also like to acknowledge the Board of Directors for their leadership throughout the AGM. Our new Board Chair, Bob Whitney, offered a poignant reminder that resonates deeply: it is not only about what the CKC can do for its members, but also what members can do for the CKC. At its heart, this organization is about community – one built on shared purpose, shared passion, and shared responsibility.
We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the CKC’s history. Many of the challenges we face are not unique; kennel clubs around the world are navigating similar pressures and shifts. With this in mind, the Board is working diligently on the 2027–2029 Strategic Plan. This plan will outline the CKC’s objectives for the next three years, and we look forward to engaging our members throughout this process. Your insights and lived experience are invaluable, and your participation will help ensure that the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our entire community.
As we explore new opportunities to grow and strengthen our community, I want to be clear: this does not signal a shift away from the core purpose for which the CKC exists – the preservation and advancement of purebred dogs. I believe we all share a deep respect for this foundation. At the same time, we must recognize our current and future needs as a community and adapt accordingly. It is a delicate balance, but one that many organizations must navigate.
If Henry Ford had focused solely on improving the pedigree of the horse to make it faster, imagine what that would have meant for the automobile industry. Innovation requires perspective, courage, and a willingness to evolve – without losing sight of what matters most.
Growing our community is a shared responsibility. I encourage members to keep this in mind the next time you’re out walking your dogs, and someone stops to ask about your breed, or when you’re at an event and notice a curious onlooker. These small moments of connection are powerful. When our community grows, so too does our success – and our ability to fulfill our mission of preserving purebred dogs for generations to come.
I invite our members to be thoughtful in their critiques and open in their conversations. Every effort we make is grounded in a commitment to ensuring the long‑term sustainability of the CKC, so that our core purpose remains strong, impactful, and enduring.
Finally, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise to the CKC. Your willingness to show up, participate, and contribute to the work of this organization is invaluable. Our community thrives because of you, and your dedication is a powerful reminder of what it means to truly support and strengthen the CKC.
Thank you for your continued trust, passion, and partnership. I look forward to the work ahead – and to building our future together.
— Natalie