Note from Bailli Délégué

To ny N Catanese, FCP A, FCA, CBV Bailli D élégué du Canada

Dear Member of la Chaîne in Canada,

As the year draws to a close, it is appropriate to look back and consider how we as an Organization have weather through this second ‘Covid year’. While many of our members, especially those in the food and beverage sectors, are still dealing with uncertainty, I believe there is general agreement that things are improving. There is good cause to feel optimistic about what the next few months will bring.

In October, the Canadian Board and Baillis from across the country held our first in-person meetings in over two years. The consensus is that we have much to be grateful for:

1. Our membership remained strong and stable throughout the pandemic. 2. Since the start of the pandemic, we added over 60 new members. In addition, 35 of our professional members who were forced to withdraw in 2020 have now reinstated. This means that year over year, membership is up from 521 to 570. 3. At all levels (Local and National) costs have been contained, allowing for a significant reduction in dues in 2021. 4. I am also encouraged by the many enquiries from potential members in recent months. The desire to come together and experience the ‘camaraderie de la table’ is alive and well. 5. There is a real sense of excitement in the Okanagan Valley and Ottawa as Bailliages will be reestablishing in those areas. See the article on the dinner just held in the Okanagan in this Newsletter

IN THE NEWS. 6. Baillis and local Councils across the country are busy building event plans for 2022. For most, 2022 will quickly begin to look like normal. 7. Our own Canadian Foundation was able to host the National Jeunes Chef Rôtisseurs Competition in

Winnipeg and we are very excited to have Leah Patitucci represent us in 2022 in Mexico City at the

International Competition. 8. An enthusiastic group of over 90 people came together in Winnipeg to celebrate our Canadian Grand

Chapître. Despite the restrictions, it was so good to see so many of our members enjoying wonderful food, wine, service and enjoying each other’s company. The ‘camaraderie de la table’ was certainly in full display. You will read more about these and other important happenings throughout this

Newsletter.

I am also happy to report that this past month I was also able to participate at the International Chaine meetings in Lyon France. It was so interesting to learn how well other countries faired through the pandemic, but also how strong and well positioned the network is as we move beyond Covid.

I want to express my thanks to the entire membership for your commitment to la Chaine and your support of our Foundation over the past year.