We have just returned from a wonderful Les Clefs d’Or Canada National Board Meeting held in Halifax on November 8^th to 11^th. At this meeting, all Regional Directors from Canada were present: Roger Poirier from Atlantic, Simon Bovoli from Quebec City, Jamie Clarke from Niagara, Andrea Melendez from Ontario, Warren Downs from Alberta, Dillon Carfoot from British Columbia and myself representing Montreal and the surrounding area.

Andrea Melendez, Alain Ethier, Ronaldo Breton, Joanne Lewandowski, Carolina Avaria, Don Mooney, Warren Downs.

Simon Bovoli, Roger Poirier, Cindy Stewart, Warren Downs, Chanel Mongeon, Trevor Proude, Francine Asselin, Dillon Carfoot, Véronique Bourgeault and Jamie Clarke, the Selfie Master!

Since each region is now permitted to bring an observer from their Regional Board, Trevor Proude from Atlantic, Francine Asselin from Quebec City, Véronique Bourgeault from Montréal and Cindy Stewart from Alberta attended this meeting with great enthusiasm, envisioning to one day, becoming Regional Directors.

During the two full days of meeting, we met with the Executive Board: President Carolina Avaria, Vice President Don Mooney, Secretary Joanne Lewandowski, Treasurer Ronaldo Breton, Public Relations Director Alain Ethier and Past President Toni Daoud, as well as our Sage, Geoff Argue.

First and foremost, we presented the new candidate’s applications and went on to exchange on several critical subjects that will be defining the country in the next years to come. As you may already know, the National Board is currently having monthly conference calls, but it is very important to have these meetings together in order to have face to face discussions.

Each region is different and has diverse matters to deal with. It is also pleasant to exchange in-between directors to see what accomplishments were successful by others that may inspire our region! We all do this on a volunteer basis and think it is important to acknowledge the hard work of the National Board.

Trevor Proude, from Halifax, eating lobster for the first time!!?? 🙂

That being said, I want to thank Roger and Trevor for hosting us in their beautiful region!  They took great care of us from the moment we landed until our departure. We stayed at the Hollis Halifax and were lucky to have a great dining experience at Ryan Duffy’s Steakhouse, Murphy’s and Trapeze Grill Casino restaurant. We were also able to attend the Keys Ceremony at the Prince George Hotel, what an honor it was! Also, a special thanks to Frank Opdebeck, who offered Véronique and I to be our guide on this trip ; Peggy’s Cove was amazing!

Frank Opdebeck, Chanel Mongeon and Véronique Bourgeault.

Last but not least, I would like to congratulate all new members, new professional affiliates and corporates for their hard work. Welcome to our big family!

Thank you my friends for the lovely board meeting!

Chanel Mongeon
Chef-Concierge
Marriott Château Champlain

Directrice, Région de Montréal