The National Press Club of Canada Foundation
Fondation du cercle des journalistes du Canada
MEETS 5:30 PM, first Mondays, (starting March 5 2012) at the Sheraton Hotel
For Canadians who write, report, record, announce, edit, or publish the news, or teach journalism.
Serving members of the news media and allied professions, we recognize and appreciate the support we receive from the CNW Group Client Services, Flora Community Web, and National Capital Freenet in facilitating distribution of our National Press Club information. Our mission is to provide a convenient place for members to meet, support press freedom, build excellence in journalism through awards and scholarships, and to work jointly on events with other press organizations, the ethnic press and the diplomatic community.

Membership in the National Press Club of Canada Foundation, with all its privileges, is $50 plus $6.50 tax, (Seniors over 65: $10+$1.10) renewable on or before April 1 in every calendar year. To join the Club, send your name, address, current employer (if any), email address, and phone numbers, with your cheque made payable to "National Press Club of Canada"- to our treasurer, M. Aleth Ottum, 1223 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P9.

Advisory Board: Dr. Abdulla Nasher, Tom VanDusen, Jim Munson, Abby Hagyard, Sandra Blaikie, Lucia Harper, Shawn Li, Sue McGarvie, Laura Peck, Diane Schmolka, Sandy Sharkey, Blaik Spratt, Nanci-Jean Waugh. and Elaine Lindsay, who is the Webmaster.   Click here to see her site.

Thursday, June 14, 2012
5th Annual "Spirit of Canada" Gala
at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street, Ottawa
Reception: 6:30 PM, Dinner at 7.
Invited to be our Keynote Speaker this year is
The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs
We willl also greet the winner of this year's National Press Club Scholarship, Anthony Peter Paul, student at St. Thomas University, Fredericton, N. B.
And our new annual "Commemorative Booklet" will be available.

Many great journalists have been a part of our long, illustrious history, including: By their warmth, generosity, and talent, these colleagues live forever.

If their names have slipped your memory, click on their photos.

Constitution (latest revision: February 1, 2007.
    Article I - Name    The name of this organization shall be National Press Club of Canada Foundation - Fondation du cercle des journalistes du Canada, . . . . hereinafter referred to as the Foundation
    Article II - Purpose    The purpose of this organization shall be:
To encourage, promote and improve the quality of journalism in Canada through the following actions: Promote dialogue on media, political, scientific and social issues of the day. Offer educational scholarships for the study of journalism and business communications. Encourage cross-cultural understanding through engagement with ethnic media and foreign embassies and High Commissions. Promote freedom of the press. Deliver educational programs on ethics and integrity. Offer mentors for students of journalism. Promote alternative dispute resolution principles. Recognize leadership in Canadian journalism. And to provide a comfortable, convenient and friendly meeting place for local and visiting journalists.
    Article III - Membership    Membership in the National Press Club of Canada Foundation, with all its privileges, shall be payable on or before April 1 in every calendar year. Annual membership is $50 plus tax. To join the Club, send name, address, current employer (if any), email, and phone, with cheque for $56.50, payable to "National Press Club of Canada"- to treasurer, Aleth Ottum, 1223 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P9, or use PayPal.
The Directors of the Foundation may award Life Memberships to members who have rendered extraordinary service to the Foundation.
   Article IV - Officers and Committees    Officers   The officers of the Foundation shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Directors   The Directors of the Foundation shall consist of up to 15 persons, comprising the aforementioned officers, plus 11 members, at least one of whom should represent each of the categories of members.
President   The president shall preside at all general meetings and Directors1 meetings, and shall appoint all chairpersons of committees.
Vice-president   The vice-president shall act for the president with full powers of the president whenever the president is not able to act. In the absence of both these officers from a meeting, the executive may appoint a chairperson from among its members present.
Secretary   The secretary shall keep minutes of all general meetings and Directors' meetings. Such minutes shall be posted in the Foundation premises.
Treasurer:   The treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the Foundation, and chairperson of the finance committee.
Committees:   Committees will be recruited from among members. Committee chairs will be appointed from among the Directors. There shall be a small Membership Committee to receive applications for membership, prepare all the information needed if any is omitted, and present the applications to the Directors at the earliest meeting, and notify the new member of his acceptance.
Other Committees: Fund raising , Scholarships, Charles Lynch Awards, Nominating, House, Professional Events, Educational Projects, Multicultural Outreach, Press Freedom Contests, Social and Seasonal Events. Other committees to be added if, as and when needed.
    Article V - Meetings    The annual general meeting of the Foundation shall be held within two weeks of March 31 at the call of the president or secretary
Permissive Calling of Meeting
The president or secretary may call a general meeting at any time for the transaction of business requiring the action of a general meeting, and shall give notice of not less than 14 days before the convening of such a meeting.
Mandatory Calling of Meeting
The president shall call a general meeting within 14 days of receipt by the secretary of a written request for such a meeting signed by not less than 50 members in good standing. Such written request shall state the reason for calling a meeting, and the meeting shall be held within six week (42 days) of it being called.
All members of the Foundation in good standing shall be eligible to vote at a general meeting.
Quorum
A quorum for transaction of business at any general meeting shall not be fewer than four (4) members present who are qualified to vote at such a meeting.
Directors' Powers
The Directors shall be the governing body of the Foundation and shall have power to enact by-laws for the management of the Foundation's business, consistent with provisions of this constitution. It shall adopt rules for its own procedure and the conduct of members of the Foundation, and shall act as trustees of the Foundation and its property.
Signing Officers
The president and treasurer, and other Directors designated by the president shall sign for withdrawal of funds deposited to the Foundation's account, in accordance with customary banking practice. These "signing officers" shall be authorized by the Directors to execute on behalf of the Foundation under its corporate seal, all necessary deeds, mortgages, leases, contracts, and other documents necessary for the transaction of the Foundation's business.
Executive Director
The Directors shall appoint an executive director who shall be engaged under conditions set by them. The executive director shall assist the officers, the Directors, and the committees of the Foundation as directed by the Directors. The executive director shall supervise all employees of the Foundation, as directed by the Directors, and shall make a report to each regular meeting of the Directors. - The executive director or the secretary upon authorization of the membership committee shall issue to each paid-up member annually a membership card which shall constitute official receipt for a membership fee paid during the year for which it is issued, unless otherwise requested. Such membership card shall serve as a certificate of membership, which must be produced to obtain membership benefits.
Monthly Meetings
The Directors shall meet monthly, at a regular time and place, except during the months of July and August when meetings may be held at the discretion of the president. A quorum of the executive (pres, vpres, sec, treas) for meetings shall be three (3). Extra meetings may be called when necessary, by the President, or Vice President, at the request of any Director. Any member may attend any meeting of directors.
   Article VI - Decision Making Process
Rules of Canadian parliamentary procedure shall apply at all meetings.
   Article VII - Fees   Annual membership fees and charges for Foundation services may be redefined by the Directors in accordance with the powers invested in them by the annual general meeting.
Banking   All funds shall be deposited in a chartered Canadian bank, as decided by the Directors. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Foundation shall start on the first day of January each year, and shall expire on the last day of December next ensuing.
Auditor   An auditor shall be appointed by a majority vote of the qualified members attending the annual general meeting. Through the treasurer, or the executive director, the auditor shall make regular reports to the Directors and to the annual general meeting of the Foundation.
    Article VIII - Nominations and Elections
Nominations to the Board will be made by the Nominating Committee to the Board. The nominations will be voted on by the Board and with that approval nominees would be invited to join the Board.
   Article IX - General
Every by-law and every repeal, amendment, modification or variation thereof, unless in the meantime confirmed at a general meeting duly called for that purpose, shall have force only until the next annual meeting of the Corporation and in default of confirmation thereat shall from that time cease to have force, and in that case no new by-law or regulation thereof shall have any force until confirmed at a general meeting of the corporation" and Such by-laws, regulations, amendments, modification and variations shall replace, exclude and modify the regulations set out in form 4 in the Schedule to the Companies act, save that in any matters covered by such regulations or amendments, the regulations and provisions of the said form 4 shall apply and be in force, but all such matters which, after the passing of the Corporation's first by-laws and regulations, may be left to be governed by such form 4, may be varied, amended, excluded or modified by any by-laws or regulations.
   Article X - Amendments
Any amendment to this constitution shall become effective only when endorsed by a two thirds (2/3) majority of the Board of Directors comprising a quorum at a general meeting consistent with all provisions elsewhere in this constitution. Proposals to amend the constitution must be made available and posted for the information of the Directors at least 30 days before the convening of a general meeting.

Newsmakers -
a Press Club tradition, established by the late Spencer Moore.
"Where you meet the people today, you will read about tomorrow."
A Newsmaker Breakfast or Luncheon with the National Press Club of Canada provides a warm friendly club atmosphere for your special occasion, with an excellent meal served at a reasonable cost.

Newsmakers are Relevant
* Appointments, photo ops, interviews can be arranged in person at our Newsmakers.
* Regular Newsmaker attendees appreciate the variety and value, enjoy meeting colleagues, and love the cuisine.
* Newsmakers provide a brilliant start for your day - or a useful break at noon. Remember to reserve ahead.
* Whether it is for a foreign minister, a scientist, the president of your organization, a Cabinet Minister or an author launching a book, the possibilities for presentation and audience interaction are unparalelled.

The Press Club hosts Newsmaker Events at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street, close to the Hill, to major media outlets, to the Parliamentary Press Gallery and to ample parking in the World Exchange Plaza across the street as well as valet parking by the Hotel staff. The Sheraton is also on Ottawa's major bus route.

The usual routine - -
A Newsmaker Breakfast is convened at 7:45 a.m.and is served at 8:00. Usually, the guests are seated at tables of 8, and one of these tables is designated for the Speaker, the National Press Club Director in charge of the event, one or two other NPC journalists, those who will introduce and thank the speaker, and officials of the group organizing the event.
At 8:15, the guests are welcomed by a National Press Club Director, and the speaker is introduced. A typical presentation lasts 20 to 30 minutes followed by questions. Breakfasts end around 9 a.m. (Newsmaker Luncheons start at noon and the plan is to be out at 1 p.m. or soon thereafter.)

A table is provided for literature, handouts, pamphlets or news releases. Television crews from CPAC, CBC, Global etc. are always welcome and opportunities can be afforded journalists to interview speakers after the event. If special equipment is needed for the presentation, arrangements can be made if we know in advance.

To arrange a Newsmaker Event:
Request a date for your Newsmaker by contacting our secretarywho will then make the arrangements with the Sheraton Hotel.
For advertising, hosting, and promotional support, our fee is $600, which usually covers expenses. Any extra funds we obtain for Newsmakers, go to our Journalism Scholarships Fund.
When the date is confirmed, send all items below, by email to our secretary.
1. Your own name, title, address, phone, e-mail.
2. Name, address and phone of your organization.
3. The day and hour when the event will take place..
4. Speaker's name, title, topic, bio, and image as jpeg if possible.
At the same time, send a deposit of $600 by cheque payable to "National Press Club of Canada"- to our treasurer, Aleth Ottum, 1223 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P9.

(Some of your deposit may be returned, depending on the number of people who attend.) Promotion. The event will be published here, and on the National Press Club Web site. We will also send Promotional notices courtesy of Canada News Wire to all members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Members of Parliament, Senators, Government Departments, foreIgn Embassies in Ottawa, The Hill Times, and Embassy Newsweekly and to companies, organizations, and individuals who request notice of all National Press Club events.

In addition to NPC publicity, you should also contact your associates and media specialists, advising them of the event.

Keep a complete list of people who reserve through your office, including sponsored guests for whom you will pay admission. Send this list to our treasurer, Al Ottum at least one full working day before the event.

Attendance requires advance registration with the National Press Club. If the Host is sponsoring guests, we will need to have a list of their names at least two full days before the event.

Master of Ceremonies notes for a Newsmaker Breakfast:
Be there a few minutes early.
Bring a watch and a note of our next event.
Sit at the head table with speaker and the hosts.
Use the microphone.
7:55 a.m., Welcome people and ask them to be seated.
About 8 to 8:15 a.m. Breakfast is served.
8:30 a.m. Announce person who will introduce speaker or introduce the speaker yourself.
Thank the speaker.
Invite questions from the audience.
Tell them to
* Use the microphones
* Identify themselves clearly before speaking
* One question and one supplementary
* If they ramble, ask them for the question.
9 a.m. Thank them all. Invite them to next Press Club event.
Present gift to speaker, if any. (cup, pin).

Murray Brewster, Canadian Press Defense reporter, president of the Canadian Association. of Journalists (CAJ) National Capital Chapter has been proclaimed winner of the Ross Munro 2010 Award for defence reporting, CAJ (Ottawa) Past president Bill Curry, Parliament reporter, Globe & Mail, represents Ottawa at CAJ National office, Toronto.   CAJ professional press events will include: "The Nature of News Today" and a "Multimedia Workshop".

5th annual National Press Club Iftar Dinner, Thursday, Aug. 26, attended by diplomats, journalists, and religious leaders, heard Professor Shafique Virani, Chairman of Historical Studies at Toronto University, deliver an inspiring, unambiguous and timely speech, fostering understanding between the West and the Muslim world.

Arab and Muslim Writers' Union launched August 30. Pres. Albert Jabara, author, poet, and businessman, urges members: "to be that human eye and human voice through which truth is revealed and falsehood exposed."

Guerilla at Media Club. September 20, Tony Martins, editor and creative director, presented his "Guerilla Magazine" at the National Archives and Library. "Guerilla is a quarterly publication about Ottawa at ground level, online and in print.

Public Première screening of David Chernushenko's thought-provoking, inspirational new film - "POWERFUL" - September 28, at Unitarian Church, Ottawa, including discussion with David Chernushenk.

"Taking action on postsecondary education for Aboriginal Canadians" Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and Paul Davison, President, CEO, Association of Universities and Colleges, Canada, November 3, at National Press Club Newsmaker Breakfast in the Marriott Hotel.

The Tree Poetry series presented poems of Kenneth Leslie (1892-1974), in the Library Room, Ottawa Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, on Thursday, evening, November 11. Leslie's poetry was read by three local poets Stephen Brockwell, Peter Richardson, and Zach Wells, whose collection "The Essential Kenneth Leslie" published by Porcupine's Quill, was available. The documentary film "God's Red Poet" by Envision Halifax producer, Chuck Lapp, was also shown. The photo, left,, by John MacDonald, is of Zacharia Wells, author of the collection, talking it over with daughter of the poet, Rosaleen Leslie Dickson.

The National Press Club sponsored "Transforming Ontario's Economy" November. 25, an Infrastructure Forum at Carleton University, with guest sopeaker the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructures.

"Alternative Dispute Resolution That Works" and "Is Everyone at the Table - Life Lessons in Problem-Solving," by Ernest G. Tannis were launched November. 29, by the National Press Club, at the Dominion Chalmers Hall, with Dave Brown MC, and guest speaker Ottawa Police Chief Vern White (above right), with Patrick Meikle and Rosaleen Dickson. Tannis, local lawyer and peacemaker, seen at left with his wife, and Police Chief White, helped establish REACH and The Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution at St Pauls.

Afghan Ambassador Jawed Ludin. spoke on ."Afghanistan 2011 to 2014: Canada and the transition to Afghan-led security" at the Thursday, December 2, National Press Club Newsmaker Breakfast, introduced by Senator Pamela Wallin.

The McNaughton-Vanier Round-Table, Wednesday, January 19, 2011 about sources of information for government decision-making brought out high-profile scholars and military personnel to discuss how academic support might improve government decision making. "Would we have made the same decisions about Iraq and Afghanistan if we had known then what we know now? Might we have known more if we had engaged a wider academic community in the decision-making process? How will our government make the next big decisions about Sudan, the Arctic, or new terrorist threats?" This excellent event, elicited many thoughtful presentations led by Royal Military College personnel, Lt Gen Andrew Leslie and many others. My summary is: "When any person or group assumes responsibility to make decisions for others, such as when a government passes laws or enforces a course of action, they should avail themselves of, and then make use of, whatever pertinant information is available, from any and all sources."    That's my take on the First McNaughton-Vanier Round-Table, looking forward to the Second.