By-Laws Vote 2021

On the chance multiple ballots are received from the same member, only the first one will be recorded, all subsequent submissions will be discarded.

Below please find the current bylaws in Black lettering, the Red lettering is the proposed revision to be voted on, and Blue is an explanation for the change. Please choose either for, against or abstain for each section.

Voter Information

Please ensure all areas are filled out completely.

Code of Ethics

Current Version

Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics is presented for members of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada. who are breeders and/or owners of Golden Retrievers. This code embodies two of the foremost aims of the G.R.C.C., namely, the welfare and improvement of the breed, and the promotion of the interest of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada.

Revised Version

Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics outlines high standards of practice for members of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada. who are breeders and/or owners of Golden Retrievers. The Code of Ethics embodies important goals of the GRCC, in promoting the ongoing health, well-being and preservation of the Golden Retriever breed.

Explanation: Simple tidying up of wording with focus more on the purpose of the COE.

Current Version

An ethical breeder is constantly aware of the underlying responsibilities to the breed and conducts all related activities as follows:

Section 1 MEMBER CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Members make available to the novice, the benefit of their knowledge, experience, advice and service and serve as mentors to those new to the breed or sport of dogs.
  2. At all times, members shall conduct themselves in a manner which reflects credit upon themselves, the Club, and the breed. When confronted by a situation not covered by the Code of Ethics, the actions of the Club member should reflect the treatment the Club member would expect under similar circumstances.
  3. Members should strive to maintain the best possible standards of environment, nutrition, and health care for their dogs. Dogs should also be properly socialized, regularly exercised and receive basic training.
  4. Members should diligently strive to educate prospective owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and about the Golden Retriever, its care requirements and needs, as well as potential hereditary defects found in the breed.
  5. Breeders should undertake rigorous screening and assessment of all potential puppy purchasers as to their suitability as owners and their ability to raise and maintain a Golden Retriever for its lifetime.
  6. Members should ensure that their dogs are not a nuisance to their neighbours or the community and that they are properly controlled, inoculated, licensed and supervised at all times. Members should try to do all they can to foster good relations between dogs, their owners and the community.

Revised Version

An ethical breeder is constantly aware of the underlying responsibilities to the breed and conducts all related activities as follows:

Section 1 MEMBER CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Members make available to the novice, the benefit of their knowledge, experience, advice and service and serve as mentors to those new to the breed or sport of dogs.
  2. At all times, members shall conduct themselves in a manner which reflects credit upon themselves, the Club, and the breed. When confronted by a situation not covered by the Code of Ethics, the actions of the Club member should reflect the treatment the Club member would expect under similar circumstances.
  3. Members should strive to maintain the best possible standards of environment, nutrition, and health care for their dogs. Dogs should also be properly socialized, regularly exercised and receive basic training in decent manners to ensure they become good canine citizens.
  4. Members should diligently strive to educate prospective owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and about the Golden Retriever, its care requirements and needs, as well as potential hereditary defects found in the breed.
  5. Breeders should undertake rigorous screening and assessment of all potential puppy purchasers as to their suitability as owners and their ability to raise and maintain a Golden Retriever for its lifetime.
  6. Members should ensure that their dogs are not a nuisance to their neighbours or the community and that they are properly controlled, inoculated, licensed and supervised at all times. Members should try to do all they can to foster good relations between dogs, their owners and the community.

Explanation: Simple tidying up of wording adding training description to include good dog manners as canine citizens.

Current Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES

 

Revised Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES

Introduction

  1. The Code of Ethics is intended to act as a guideline to best possible breeding practices.
  2. Recognizing that narrowing of the gene pool is detrimental to the breed and that no dog is genetically perfect, the GRCC stresses that maintaining a rich and diverse gene pool is important for the long-term health of the breed. Good breeding decisions must balance many factors. It is, therefore, suggested that breeders give the highest health priority to selection against heritable disorders that significantly decrease quality of life or negatively impact life span, and select for genetics that have the greatest likelihood for improvement through careful breeding decisions. A focus on the longevity of the dogs in any given vertical and horizontal pedigree is strongly recommended. Breeders of Golden Retrievers are encouraged to always make the age and the cause of death of any breeding dog publicly available.
  3. Breeders are strongly encouraged to make the results, normal and abnormal, of all health testing, (orthopedic, cardiac, ophthalmologist and DNA reports) publicly available by submitting these to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) online registry. Keeping the information up-to-date on online data bases such as k9data would also be ideal.

Explanation: This introduction did not exist in original COE and was added to stress the purpose of these Code of Ethics and the ultimate goal of proper breeding practices. Much emphasis has been made on the clearances but consideration to longevity must also be at the forefront of a breeders decision making process. Few people update the online databases with the clearances as well as the cause of death so there is added encouragement to breeders to keep public information up-to-date. Stressing that all testing results are important normal and abnormal and should be made publicly available. Changed numbering/bulleting for clarity.

 

Please note, the following Section 2 proposed changes are split into three separate votes. They are labeled as Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 for tallying purposes only.

Current Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES (2017)

1. Selection of Breeding Stock:

  1. The breeder must ensure that all breeding is carried out with the Canadian Kennel Club  breed standard in mind.
  2. The breeder uses only healthy adult dogs and bitches that are at least 24 months of age that are physically and mentally sound.

Revised Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES

B. Selection of Breeding Stock:

  1. The breeder must ensure that all breeding is based on the requirements of the Canadian Kennel Club breed standard. Important considerations should include temperament, appearance, structure, and natural abilities, always remembering the Golden Retriever is “primarily a hunting dog”.
  2. The breeder uses only healthy adults that are physically and mentally mature. As breeding decisions are based on health clearances, the recommended age to start breeding is 24 months or older, especially for females. Starting a stud dog with good or better preliminary clearances at 18 months, along with cardiac, eye and DNA reports, may be acceptable in some cases but must always be followed up by final hip and elbow reports at 24 months.
  3. Caution must always be employed when considering breeding any dog that has evaluation results of unknown (or indeterminate) inherited causes such as an equivocal ultrasound cardiac exam or unilateral grade 1 elbow. The preservation, improvement and welfare of the Golden Retriever breed must always be taken into consideration when making these decisions and the risks and benefits carefully weighed. Full disclosure of the health and clearance status of any breeding stock must be disclosed to the new owners of any offspring resulting from such a breeding.

Explanation: Added wording to stress the ultimate goals of these breeding practice recommendations and to add guidelines to certain practices that are already being implemented. Added “primarily a hunting dog” to remind breeders to keep the original purpose and natural ability of the breed at the forefront when making breeding decisions. Also added temperament as that is one of the hallmarks of the Golden Retriever breed. Part 3 is an addition.

Current Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES

3. In consideration of the aim of the overall improvement of the breed, the breeder must decline any breeding when the presence of any undesirable or potentially debilitating genetic or behavioural trait is known or suspected in either the sire or the dam. As a minimum requirement, all breeding stock should hold:

  1. A certificate of examination from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) prior to its discontinuation of its registry in 2012, indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia; or a report of examination from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia at the minimum age of 24 months; or a report of examination from BVA (British Veterinary Association) indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia at a minimum age of 24 months, or a report of examination from PennHip at a minimum age of 18 months indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia; or an appropriate clearance from the dog’s country of residency
  2. A certificate of examination from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) prior to its discontinuation of its registry in 2012, indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia; or a report of examination from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia at the minimum age of 24 months; or a report of examination from BVA (British Veterinary Association) indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia at a minimum age of 24 months; or an appropriate clearance from the dog’s country of residency.
  3. A current annual certificate of examination indicating no evidence of inherited eye disease or functional abnormalities of the eye from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) or a member of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (CAVO) or an appropriate clearance from the dog’s country of residency. Annual eye examinations are recommended for the lifetime of the dog due to late onset of eye disorders such as pigmentary uveitis.
  4. A Certificate of examination from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine- Cardiology (DACVIM-C) indicating no physical signs of cardiovascular disease; or Where a DACVIM-C is unavailable, a certificate of examination indicating no physical signs of cardiovascular disease from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with qualifications acceptable for OFA cardiology certification.
  5. DNA tests are available for a number of diseases that affect Golden Retrievers (such as eye disorders, prcd-PRA, GR-PRA1 &2, Degenerative Myelopathy and a skin condition, Ichthyosis), and more are being added with time. The decision to test or not should include considerations such as: the seriousness of the disease, the reliability of the test, the prevalence of the disease in the breed, and the presence of affected or carrier dogs in the vertical pedigree. The ideal use of DNA tests is to prevent producing affected puppies, while at the same time maintaining genetic diversity and gradually decreasing the prevalence of the disease gene(s) in the breed. Members are strongly encouraged to use DNA testing to help make wise breeding decisions. Owners of frequently used stud dogs are strongly urged to test their dogs, especially if they are considering to breeding to untested females.
  6. Consideration should also be given to other conditions that may have a genetic component, including but not limited to: cancer, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, skin disorders, allergies, longevity, swallowing disorders and orthopedic disorders such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Recognizing that no dog is genetically perfect; that maintaining a rich and diverse gene pool is important for the long- term health of the breed; and that good breeding decisions must balance many factors, it is suggested that breeders give the highest health priority to selection against heritable disorders that significantly decrease quality of life and that have the greatest likelihood for improvement through careful breeding decisions. Difficult decisions should be resolved in a manner that places the best interests of the dogs and the breed at the forefront.

Revised Version

Section 2 BREEDING PRACTICES

4. In consideration of the aim of the overall improvement of the breed, the breeder must decline any breeding when the presence of any undesirable, potentially debilitating genetic or behavioural trait is known or suspected in either the sire or the dam. All breeding stock should hold:

a)• a report of examination from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia at 24 months.

• a report of examination at 24 months from BVA (British Veterinary Association) indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia.

• an evaluation report from PennHip at a minimum age of 18 months indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia.

• an appropriate report from the dog’s country of residency.

Foreign orthopedic results are acceptable for imported semen but imported dogs should acquire GRCC recommended evaluations prior to being bred in North America. When using frozen semen from stud dogs that are deceased, a certificate of examination from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), prior to the discontinuation of its registry in 2012, indicating no evidence of hip dysplasia is acceptable.
b)• a report of examination from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia at 24 months.

• a report of examination at 24 months from BVA (British Veterinary Association) indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia.

• an appropriate report from the dog’s country of residency.

Foreign Orthopedic results are acceptable for imported semen but imported dogs should acquire GRCC recommended evaluations prior to being bred in North America. When using frozen semen from stud dogs that are deceased, a certificate of examination from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), prior to the discontinuation of its registry in 2012, indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia is acceptable. A CT scan to distinguish elbow dysplasia from other anomalies of the elbow joint may be necessary under certain circumstances. If any anomaly is found, careful attention must be paid to only breeding to a pedigree that possesses in-depth elbow clearances for several generations. 
c)A current annual certificate of examination indicating no evidence of inherited eye disease or functional abnormalities of the eye from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO) or a member of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (CAVO) or an appropriate clearance from the dog’s country of residency. Annual eye examinations are recommended for the lifetime of the dog due to late onset of eye disorders such as pigmentary uveitis (GRPU). GRPU is becoming a serious concern in many North American Golden Retrievers, and it is therefore strongly recommended that pedigree research in this regard is done before any breeding takes place. Breeders are strongly encouraged to make all findings of GRPU in breeding dogs available to the public.
d)Cardiac reports should follow the current recommendations from OFA with the Advanced Cardiac examination being the gold standard. At a minimum, heart clearances should include a certificate of examination from a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine- Cardiology (DACVIM-C) indicating no physical signs of cardiovascular disease; or where a DACVIM-C is unavailable, a certificate of examination indicating no physical signs of cardiovascular disease from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with qualifications acceptable for OFA cardiology certification. In the event that echocardiograms are unavailable, yearly auscultation exams are suggested as a best practice. However, should there be an “equivocal” result, further testing and evaluation by a specialist is highly recommended if the dog is to be considered for breeding. When there is an equivocal finding on the cardiac report and under the guidance of the cardiologist the dog must only be mated with dogs that have the OFA advanced cardiac examination.
e)DNA tests for autosomal recessive traits are available for a number of diseases that affect Golden Retrievers such as eye disorders (prcd-PRA, GR-PRA1 & 2), Degenerative Myelopathy, Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) and two variations of the skin condition, Ichthyosis. More tests are being added over time. The decision to test or not should include considerations such as: the seriousness of the disease, the reliability of the test, the prevalence of the disease in the breed, and the presence of affected or carrier dogs in the pedigree. The ideal use of DNA tests is to prevent producing affected puppies, while at the same time maintaining genetic diversity and gradually decreasing the prevalence of the disease gene(s) in the breed. Members are strongly encouraged to use DNA testing to help make wise breeding decisions.
f)Further consideration should also be given to other conditions that likely have a genetic component, including but not limited to: Cancers, especially those that through pedigree research have been shown to have a familial connection (such as, but not limited to: Hemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma ), epilepsy, hypothyroidism, skin disorders, allergies, swallowing disorders and orthopedic disorders such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Difficult decisions should be resolved in a manner that places the best interests of the dogs and the breed at the forefront.

Explanation: Changed numbering/bulleting for clarity. Provided guidelines to certain practices that are already being considered by breeders. Clarified clearances from overseas dogs and how they relate to breeding in Canada, especially in countries where clearances might be acceptable at 12 months old. Recognize that some breeders might not have access to specialists so offered minimum requirements to assist in breeding decisions. Stressing all clearance results be made public and accessible. Identifying GRPU as a much more serious concern than in past years.

Current Version

2. Before deciding to produce a litter, the breeder considers the possibility of properly placing puppies which cannot be kept by the breeder. Breeders should also be prepared to co-operate in the re-homing of dogs they have bred or owned should it be necessary.

3. Health: The breeder keeps all stock under sanitary conditions and gives maximum health protection through de-worming, inoculations, and annual veterinary examinations.

4. Breeding Management: The breeder should space the litters of any bitch by allowing a maximum of two (2) consecutive litters and a maximum of three (3) litters within five (5) heats.

Revised Version

C. Before deciding to produce a litter, the breeder considers the possibility of properly placing puppies which cannot be kept by the breeder. Breeders should also be prepared to co-operate in the re-homing of dogs they have bred or owned should it be necessary.

D. Health: The breeder keeps all stock under sanitary conditions and gives maximum health protection through regular de-worming, inoculations, grooming and veterinary examinations.

E. Breeding Management: The breeder should space the litters of any bitch by allowing a maximum of two consecutive litters and a maximum of three litters within five heats. Exceptions to this general recommendation is when the females cycle only once yearly or when the health of the female is best served by consecutive litters. It is recommended that a female not be bred after the age of eight years of age.

Explanation: Changed numbering/bulleting for clarity. Tidied up wording, addition of some important health aspects and clarified management of a brood female. Changed “annual veterinary exams” to “regular” as even vets are no longer requiring exams on a yearly basis.

Current Version

  1. All advertising is factual. It is not so worded as to be misleading or misrepresentative, to attract undesirable buyers or to encourage the raising of Golden Retrievers merely as a money-making scheme.
  2. The Club will not accept any advertising or information to be printed in a Club publication regarding future breedings, upcoming or existing litters, or stud services, that indicates the existence of a certificate of examination for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye, heart, blood, or other conditions, unless a copy of the certificate of examination, indicated in the advertisement or information, is provided at the time of submission.

Revised Version

All advertising, (print or electronic), is factual. It is not so worded as to be misleading or misrepresentative, to attract undesirable buyers or to encourage the raising of Golden Retrievers merely as a money-making scheme.

The Club will not accept any advertising or information to be printed in a Club publication regarding future breedings, upcoming or existing litters, or stud services, that indicates the existence of a certificate of examination for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye, heart, blood, or other conditions, unless a copy of the certificate of examination (paper, digital or online database link), indicated in the advertisement or information, is provided at the time of submission.

Explanation: Dropped numbering/bulleting for clarity. Brought statements up to date with regard to digital and online options.

Current Version

1. General:

  1. The breeder does not supply puppies or adult dogs to pet stores, commercial dealers, for raffles, giveaway prizes, or other such projects.
  2. The breeder sells Golden Retrievers, permits stud service and leases studs or bitches only to individuals who give satisfactory evidence that they will give them proper care and attention, and who are in accord with this Code of Ethics.
  3. The breeder does not sell puppies via web brokers.

2. Contracts:

  1. The breeder sells Golden Retrievers, permits stud service and leases studs or bitches with a written contract which outlines the obligations and responsibilities of both seller and purchaser regarding the purchase arrangements, fees, financial arrangements, breeding/non-breeding conditions of the sale, replacement or refund warranties, health warranties, co-ownership terms, and conditions for removal of the CKC Non-Breeding Agreement.
  2. The written contract must clearly state the maximum time limit for all terms and conditions of the contract and/or warranty. Conditions of acceptance of deposits on puppies or stud services and terms of full or partial refunds or forfeiture of deposits must also be clearly stated in writing.

3. Sale of puppies:

  1. The breeder provides buyers with written details of feeding, general care, dates of de- worming and a certificate of all inoculations given.
  2. The breeder will provide buyers with a three- generation pedigree and the results of any hip, elbow, eye, heart and blood examination carried out on the dog being purchased and on its sire and dam.
  3. All puppies leaving the breeder’s possession should be at least seven (7) weeks old, be identified by a tattoo or microchip and have received a health examination by a veterinarian.

4. Non-Breeding Agreement:

  1. All Golden Retrievers sold in Canada should be sold on the Canadian Kennel Club Non- Breeding Agreement. The agreement should not be canceled unless the adult dog obtains the minimum requirements for breeding stock as defined in section 2(1), Selection of Breeding Stock, or unless the breeder has proof the dog has been spayed or neutered. Exceptions to this clause may be made in cases where breeders are selling Golden Retrievers to foreign countries or to individuals wishing to exhibit in a foreign country such as the United States. In such cases, a private purchase agreement must be executed between the breeder and purchaser which is in keeping with the principles of the use of the Canadian Kennel Club Non- Breeding Agreement and this Code of Ethics.
  2. The breeder shall not charge the buyer a fee to cancel the CKC Non-Breeding Agreement, except for reimbursement of the applicable CKC fees.

Revised Version

A. General:

  1. All breeders agree to abide by the Code of Ethics for Canadian Kennel Club breeders.
  2. The breeder DOES NOT supply puppies or adult dogs to pet stores, commercial dealers, for raffles, giveaway prizes, or other such projects.
  3. The breeder sells Golden Retrievers, permits stud service and leases studs or bitches only to individuals who give satisfactory evidence that they will give them proper care and attention, and who are in accord with this Code of Ethics.
  4. The breeder DOES NOT sell puppies via web brokers.
  5. The breeder abides by the Canadian Kennel Club Bylaws (29.2) and may not charge an additional fee for CKC registration when selling any puppy or adult dog.
  6. The breeder DOES NOT engage in breeding non-purebred dogs.

B. Contracts:

  1. The breeder sells Golden Retrievers, permits stud service and leases studs or bitches with a written contract which outlines the obligations and responsibilities of both seller and purchaser regarding the purchase arrangements, breach of contract penalties, fees, financial arrangements, breeding/non-breeding conditions of the sale, replacement or refund warranties, health warranties, co-ownership terms, and conditions for removal of the CKC Non-Breeding Agreement.
  2. The written contract must clearly state the maximum time limit for all terms and conditions of the contract and/or warranty. Conditions of acceptance of deposits on puppies or stud services and terms of full or partial refunds or forfeiture of deposits must also be clearly stated in writing.

C. Sale of puppies:

  1. The breeder provides buyers with written details of feeding, general care, dates of de-worming and a certificate of all inoculations given.
  2. The breeder will provide buyers with a printed or digital pedigree and the results of any hip, elbow, eye, heart and DNA examinations carried out on the dog being purchased and on its sire and dam.
  3. All puppies leaving the breeder’s possession should be at least seven (7) weeks old but preferably 8 weeks or over, be identified by a tattoo or microchip, have received initial inoculations or titres (or nomograph report on the dam) and have received a health examination by a veterinarian.

D. Non-Breeding Agreement:

  1. All Golden Retrievers sold in Canada should be sold on the Canadian Kennel Club Non- Breeding Agreement. The agreement should not be canceled unless the adult dog obtains the minimum requirements for breeding stock as defined in section 2(B), Selection of Breeding Stock, or unless the breeder has proof the dog has been spayed or neutered. Exceptions to this clause may be made in cases where breeders are selling Golden Retrievers to foreign countries or to individuals wishing to exhibit in a foreign country such as the United States. In such cases, a private purchase agreement must be executed between the breeder and purchaser which is in keeping with the principles of the use of the Canadian Kennel Club Non- Breeding Agreement and this Code of Ethics.
  2. The breeder shall not charge the buyer a fee to cancel the CKC Non-Breeding Agreement, except for reimbursement of the applicable CKC fees.

Explanation: Changed numbering/bulleting for clarity. Clarified serious breaches of ethical breeding practices. Tidied up wording.

Current Version

The breeder registers all Golden Retrievers born in Canada with the Canadian Kennel Club and keeps accurate records, as required by the Canadian Kennel Club, including records of all breedings, whelpings, identification of dogs and pedigrees.

Revised Version

The breeder registers all Golden Retrievers born in Canada with the Canadian Kennel Club and keeps accurate records, as required by the Canadian Kennel Club, including records of all stud- services, whelpings, identification of all dogs and pedigrees.

Explanation: Added stud service records

Bylaws

Current Version

ARTICLE I Section 3 CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

  1. Life Membership (Voting)
    Life Membership may be awarded to persons who are or have been Ordinary Members and who have made outstanding contributions to the GRCC. The name of the proposed Life Member will be presented at the GRCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) by the Board of Directors for a two-thirds (2/3) majority consent of the members present. All Life Members shall be free from payment of fees. Life members shall enjoy all the privileges of Ordinary membership in the Club. Any Life Member who passes on will automatically be transitioned to “Honourary Member”.
  2. Honourary Membership (Non-Voting)
    Honourary Members shall have no voting rights nor may they hold office. Honourary Membership may be awarded to those persons who have made outstanding contributions to the GRCC, and whose names have been presented at a GRCC AGM by the Board of Directors for a two-thirds (2/3) majority consent of the members present. Honourary Members shall be free from payment of membership fees. Honourary members may also consist of any Life Members who have passed on. Their name will automatically be transitioned to “Honourary Member” and remain so in perpetuity.

Revised Version

ARTICLE I Section 3 CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

  1. Life Membership (Voting)
    Life Membership may be awarded to persons who are or have been Ordinary Members and who have made outstanding contributions to the GRCC. Nomination of the proposed Life Member should be submitted to the Board along with a detailed description of the Nominee’s achievements and activities in the GRCC.  A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board is required for awarding the Life membership. The new Life Member will be announced by the Board of Directors at the GRCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at the National Specialty Banquet. All Life Members shall be free from payment of membership fees. Life members shall enjoy all the privileges of Ordinary membership in the Club. Any Life Member who passes on will automatically be transitioned to “Honourary Member”. 
  2. Honourary Membership (Non-Voting)
    Honourary Members shall have no voting rights nor may they hold office. Honourary Membership may be awarded to those persons who have made outstanding contributions to the GRCC and may or may not be members of the Club. Nomination of the proposed Honourary Member should be submitted to the Board along with a detailed description of the Nominee’s achievements and activities in and for the GRCC. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board is required for awarding the Honourary membership. The new Honourary Member will be announced by the Board of Directors at the GRCC Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at the National Specialty Banquet. Honourary Members shall be free from payment of membership fees. Honourary members may also consist of any Life Members who have passed on. Their name will automatically be transitioned to “Honourary Member” and remain so in perpetuity.

Explanation: It has become apparent that it is difficult to find a way to vote on this nomination in a tactful manner at the AGM when the nominee is actually present. Under the present Bylaws members have no chance to think about it or even find out who the person is. Basically, the majority of the membership would be going on the approval from the Board to accept the nomination anyway so it might as well be the Board who has the final decision.  

In the above changes note that we are amending the Board vote from a simple majority to two thirds, as the membership will no longer be involved in the voting.  

“Membership” added to fees in life members description to be clear that it is not all fees they are now free from, this is just a tidy up.

Current Version

ARTICLE I Section 4 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Application for membership shall be submitted on a form approved by the Board of Directors. Said form may be changed from time to time at the Board’s discretion. The application must be signed and/or electronically signed by the applicant(s). Application forms are to be forwarded to the Membership Secretary via Canada Post or electronic mail accompanied by the membership dues (which may be submitted via electronic means). The name, address and email address of the Membership Secretary will be published on the GRCC Website. In the case of Affiliate Club Membership, the application must be submitted on the approved form and signed and/or electronically signed by the President, Vice-President and Secretary of that Club.

Revised Version

ARTICLE I Section 4 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Application for membership shall be submitted on a form approved by the Board of Directors. Said form may be changed from time to time at the Board’s discretion. The application must be signed and/or electronically signed by the applicant(s). Application forms are to be forwarded to the contact indicated on the form via Canada Post or electronic mail accompanied by the membership dues (which may be submitted via electronic means). The name, address and email address of the contact (Treasurer or Membership Secretary) will be published on the GRCC Website. In the case of Affiliate Club Membership, the application must be submitted on the Board approved affiliate club application/renewal form and submitted by any member of that club’s executive. The form may be printed and mailed, along with the dues, to the contact information on the form via Canada Post. Alternatively the form may be submitted online and the dues sent via Canada Post or electronic means.

Explanation: At present there is no downloadable or online application form for affiliate club applications and they have had to use the regular membership form. In the past, three of the affiliate club’s executive needed to sign the form but this cannot be done online, makes it awkward and difficult for clubs applying and doesn’t seem to serve any purpose. The amendment to this By-Law simply streamlines the process for both the club and the GRCC Membership Secretary. Once this amendment is approved new, updated forms can be added to the GRCC website.

Current Version

a. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Club and By-Laws of the Canadian Kennel Club bind each member fully as though he/she/it had subscribed his/her name and affixed his/her/their signature thereto. The Constitution shall be duplicated or printed and a copy delivered to each member when deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, and to each person at the time of application.

b. No person shall be absolved from the effects of the Constitution and Bylaws or any allegation of not having received it, or of ignorance of its content or meaning.

c. By-Laws can be changed by a simple majority vote of the membership at any time.

Revised Version

a. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Club and By-Laws of the Canadian Kennel Club bind each member fully as though they had subscribed their name and affixed their signature or electronic signature thereto. The Constitution shall be available to all members via the Club’s website. All new members shall be informed of all information available to them on the Club’s website at the time their application is approved.

b. No person shall be absolved from the effects of the Constitution and By-laws or any allegation of not having received it, or of ignorance of its content or meaning.

c. By-laws can be changed at any time by Board approved modifications submitted to the membership for a simple majority vote. The vote may be conducted by regular or electronic means, as determined by the Board. Amendments to the constitution and/or by-laws will be forwarded to the CKC Shows and Trials Division within thirty (30) days of being passed.

Explanation:Changed”he/she/it” to they and added electronic to payment means. As the Club no longer sends out copies of the Constitution or other documents to new members, it was removed and replaced with reference to the Club website. Inserted all changes should be submitted to CKC.

Current Version

Section 1 GENERAL
  1. The Club shall encourage and support Affiliate Member Clubs and GRCC Members in good standing in hosting GRCC sponsored events including, but not limited to, specialty shows, obedience/rally trials, tracking tests, working certificate tests, field trials, hunt tests, sanction matches, educational seminars and health clinics.
  2. Affiliate Member Clubs, or individual members in good standing, wishing to host a GRCC sponsored event, shall make application to the Board of Directors on the designated application form. The application must be submitted in sufficient time to allow for adequate planning and, if necessary, Canadian Kennel Club approval for the event. The application may be submitted by mail or electronically.
  3. A proposed budget and any request for an advance loan must accompany the application to host a GRCC sponsored event.
  4. All profits/losses arising from a GRCC sponsored event hosted by an Affiliate Member Club shall be shared on the basis of fifty percent (50%) for the host club and fifty percent (50%) for the GRCC.
  5. The host club(s) must send a detailed financial report to the GRCC treasurer within three (3)months of each event and before the year end of December 31st.

Section 2 NATIONAL SPECIALTY

  1. Events to be included: Conformation show, Obedience trial and Working Certificate/Working Certificate Intermediate/Working Certificate Excellent must be held. As approved by the Board, the host club may additionally decide to include as many as possible of any other activities and events in conjunction with the National Specialty.
  2. Total time: Total time for all National Specialty events should not exceed one (1) week.
  3. Host Club Proposal: Proposal must be made by an Affiliate Club preferably two (2) years prior to the year in which said host Club wishes to host the National Specialty. A proposal can be received by the Board at any time. The proposal must include details of events to be held, dates, location, indication that dates would be CKC approved, proposed budget and names of committee chairs.
  4. Selection of Host Club: Selection of the host club will be done by the Board of Directors. Included in the criteria for selection are: desirability of geographic rotation, number of events planned, thoroughness of planning and organization. The host club selected must receive a majority of votes cast by the Board of Directors. Announcement of the selected host club, date and venue will be made to the membership in the next Golden Leaves publication, on the GRCC website and, when appropriate, via electronic Bulletin.
  5. Host Club Responsibilities: The host club will provide interim reports to the Board of Directors at least every six (6) months. It will be necessary to obtain approval from the Board of Directors for any significant deviation from the proposed budget (5%+). The host club will make the necessary arrangements for the holding of the Annual Board of Directors Meeting, the AGM, and the Annual Awards dinner. The host club will return to the GRCC any advance plus fifty percent (50%) of the financial profit made on the events held at the National Specialty. Host club must send a detailed financial report to the GRCC treasurer within three (3) months of the event and before the year end of December 31st. The host club will be responsible for reporting to the Newsletter Editor the results and placements of each and every event held for publication in the Club newsletter. The host club will assume responsibility for all expenses usually associated with the holding of CKC licensed events and assume responsibility for all CKC required paperwork and record-keeping as is usual with the holding of CKC licensed events.
  6. GRCC Responsibilities: On approval of the host club by the GRCC, the Club may provide a refundable advance to permit the host club to bridge early expenses. The GRCC will ship Keeper Trophies to the host club in time to be awarded at the National Specialty. The Club will assume financial responsibility for the cost of the site for the Directors’ Meeting, the AGM and the Annual Awards dinner.

Revised Version

Section 1 GENERAL


The Club shall encourage and support Affiliate Member Clubs and GRCC Members in good standing in hosting GRCC sponsored events including, but not limited to, National and other specialty shows, obedience/rally trials, tracking tests, working certificate tests, field trials, hunt tests, sanction matches, educational seminars and health clinics.

  1. Affiliate Member Clubs, or individual members in good standing, wishing to host a GRCC sponsored event, shall make application to the Board of Directors on the designated application form.  The application must be submitted in sufficient time to allow for adequate planning and, if necessary, Canadian Kennel Club approval for the event.  The application may be submitted by mail or electronically.
  2. A proposed budget and any request for an advance loan must accompany the application to host a GRCC sponsored event.
  3. All profits/losses arising from a GRCC sponsored event hosted by an Affiliate Member Club shall be shared on the basis of fifty percent (50%) for the host club and fifty percent (50%) for the GRCC.  If the Host is a group of individual GRCC members, then 100% of all profits/losses arising from the event will be directed to the GRCC.
  4. The Host must send a detailed financial report to the GRCC treasurer within three (3) months of each event and before the year end of December 31st.

Section 2 NATIONAL SPECIALTY


  1. Events to be included: Conformation show, Obedience trial, Rally trial and Working Certificate/Working Certificate Intermediate/Working Certificate Excellent must be held. As approved by the Board, the host club may additionally decide to include as many as possible of any other activities and events in conjunction with the National Specialty. 
  2. Total time: Total time for all National Specialty events should not exceed one (1) week.
  3. The Host: The Host for the National may be an Affiliate club, OR, the GRCC via its Board of Directors, OR, a group consisting of GRCC members in good standing (which may include some local Affiliate Club members that are not GRCC members).   In the latter scenario, if a “group of members” is responsible for running the National, the event will be run in the name of the GRCC, and either at least one Board member will be in the “group”, or a Board member will be appointed as Board Liaison.
  4. The Host Club or Group Proposal: The application should be submitted preferably two (2) years prior to the year in which said Host wishes to hold the National Specialty. A proposal can be received by the Board at any time. The proposal must include details of events to be held, dates, location, indication that dates would be CKC approved, proposed budget and names of committee chairs.
  5. Selection of Host: Selection of the Host will be done by the Board of Directors. Included in the criteria for selection are: desirability of geographic rotation, number of events planned, thoroughness of planning and organization. The Host selected must receive a majority of votes cast by the Board of Directors. Announcement of the selected Host, date and venue will be made to the membership in the next Golden Leaves publication, on the GRCC website and, when appropriate, via electronic Bulletin.
  6. Host Responsibilities: The Host will provide interim reports to the Board of Directors at least every six (6) months. It will be necessary to obtain approval from the Board of Directors for any significant deviation from the proposed budget (5%+). The Host will make the necessary arrangements for the holding of the Annual Board of Directors Meeting and the AGM (should they be scheduled to be held during the National week), and the Annual Awards dinner. The Host will return to the GRCC any advance plus fifty percent (50%) of the financial profit made on the events held at the National Specialty (or 100% if the Host is a group of members).   The Host must send a detailed financial report to the GRCC treasurer within three (3) months of the event and before the year end of December 31st. The Host will be responsible for reporting to the Newsletter Editor the results and placements of each and every event held for publication in the Club newsletter. The Host will assume responsibility for all expenses usually associated with the holding of CKC licensed events and assume responsibility for all CKC required paperwork and record-keeping as is usual with the holding of CKC licensed events.
  7. GRCC Responsibilities: On approval of the Host by the GRCC, the Club may provide a refundable advance to permit the Host to bridge any early expenses. The GRCC will ship Keeper Trophies to the Host in time to be awarded at the National Specialty. The Club will assume financial responsibility for the cost of the site for the Directors’ Meeting and/or the AGM(should they be scheduled to be held during the National week) and the Annual Awards dinner.
Explanation:  Recently, there have been no affiliate clubs stepping forward to run future National specialties, but a proposal was put forth by a group of GRCC members who were willing to host the event.  The By-Laws are unclear and seem to indicate that only an Affiliate club could host the National and that the GRCC would not be allowed to run its own National Specialty.  We assume that this was not the original intent, as of course any CKC club can run its own dog show, as long as it is qualified as per CKC rules.
As it seems that there will be a decrease in interest, or ability, for the smaller affiliate clubs to host the national we wanted the By-Laws to open up to allow some flexibility in what defined the Host.
Added Rally as a required event as it would be relevant for people trying for the Eileen Battley award. 
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