RESOLUTION NO. 1
SALE OF BUILDING AND PROPERTY
WHEREAS the administration of the Elks of Canada is the responsibility of the Grand Lodge Executive, including the financial accountability to ensure the sustainability of the Elks of Canada as a Canadian Chartered Organization;
AND WHEREAS the membership of the Elks of Canada across the country has been diminishing over the past few years resulting in a severe reduction in Affiliate Fees paid to the Elks of Canada for the Administration of the organization;
AND WHEREAS the sustainability of the Elks of Canada is threatened by the insufficient revenues generated by Affiliate Fees and rental income;
AND WHEREAS the Grand Lodge Executive believes that an injection of funds could assist in sustaining the operations of the Elks of Canada with some allocation to projects which will increase membership within the Elks of Canada;
AND WHEREAS the assets of the Elks of Canada includes property and a large building located in Regina Saskatchewan, which, while aging and larger than required to house the staff of the Elks of Canada holds a retail value of approximately $2.4 to $2.6 M.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the building and property held by the Elks of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan be sold to create necessary resources to be allocated to procuring suitable office space to purchase and resources for operational and project funding.
SUBMITTED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
APPROVED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
BACKGROUND:
The Grand Lodge Executive directed an investigation in regard to the cost benefit of ownership of the Elks of Canada building in Regina Saskatchewan in 2018 and the results of that investigation were that the net building revenue was approximately $20,000 per year so the decision was made to NOT liquidate the property.
During budget meetings and review of the current financial status of the Elks of Canada and in reflection of the diminishing membership which is the source of revenue for operational requirements for the Elks of Canada, it became clear that sustainability of the Elks of Canada is at serious risk.
The Executive determined that the sale of the office building could provide a number of opportunities in support the Strategic direction they wish to pursue and includes financial security and project funding to increase membership which would provide future revenues for operations.
RESOLUTION NO. 2
SALE OF LODGE REAL ESTATE
WHEREAS many Elks and Royal Purple Elks Lodges are facing aging and diminishing memberships, challenging the ability of Lodges to cover the expenses of their buildings;
AND WHEREAS the high return on real estate sales is further enticing Lodges to sell their real estate, particularly where Lodges are located in high visibility and downtown locations;
AND WHEREAS there is no requirement for Lodges to advise Grand Lodge of the challenges a Lodge is facing regarding maintenance of their property or to provide notice of an intent to liquidate Lodge real estate or property;
AND WHEREAS in some circumstances Grand Lodge has been held responsible financially for title and registration issues for property of some Lodges which requires legal costs and expenses being charged to Grand Lodge and/or the Lodge directly;
AND WHEREAS anecdotal evidence indicates that the sale of Lodge buildings in some communities has diminished the public visibility of the Elks Lodges causing concern about the ability to grow or revitalize an Elks Lodge;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Elks of Canada Regulations be amended to include:
In the event an Elks or Royal Purple Elks Lodge who owns real estate (property and/or building) is considering the voluntary surrender of their Lodge Charter and/or sale of their property they shall contact Grand Lodge in writing advising that such action is being considered.
No Elks or Royal Purple Elks Lodge real estate may be listed for sale prior to receiving written agreement from Grand Lodge of the Elks of Canada.
The Grand Lodge of the Elks of Canada shall investigate the reasons for the sale of the real estate and offer assistance to the Lodge to facilitate the sale or, if, in cooperation with the Lodge, it is determined that action can be taken to mitigate challenges, provide appropriate resources to allow for the retention of the property.
SUBMITTED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
APPROVED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
BACKGROUND:
The Grand Lodge Executive have determined that the Elks of Canada primary Strategic Direction must focus on the retention of current members and initiation of new members to the Elks of Canada in order to ensure the ongoing good works of the Elks across Canada. One of the challenges is the closure of Elks and Royal Purple Elks Lodges and/or the sale of the property and real estate of some Lodges where the Grand Lodge has not been informed in advance of such action. Without foreknowledge, the Grand Lodge cannot assist their members in retaining their Lodge operations or real estate, or ensure that the sale of real estate can be completed without challenges or unnecessary costs. This Resolution could assist Lodges and Grand Lodge in revitalization of the Elks of Canada by ensuring better communication.
3. PERMANENT SURRENDER: A Unit of the Order to voluntarily surrender its Charter must petition the Grand Executive in writing. The petition must contain the signatures of all members in good standing of the said Unit of the Order who desire it to be surrendered. In addition, it must be signed by all members in good standing who are opposed to the surrender of the same. Should it appear that less than nine members are desirous of retaining it, the Grand Executive shall have power to receive the surrender of such Charter. The Grand Executive may require that a thirty (30) day Notice of Intention be mailed to all members of the Lodge and to be guided by the response.
RESOLUTION NO. 3
INCREASE IN NATIONAL REGISTRATION/AFFILIATION FEES
WHEREAS the Grand Lodge Bylaws stipulate that National Registration/Affiliation Fees is to be levied on each Lodge based on the number of members in each Lodge;
AND WHEREAS said Regulation allows for an automatic increase in fees annually up to 5% in line with the increases in the cost of living, which is posted for 2018 as 1.33%;
AND WHEREAS Affiliate fees are the main source of operational income for Grand Lodge.;
AND WHEREAS the operational funds that are being generated by the membership and the revenue coming to Grand Lodge through the collection of leases within the building are insufficient to sustain the operational costs of Grand Lodge;
AND WHEREAS the Grand Lodge Executive has made significant reductions in the 2019-2020 proposed budget, but not enough to keep the budget being presented from being in a deficit position;
AND WHEREAS a 5% increase in Affiliate fees is projected to balance the proposed budget;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Affiliate fees shall be increased by 5% as of January 1st, 2020 to $4.83 per member per month and $3.64 per member per month for family members.
SUBMITTED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
APPROVED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
Grand Lodge Bylaw 6
REVENUE: 1. National Registration/Affiliation Fee: A National Registration/ Affiliation Fee shall be levied by the Grand Lodge on each Lodge based on the number of members in each Lodge. The fee shall be established from time to time and set out in Regulations. Such fee may be automatically increased annually by up to 5% in line with increases in the cost of living as determined by changes to the Consumer Price Index published by the Government of Canada. Budgeted increases in excess of 5% must be approved by a seventy-five percent (75%) majority vote of those members present, qualified to vote and voting at the Convention. Any change to the amount of the National Registration/Affiliation Fee shall be effective January 1st of the year following the Grand Lodge Convention at which the change was approved.
RESOLUTION NO. 4
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK OFFICE
WHEREAS the current Bylaws and Regulations stipulate that Nominations for positions on the Grand Lodge Executive are made at the National Convention and there is no process in place whereby members can know in advance of Convention that there are members who are interested in being elected to the Grand Lodge Executive to properly fill the positions;
AND WHEREAS there is no process in place that allows members and Convention delegates to know who may be nominated for positions on the Grand Lodge Executive in advance of attendance at the Grand Lodge Convention;
AND WHEREAS while there is a process in place that allows a member not present at Convention to accept a nomination made at Convention, historically nominations have been made and accepted only by members present at Convention;
AND WHEREAS there are many members who could provide executive leadership as members of the Grand Lodge Executive, but are not present at Grand Lodge Convention;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Elks of Canada General Regulation 1 be amended to read:
NOMINATIONS:
1. Nominations shall be made separately for all elective offices in the Grand Lodge, Associations, Lodges, and any other Unit of the Order in the order in which they appear in their respective sections commencing with the most senior.
2. If nominations are provided for at more than one time, further nominations shall be accepted at specified times up to the calling of the actual election.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SEEK OFFICE
3. Eligible members of the Order may provide Notice of Intent to Run for office not later than March 1st of the year they intend to run for elective office.
4. Notice of Intent to Run does not require that they designate the particular office position being sought.
5. Notice of Intent to Run forms shall be approved by Grand Lodge Executive for Grand Lodge Office and Association Executive for Office in Associations and its member Lodges.
CONSENT:
6. Each candidate for an elected office in the Order shall signify his/her willingness to accept the nomination, and, if elected, to serve, upon presentation of his/her name, in person if present, or, if absent, in writing to the Chairman, such written authorization being presented at the time of nomination.
CAMPAIGN SPEECHES:
7. Members who intend to run for office may provide Grand Lodge or Association, as applicable, a Statement of intent including a brief biography, a description of why they wish to run for office and/or information related to their perspective on how their election can benefit the membership and promote the Order.
8. Such statement shall be provided in writing to Grand Lodge or Association, as applicable, not later than 90 days prior to Convention or Conference.
9. At the discretion of Grand Lodge or Association, statements may be edited and returned to the member for final approval. Approved statements may then be published for members’ information in whatever manner approved by the applicable Executive (Grand Lodge or Association).
10. Nominators of candidates for any office shall make their nomination and introduce the nominee to the members in an address not to exceed one minute. The Nominee will have up to five minutes to accept the nomination and address the members present.
SUBMITTED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
APPROVED BY THE GRAND EXECUTIVE
REFERENCE:
Current General Regulation reads:
NOMINATIONS: 1. Nominations: shall be made separately for all elective offices in the Grand Lodge, Associations, Lodges, and any other Unit of the Order in the order in which they appear in their respective sections commencing with the most senior. If nominations are provided for at more than one time, further nominations shall be accepted at specified times up to the calling of the actual election.
2. Consent: Each candidate for an elected office in the Order shall signify his/her willingness to accept the nomination, and, if elected, to serve, upon presentation of his/her name, in person if present, or, if absent, in writing to the Chairman, such written authorization being presented at the time of nomination.
3. Campaign Speeches: Nominators of candidates for any office of Grand Lodge, Association, Lodge, and any other Unit of the Order, shall be permitted a nomination address not to exceed two minutes and in the case of contested elections, the candidate shall be permitted a campaign speech prior to the election, not to exceed two minutes.
RESOLUTION NO. 5
NATIONAL ELKS BUDGET
WHEREAS the National Elks budget is one of the most important documents dealt with at a National Convention;
AND WHEREAS this most important document can sometimes be given very little time for discussion on the convention floor (eg. 2018 Regina Convention);
AND WHEREAS members may have important questions that require careful consideration;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the proposed National Budget be sent to all registered delegates via email (if available) 2 (two) weeks prior to National Convention for their review.
SUBMITTED BY ALTONA ELKS LODGE NO. 447
APPROVED BY THE MANITOBA ELKS ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTION NO. 6
SHARING MEMBERSHIP DATA BETWEEN GRAND LODGE & PROVINCIAL/TERRITORY ASSOCIATIONS
WHEREAS the main tool for communication between the National Grand Lodge Office and its members has become e-mail;
AND WHEREAS the Associations do not have as complete and up-to-date a list of members as the National Grand Lodge Office has;
AND WHEREAS the Associations may want to reach their members directly, especially their newest Elks members, concerning events (eg. Provincial/Territory Conference, Walk-a-thon, Curling, etc.);
AND WHEREAS reaching those members that don’t always attend meetings would be good for attendance at the above noted events, helping them to become more engages with their Lodges;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that money be allocated in the National Budget to our IT Department, so that the necessary upgrades to the current computer system be made to enable the sharing of membership data between the National Grand Lodge Office and the Provincial/Territorial Associations.
SUBMITTED BY ALTONA ELKS LODGE NO. 447
APPROVED BY THE MANITOBA ELKS ASSOCIATION