Major changes for several BCFGA bylaws
Voting, structural overhaul among items aired at specialmeeting. By Scott Trudeau
A
move to a one-person, one-vote system was among bylaw changes implemented at a special meeting of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association held Nov. 4.
This closes a loophole that would have allowed one individual to hold several separate corporate businesses and have more than one vote.
The changes in the association’s governance structure would make it more democratic, according to BCFGA president Jeet Dukhia. Currently, the grower lobby group has about 540 members, compared to some 1,500 to 1,700 members 20 years ago. Aside from the proposed bylaw changes, those in attendance also heard updates on industry programs, lobbying and discussion of a proposed national Apple Research and Promotion Agency. If members decide on a national agency there would be a levy of $0.002 per pound for B.C.’s apple growers for a five-year term. Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick currently have provincial apple research and promotion levies, while B.C. and Nova Scotia do not. (See story next page.) The deadline to vote on whether or not to support the formation of a national agency is Feb. 15.
Among the other changes approved was allowing the association’s annual convention to be held in either January or February. Previously the convention had to happen in January. The 125th gathering is scheduled for Feb. 14 and 15 at the Delta Grand in Kelowna. Delegates also voted in favour of reducing the number of regions to two (North and South Okanagan) from four which were formerly known as the South Okanagan-Similkameen, Okanagan Skaha, Central Okanagan and North Okanagan.
The dividing line between the two regions will be at Peachland, with growers in that
community being part of the North Okanagan.
The introduction of a two-region system will change how nominations are made for the BCFGA's executive. A new voting procedure will allow for three
SCOTT TRUDEAU
During a special meeting of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, vice-president Bhupinder Dhaliwal, far left, president Jeet Dukhia and BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas listen to comments regarding some of the proposed bylaw changes.
executives to be elected per region. Previously, one executive was elected for each of four regions and two for each district. The bylaw was amended so only members from a particular region could vote when electing the region’s three executive representatives. Following a lengthy discussion, delegates tabled a proposed change that would have allowed family members to participate in matters related to the BCFGA. Delegates asked for clarification of several issues, including whether the close relative needed to be active in the operation of the farm, representation regarding orchard leases and crop shares and the minimum sales potential required for membership.
Also tabled was a proposed change to set a fixed number of delegates. Delegates and members suggested there not be an equal number of delegates for each region, but that the number of delegates should be proportional to the acreage in the region.
A minor housekeeping change to relocate the explanation of incorporated and partnership members to the same area as the description of membership in general was supported by delegates. The tabled motions will be brought back to the annual convention with additional information and possible amendments.
Bylaw changes are effective with the immediate registration of the changes in order that two regional meetings will be
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2013-14 11
held in November, rather than the four meetings required prior to acceptance of the bylaw changes.
A motion to introduce multi-year terms for the executive was defeated.
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