CFC Constitutional Coalition - New Motion on Life Governors

[Bob Armstrong]

The CFC Constitutional Coalition is a CFC member grassroots' group of about 40 members, including some governors. It has already filed 2 motions with the CFC Governors ( to come out in the next GL ):

Motion # 1 - to cut the provincial representation governors by half;
Motion # 2 - to eliminate life governor past presidents ( cutting past president governors-at-large by half ).

These 2 motions are going to the July Edmonton CFC AGM for vote, eventually. The motions/commentary are in the post below.

As to our motion # 2 ( Past President Governor reduction ), there has been some concern about the loss of experience and advice that the past presidents give the CFC. Also, there has been some criticism that the motion shows a lack of respect for the former past presidents, and their contribution, and continuing interest in management of the organization ( some of them anyway ).

We have therefore decided to bring a motion # 3 (see below) to allow for the 5 existing past presidents, who will be terminated as life governors currently under our motion # 2, to be “ grand parented “ as Governor Ken Craft called it. That is we will make them non-voting governors. This would maintain the balance we seek by the motion # 2 between elected and non-elected governors. Motion # 2 also eliminates the life governor concept. But motion # 3 will allow these five past presidents, currently life governors, to continue to be involved – they can attend the AGM and be recognized; they will continue as part of the Governors’ Discussion Board; they can be put on Committees; they will still carry the title of Governor. Of course, they can always decide to run again for provincial representation governor if they want to actively vote. Their new status will last 'til 2019.

This motion # 3 was filed yesterday. Here it is:

Motion to CFC Governors on Governor Reduction

- submitted by Governor Bob Armstrong, mover, and Governor Paul Leblanc , seconder, on behalf of the CFC Constitutional Coalition, a group of about 40 ordinary CFC members ( including a few governors ), named below.

Motion # 3 : Moved: Governor Bob Armstrong Seconded: Governor Paul Leblanc

There shall be added to Bylaw 2, if Motion # 2 ( already filed on behalf of the Coalition ) is passed, the following new Section 6A:

“ 6A. NON-VOTING GOVERNORS AT LARGE

The following shall be known as non-voting Governors at large:

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least two full terms prior to July 1, 2009. A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next.

And

the past Presidents who have been granted the life title of Governor at Large as at September 1994.

They shall have all governor rights, except the right to vote. They shall cease being governors on July 1, 2019. “

Commentary: Currently the section dealing with past president governors at large is section 6 of Bylaw 2, which states in the relevant part:

" 6.GOVERNORS AT LARGE

The following persons shall be known as Governors at large:

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least two full terms. A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next.

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least one full term in the immediately preceding five years.
.
.
the past Presidents who have been granted the life title of Governor at Large as at September 1994. "

The CFC Constitutional Coalition Motion #2 will eliminate all the existing governors at large who were CFC presidents prior to July 2004. This is necessary for two reasons:
1. because the elected provincial representation governors are being reduced by roughly one-half, to maintain democratic balance, the votes of some of the non-elected governors-at-large ( here the past president governors at large ) must also be reduced by one-half;
2. the elimination of life governors by Motion #2 is sought, since the concept is anti-democratic.
But it is not wanted to lose the experience of the five past president governors who would be eliminated. As well, we wish to recognize their contribution to the CFC over the years. Further, a commitment had been made to these governors of lifetime governorships, and it is felt CFC should go some way towards honouring that commitment to some extent.
Hence we are creating a time-limited special category of governor, the non-voting governor at large. Thus the existing governors affected by motion # 2 will be retained in all respects by Motion # 3, except for their right to vote. It will allow these few past presidents to continue to be involved – they can attend the AGM and be recognized; they will continue as part of the Governors’ Discussion Board; they can be put on Committees; they can volunteer; they will still carry the title of Governor. Of course, it is always open to them to run again as a provincial representation governor candidate. This seems a suitable compromise and is an attempt at a kind of “ grandparenting “ under the change imposed by Motion # 2.

Notes

1. CFC Constitutional Coalition Members ( to May 4, 2009 )

Armstrong, Bob – CFC & OCA Life member; past chess club executive
Doucette, Patrick – CFC life member
Garel, Rick – CFC member; current chess club executive
Casareno, Erwin – CFC member
Kitich, Jerry – CFC member; chess teacher; past chess club executive
Broughton, Dave – former CFC Governor and Executive Member
McDonald, Patrick – CFC Life Member; former CFC Junior Coordinator, OCA
Executive; IA, TD and chess organizer; chess club executive; CFC
Governor ( Ont. )
Dattani, Dinesh – CFC member
Moysoski, Randy – CFC member; chess club executive; chess organizer
Perez, Michael – CFC member; chess club executive; organizer
Maguire, Jack – CFC member
Deslauriers, Brian – CFC past member
Ritchie, Gordon – CFC member; past CFC Governor
Tim Knechtel – CFC member
Bellomo, Joe – CFC member
Lawless, David – CFC member, former chess club executive, chess teacher, organizer
and TD.
Peristy, Luke – CFC member
Villalobos, Oscar – CFC member
Azmitia, Gabriel – CFC member
Verde, Pino – CFC member
Bossy, John – CFC member
Hall, John – CFC member
Brodie, Hugh – CFC member; maintainer of Canadian Games Database
Beal, Greg – CFC member
Kurkowski, Ken – CFC member
Henry, Liam – CFC member, organizer/TD, chess teacher
Posylek, Caesar – CFC member, former CFC Governor, chess club executive
Rutherdale, Will – CFC member
Stein, Mickey – CFC member
Jackiw, Mark – CFC member
Frilles, Ruperto – CFC member
James Marilla - CFC Member
Leward De la Rama - CFC Member
Mani Mehramooz - CFC Member
Matthew Perez – CFC Member
Joey Ayres – CFC Member
Xavier De Guzman – CFC Member
Kasra Ershandi – CFC Member
Paul Leblanc – CFC Member, CFC Governor ( B.C, )
Gillanders, Bob – CFC member; former CFC Executive Director; chess club executive;
former CFC Executive

2. “ Constitutional Amendment “:

This amendment is considered a “ constitutional amendment “ under Bylaw # 3 of the CFC, section 3, which is:

BY-LAW NUMBER THREE OF THE CHESS FEDERATION OF CANADA
ANNUAL MEETING AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
1. ….
2. All matters to be decided by the Assembly, shall be decided by a majority vote, save as hereinafter provided.
3. Any amendment or revision of these By-Laws; any matter pertaining to any international agreement between the Federation and any international or foreign Chess Federation or Association; and any matter pertaining to the payment of dues to the Fédération International des Echecs may be made,
(a) at any Annual Meeting of the Assembly, providing that a notice of intention to submit such matter to a vote has been received by the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of such Annual Meeting and has been transmitted by the Secretary to each Governor at least 14 days prior to the date of such Annual Meeting and that any resolution pertaining to such matter shall be approved by at least a two-thirds majority of the votes of those present and entitled to vote, including proxy votes.
(b) at any time through a mail vote of Assembly, providing that the exact wording of such proposed amendments or revision, or of the resolution to be passed by the Board through mail vote is submitted to each Governor at least fourteen days before the expiry of the time limit specified by the President for the receipt of the votes by the Secretary, and that at least one-half of the number of votes eligible to be cast has been received by the Secretary, and there is a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast in favour of the proposed amendment or revision or resolution.

Revision # 2 - May 12, 2009

Bob
P.S. Motions # 1 & 2 are in the post below.

[Bob Armstrong]

2 Motions to the CFC Governors on CFC Governor Reduction

( Submitted by the movers/seconders to the CFC Executive/Governors on behalf of the CFC Constitutional Coalition, a grassroots’ group of almost 40 CFC members/former members, commentary prepared by Bob Armstrong, Coalition Coordinator, CFC Life Member; Coalition members/supporters of these motions are named below ):

Motion # 1: Moved: Governor Patrick McDonald; Seconded: Governor Paul Leblanc

Numbers of Governors for Each Province: this subsection of section 1 of By-law # 2, shall be amended by deleting in both places the word “ fifty “ and substituting for it the words “ one hundred “.

Commentary:

The current subsection of section 1 of By-law # 2 dealing with “ Numbers of Governors for Each Province “ is: .

Provincial/Territorial Governors: BY-LAW NUMBER TWO OF THE CHESS FEDERATION OF CANADA
1. ASSEMBLY OF GOVERNORS
…. NUMBERS OF GOVERNORS FOR EACH PROVINCE
Each provincial association shall be entitled to elect or appoint a number of Governors as follows:
For the first fifty or part thereof of ordinary per capita fee payments, and number of life memberships combined, one Governor shall be allotted and for each subsequent fifty or part thereof one additional governor shall be allotted.

By this motion, the number of Provincial/Territorial Governors shall roughly be reduced by 50%. This would mean that the number of governors for a province/territory will be one for every 100 members ( or part thereof ), instead of 50 members. We set out below a rough estimate of what that would mean, based on the number of 2008-9 Governors:

Provincial/Territorial Governors:
Current Proposed
A - B.C. - 5 3
B - Alta. - 5 3
C - Sask. - 1 1
D - Man. - 2 1
E - Ont. - 17 9
F - Que. - 2 1
G - N.B. - 2 1
H - P.E.I. - 1 1
I - N.S. - 2 1
J - Nfld. & Lab. – 1 1
K - no reps from the 3 territories ( 3 vacancies ) same

Total - 38 ( and three vacancies ) 22 ( and three vacancies )

Our first concern is “ administrative “. There are 61 governors for about 1400 adult members. This works out to about a governor for every 23 adult members. Where do you get these kinds of representation figures in real life organizations?? This is bureaucratic overkill. And it makes decision-making difficult when there are so many voters to communicate with and get to vote. Getting quorums becomes a problem with such a large body of deciders. It makes constitutional amendments outside of the AGM almost impossible. Today’s business models tend to be lean and mean – smaller groups that can make decisions quickly – our system is cumbersome to say the least. Surely the system needs at least to be somewhat leaner.
Reducing provincial governor representation by half would greatly assist decision-making by the CFC. A smaller decision-making body in this aspect would help streamline the organization and make decision-making much more effective.
Our second concern is “ qualitative “ - that over the years, we have seen exceptionally low participation by governors in voting, and in participating in CFC affairs in various ways. For example, CFC motion 2009-06, voted on by e-mail in December 2008, had only 15 governors voting out of a total of 61 – this is an abysmal participation rate of 25% ! Motions 2009 -5, 7, and 8 did a bit better, with an average of 28 governors voting, but even then we are still at a less than 50% participation rate ( only 46 % ). We feel that this impairs the effectiveness of the organization, and demoralizes those who do participate.
One of the problems is that the provincial associations have trouble recruiting sufficient good candidates for the high number of current governor positions. Simply put, there are not enough good people to go around. Consequently, in an attempt to fill the seats, the provinces drag members in who have little commitment to working for the organization, though they may agree to have their names put forward, to be cooperative. But they have no intention of participating. If the number of positions was reduced by 50%, the provinces would have a chance of filling the lower number of places with good candidates.
Our governor structure has great merit – it is democratic and representative. But decision-making needs to be streamlined.

Motion # 2 :Moved: Governor Patrick McDonald; Seconded: Governor Paul Leblanc .
Governors-at-Large – Past CFC Presidents: Section 6 of By-law # 2 is amended by deleting
“ the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least two full terms. A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next.”

and deleting
“ the past Presidents who have been granted the life title of Governor at Large as at September 1994. “
There shall be added after the words “ five years “ in the remaining section, the sentence “ A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next.”

Commentary:

The current appointment of past CFC Presidents under the CFC Handbook is under section 6 of Bylaw 2, which states:

" 6.GOVERNORS AT LARGE

The following persons shall be known as Governors at large:

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least two full terms. A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next.

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least one full term in the immediately preceding five years.
.
.
the past Presidents who have been granted the life title of Governor at Large as at September 1994. "

The new revised section will now read ( as to the part referring to former Presidents ):

" 6. GOVERNORS AT LARGE

The following persons shall be known as Governors at large:…

the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least one full term in the immediately preceding five years. A term is that period between one annual meeting and the next. “.


Given the 50% reduction of democratically elected governors under motion # 1, the number of past president governors should also be reduced by 50%, to avoid increasing the influence of the non-elected governors. The balance between elected and unelected governors must be maintained. As well, it is felt that it is undemocratic for CFC to have “ Life “ governors.
Thus this motion will eliminate all life governor presidents ( appointed on and before September 1994 ), and any past president who was elected more than five years ago.
We do recognize the loss of experience in the Assembly our motion will cause, and the contributions life governors have made, but we have kept on the past presidents from the last 5 years. These are the presidents that have the most claim on some type of “ recently elected “ factor. And they are the most current past presidents, and so have been dealing with the newest issues facing the organization. As well, earlier past presidents can always run again for provincial governor if they want to stay active. Also, they can easily let it be known that they are more than ready to give advice when asked, or to serve as member volunteers on committees, etc.
Currently there are 10 ( one apparently has asked to be removed but that hasn’t been done yet ) past president governors ( some life governors ) under this section. The potential number of such governors-at-large could be reduced to the most recent 5 presidents ( and Life Governors eliminated ), by deleting the 2 of three categories identified in the motion:

“ the past Presidents of the Federation who have served as President for at least two full terms “

and

“the past Presidents who have been granted the life title of Governor at Large as at September 1994. “

NOTES: See next post

Revision # 8, April 7, 2009

[Bob Armstrong]

Motions # 1 & 2:

NOTES:

1. “ Constitutional Amendments “: These amendments are considered “ constitutional amendments “ under Bylaw # 3 of the CFC, section 3, which is:

BY-LAW NUMBER THREE OF THE CHESS FEDERATION OF CANADA
ANNUAL MEETING AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
1. ….
2. All matters to be decided by the Assembly, shall be decided by a majority vote, save as hereinafter provided.
3. Any amendment or revision of these By-Laws; any matter pertaining to any international agreement between the Federation and any international or foreign Chess Federation or Association; and any matter pertaining to the payment of dues to the Fédération International des Echecs may be made,
(a) at any Annual Meeting of the Assembly, providing that a notice of intention to submit such matter to a vote has been received by the Secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of such Annual Meeting and has been transmitted by the Secretary to each Governor at least 14 days prior to the date of such Annual Meeting and that any resolution pertaining to such matter shall be approved by at least a two-thirds majority of the votes of those present and entitled to vote, including proxy votes.
(b) at any time through a mail vote of Assembly, providing that the exact wording of such proposed amendments or revision, or of the resolution to be passed by the Board through mail vote is submitted to each Governor at least fourteen days before the expiry of the time limit specified by the President for the receipt of the votes by the Secretary, and that at least one-half of the number of votes eligible to be cast has been received by the Secretary, and there is a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast in favour of the proposed amendment or revision or resolution.
2. The CFC Member Vote for CFC Governor: The CFC Handbook has a modified system of “ One member – one vote “ :

CFC Bylaw 1

ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP

5. Any person, ordinarily resident in Canada, may become an Ordinary Member of the Federation, for the then-current fiscal year, upon payment of the Membership per Capita Fee, directly to the Federation, or through his Provincial Organization. Every Ordinary or Life Member has a right to vote on the appointment or election of the Governor or Governors who will represent his Provincial Organization. Every Ordinary or Life Member has a right to vote on the appointment or election of the Governor or Governors who will represent his Provincial Organization at the assembly of Governors but shall not be entitled to vote under any other circumstances unless specifically provided in these by-laws.

CFC Rules and Regulations, Article 1

SELECTION OF GOVERNORS BY PROVINCIAL ORGANIZATION

9. As soon as possible after the receipt by a Provincial Organization of the aforementioned Certificate, such body will convene a meeting of its Federation Members for the purpose of electing its necessary number of nominees for the Board for the ensuing term.

3. The current number of Governors-at-Large are:

A - Executive - 7
B – Non-Executive Officers - Masters' Representative and Women's Coordinator - 2
C - Representative of Chess Foundation of Canada, and, Canadian Correspondence Chess Association - 2
D - Canadian Champion and Runner-Up - 2
E – Former CFC Presidents ( some Life Governors ) – 10 ( as now shown on the CFC website ); almost equal the votes of the other Governors-at-Large )

Total – 23

4. Some positive governor comments:

A ) Both Motions:

- “ the motions make sense “ – Governor Mark Dutton ( though for other reasons he declined to move the motions )

B) Motion # 1:

“ I can support that “ – Governor Maurice Smith ( though for other reasons, he declined to move the motion )

“ I would likely support [ motion # 1 ] “ – Governor Phil Haley ( though for other reasons he declined to second the motion at the time asked )

5. CFC Constitutional Coalition Members/Motions Supporters ( as of Feb. 15, 2009 )

See post above

[Ken Craft]

I resent the proposal to cut me in half.

[Kevin Pacey]

Hi Bob

The late Kalev Pugi believed that when an organization such as the CFC is still in a critical growth period (see EP# 70), a restructuring so that it operates in a more business-like manner is a critical decision that needs to be taken. The CFC has definitely decayed back to such a critical period. While I am not sure the motion you present here is the way to go (perhaps the CFC assembly/executive ought to include at least the presidents of provincial associations, like in other federations), at the EOCA AGM the topic came up, and if your motion here fails to pass at some point others may step forward to pick up the ball.

[Ken Craft]

Cutting the number of Governors in half disproportionately hurts smaller provinces. I'd support a floor of 2 Governors per province.

[Erik Malmsten]

I don't know what the present problems are with Governors, and doubt whether the size of the body is the issue that makes the Governors a problem. Would Governor letters come out faster? Would results be counted faster? Is there any factual data that size is the problem? That a smaller governor group would have voted any differently? That there would be better cooperation between the executive and governors?

I see Governors as being representatives of chess centres, rather than players. If a province has a west chess club and east chess club, I think it's important to have representation from both areas. Shutting out regions makes then feel that the national body does not represent them.

By making local, volunteer organizers Governors pushes them to participate nationally. It may exposes them to what's involved in running a national event, which they may want to do in the future. Removing them as Governors removes their input, ideas, and work and reduces the liklihood of them organizing a national event in the future.

Maybe having a level of input and cooperation of local organizers can be established as a non-voting network. Some kind of exchange of ideas on how to organize, run tournaments, settle disputes and promote chess in local clubs, community centres and schools. Don't throw them out with the bathwater, put these dedicated volunteers on committees. The more people organizing and promoting chess the better.

[Peter McKillop]

Motion # 1 - to cut the provincial representation governors by half;
Motion # 2 - to eliminate life governor past presidents ( cutting past president governors-at-large by half ).

I move that the word by be deleted from each of these motions and replaced with the word in.

[Peter McKillop]

D'oh! I should have read your post first, Ken.

[Eric Van Dusen]

For the most part, I agree with the intention of Bob Armstrong's grass roots motion. However, this motion in of itself does not address the true difficulties facing the board of governors. Essentially too many governors do not participate in the governing of the CFC through commentary and voting.

At this point, only half of the governors vote on a regular basis. In this way, it does make sense to cut half the governors, with the proviso that each province has at least one governor.

As for cutting out of the life governors who were presidents, let us remember that the presidency is a thankless job, which requires a large commitment of free time. In my opinion, presidents who earn the position of the life governor have demonstrated their love and commitment to the CFC. I believe that their continuing contribution is helpful for the CFC especially with respect to corporate memory.

To address, the non-participation of governors, I would institute the baseball rule: If a governor has not participated through commentary and voting in three consecutive governors’ letters, then the governor is expelled and the provincial association will be required to nominate a new governor.

Cheers, Eric Van Dusen
Ottawa RA Club Executive Member,
CFC and OCA Governor