What is the Canadian Club?
A Canadian Club is an organization of patriotic Canadians who are interested in the activities of their country and its future. Canadian Clubs promote Canadian identity, encourage Canadian unity, and foster interest in Canadian institutions. They support special celebrations and anniversaries relating to Canadian unity, citizenship, and heritage.
The Association of Canadian Clubs was chartered by an Act of Parliament in 1939. The first Club was founded in 1893 in Hamilton, by leading Canadian citizens who were worried about the lack of patriotism in the country at that time. Canada was thought to have lost its direction. Sir John A Macdonald had passed away and the young country struggled with four Prime Ministers in five years. Railway expansion had slowed, the economy was in the doldrums and there was little agreement on Canada's future. The needed injection of patriotism came from Charles McCullough and a group of his friends who formed the first Canadian Club. Clubs soon were organized from coast to coast.
The Canadian Club of Edmonton was founded in 1906 and celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006. It is over 100 years young! Members of The Canadian Club of Edmonton meet monthly, except summer, to hear speakers addressing Canadian topics. The speakers may have special expertise and experience in particular subject areas. The issues they present may be of local, national or international importance, but always there will be a Canadian flavour or relevance.
Our members are men and women of all political, religious, cultural and economic backgrounds. Anyone who wants to meet others who have an interest in Canadian affairs is encouraged to join.
During lunch you can participate in stimulating conversations with your table companions. You may be joined by senior high school or other students who are being hosted as our guests.
The Canadian Club of Edmonton supports Canadian nation-building endeavors and participates in Remembrance Day services. The Board of Directors is responsible for the administration of the club. Interested members may serve on the Board to set policy and help organize the club's meetings, activities, and occasional social projects.
Canadian Club members belong because they care about Canada, are interested in its destiny, and wish to be better informed about issues that concern our country.
Canadian Clubs are unique! There is nothing like them in any other country. In short, if you are a Canadian, you should be a member of a Canadian Club, preferably ours.
The Canadian Club of Edmonton meets at the Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe at noon, usually the third Wednesday of each month except July and August. Any member of the Executive or Board of Directors will be pleased to provide additional information.