Canadian Yachting June 2021 - 33

42'

CPS-ECP'S PROPOSED DUES INCREASE:
SAME GREAT VALUE FOR PENNIES A DAY
- BY PETER BOLTON, SN, CHIEF COMMANDER CPS-ECP

For all that has changed over
the close to 154 years since
Confederation, one undeniable
truth remains intact: there is
something uniquely special
about being Canadian.

Since 2012, all this value has come members' way upon payment of a $52 annual fee - $1 a week. The breakdown has seen
$37 of that go towards the national operational budget with
the remainder going directly to the squadrons and districts.
Here's a challenge for you. Name something - anything - that
hasn't risen in cost since 2012. We're as stumped as you are.
Further, according to Bank of Canada figures, 3 in 0 is the
So, it follows that there's equivalent of $42.40 in today's money.
something both compelling
and satisfying about belong- The ongoing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a
ing to an organization that has at its core like-minded Cana- strain on CPS-ECP's ability to cover the normal expenditures for
dians.
our not-for-profit existence. Assuming the retention of , 00
members, membership fees pay for about 70 percent of our
Since 1938, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons - Escadrilles day-to-day expenses. Combine that with a marked declined in
Canadiennes de Plaisance (CPS-ECP) has been that unifying revenue from in-person course sales as people pivot and adapt
not-for-profit organization for thousands of Canadians coast-to- to taking online courses and the picture is clear: CPS-ECP's
coast-to-coast; the tie that binds being a shared commitment continued viability is reliant on a membership fee increase.
to, and advocacy for, boating safety and on-water courtesy.
In the meantime, we respectfully ask that you re ect on what
As a CPS-ECP member, or as someone who is seeking member- your CPS-ECP membership has brought you and, by extension,
ship, you are wise to ask yourself 'What's in it for me?'
yours over the years - the safety and navigational training,
and the peace of mind and confidence that has brought the
For sure there are benefits, from simple and full access to any discounts you've tapped into; the lifelong friendships that you
one of a number of boating-related courses to sizable wal- have been blessed to make and your affiliation with an orgalet-relieving discounts on a number of boating products and nization for Canadians created by Canadians.
services (visit https://www.cps-ecp.ca/membership-cps-ecp/
member-benefits for an up-to-date list .
Let's start the conversation now before you vote at October's
national AGM. We value your time and welcome your comments.
Still, intangibles, such as the above-noted bond between
like-minded Canadian boaters, must be added to the equation Send comments to theporthole@cps-ecp.ca. Watch for feedto get a full sense of the value of your CPS-ECP membership. back in monthly issues of On Board. J
That's on top of the many cherished friendships made and
those yet to be nurtured. NAO Don Macintosh has said it best:
" My CPS-ECP friendships have provided me with unique role
models, social support and some riotous occasions. "

CANADIANYACHTING.CA

https://www.cps-ecp.ca/membership-cps-ecp/member-benefits/ https://www.cps-ecp.ca/membership-cps-ecp/member-benefits/ http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA

Canadian Yachting June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting June 2021