Originally Posted by
Richard Bérubé
Location of prestige events in Canada
It is worth reminding that FQE last November 20th proposed its Board to enter a CYCC / Canadian Open bid just because there was none then at the CFC level. As a result we now have to endure pages of the Windsor litany justifying monopoly over competition. For good measure NAYCC is also included.
Fine. We shall not even try to argue. Just permit us a few remarks. These July events are for the benefit of players, parents and foreigners alike. In order to attract more members and more sponsors in the future, they must also serve the promotion and reputation of chess within Canada, a country still seen from abroad as a safe and fun touristic place to play.
With that in mind, we believe Vancouver simply is a fantastic new option. The CFC should do everything to help that bid. Nobody denies that Windsor did a good job last year but repeating the position draws. Ambassador’s bridge and the Satanic Temple of Detroit are not really that entertaining.
And what to say about Sault Ste. Marie? Why not Rattle Snake Island in Georgian Bay, just off the French River? (By the way do we understand that 2017 has been awarded before 2016? How does one get informed?).
For the benefit of Canada we believe that locations like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (why has TO fallen asleep?), Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City should strongly be encouraged.
Bernard Labadie
Président - President
Fédération québécoise des échecs
Quebec Chess Federation