President’s Message

March 20, 2025

Dear CASCA Community,

I am closing out the final months of my term as CASCA president in a time of significant upheaval. In light of recent and dramatic political changes, the expectations of long-standing partnerships are shifting. We will have significant turnover in the CASCA Board in June, and the current members aim to finish specific community recommendations from the 2020 Long Range Plan before the transition. Adopting a Mission and Values statement is foundational to this end, and the final consultation on the wording is open now. Subsequently, we will have another round of consultation on a proposed Code of Conduct. These documents are important for defining who we are and aspire to be, and how we treat each other.

The Mid-Term Review Committee has been working hard to gather information and engage our community. The participation in the Town Halls to date has been robust and productive. We will have further opportunity for discussion (in-person and virtual) at the CASCA AGM in Halifax in June. Thank you to the Committee and all of you who have contributed to date in the consultations. We are cognizant that the landscape in March 2025 is remarkably different than when papers and reports were submitted at the end of 2024. We are in the process of figuring out how to incorporate new realities without being too reactive. I ask for your patience as we work to navigate this challenge.

CASCA is only as effective as its leadership and the contributions of its members. Suggestions of potential candidates (including yourself!) for the open Board positions (VP, Treasurer, Secretary, and Directors) continue to be most welcome.

Best wishes,

Sarah Gallagher

casca-president@casca.ca