Annual General Meeting

New Officers and Board Members

Plans for upcoming year

             Building our Chapter

             Preparing for 2024 Election Year

Other Items of Business

RSVP Now !!

Democrats Abroad Canada Notice of 2023 Annual General Meeting
Sunday, March 26th, 2 pm ET / 11 am PT on Zoom

We invite you to join us for a celebration of the fantastic work of 100s of volunteers across Canada and around the world in 2022, hear reports, hold elections  and welcome our newly elected leaders, and enjoy our special guests! A zoom l ink will be emailed in your RSVP confirmation email.

Democrats Abroad Global Chair, Candice Kerestan, will speak on the important impact of OUR VOTES on the historic midterm election results!  

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting:

Guest Speaker: Candice Kerestan
Approval of the 2022 Minutes
Treasurer's Report
Reports on 2022 Activities, Committees and Caucuses

The meeting will then be turned over to the Nominations and Elections Committee to give election results and accept nominations for vacant positions.

Election Information and Candidate Statements 

Please CLICK HERE to view the Candidate Statements and the complete election information. 

This year, voting will be taking place electronically, and the Nominations and Elections Committee will circulate ballots in advance of the AGM. Keep an eye out in your email for your Ballot, which will be sent out by March 5, 2023.

Looking forward to seeing you at the AGM! And please be sure to vote when you receive your ballot.

SCROLL DOWN TO RSVP FOR THE AGM

Click below to receive periodic updates from the Taxation Task Force on our tax advocacy work.  We will message you when there are important updates and developments to report.

The following positions received a single a nomination and will be acclaimed and begin to hold these positions at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) March 14th, 2023.

Chair: Dianna English
Co Vice-Chair (male): Lee Strickland
Treasurer: Celia Campbell
Secretary: Colleen Mahaffie
Member-at-Large - York Region: Post Ballot Vacancy
Member-at-Large - Durham Region: Lucia Lloyd

There is competition for the Six Members at Large positions and the ballot will only contain those positions.

Electronic Ballots will be emailed February 14th, 2023.

Voting closes and ballots must be submitted by March 14th, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 24 hours prior to the AGM.

There were no nominations for a Co-Vice Chair of a different gender to the acclaimed male Co-Vice Chair. This gender balance requirement is in line with the Charter of Democratic Party Committee Abroad and Democratic National Committee. The Nominations and Elections Committee will accept nominations from the floor and conduct an election and voting for this position will take place at the AGM for this position. 

There was a post ballot withdrawal creating a vacant Member-at-Large position which will also be filled at the meeting.

The Nominations and Elections Committee sends well wishes and gratitude to all the candidates! We are available to be at your service by emailing [email protected]

Julia Buchanan
Janette McCabe
Ed Ungar
Tim Ellis
Allenna Leonard

Chapter Chair: Giles Hogya

As a 16-year member of Democrats Abroad (DA), Giles has held several senior administrative positions such the Vice-chair and two-term Chair of the National Chapter and several terms as the Chair of DA Victoria & the Islands Chapter (DAVI). A highlight of his DA career was serving as an elected Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in 2016. Currently, he is the DAVI Chair and a DPCA Voting Member.

Giles is an active theatre lighting designer working mainly in New York City and Victoria. At UVic, he served as Chair of the Theatre Department and as the Dean of Fine Arts. Dr. Hogya is a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston). He is married, has two sons and three grandchildren.

As a committed and passionate democrat, he is asking for your vote once again.

Secretary-Treasurer: Lynne Severance

Since February 2022, I have had the honor of serving as Acting Secretary of DA Victoria and the Islands. In May 2022 financial protocols within Democrats Abroad were simplified and centralized such that the Secretary and the Treasurer responsibilities for our chapter activities were combined. Therefore, I am now seeking to be elected to the position Secretary-Treasurer of DA Victoria and the Islands.

I am a dual US-Canada citizen and vote in Washington State. Prior to my retirement I held dual professional accounting designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA-CGA) in Canada, and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US. I lived and worked in Spokane, Washington for 20 years, working in management positions within the private sector and healthcare finance. On moving to Victoria in 2008, I was a manager within the financial sector at BC Emergency Health Services for ten years before retiring. I believe I am well qualified to fulfill the requirements of the office of Secretary-Treasurer.

As a life-long Democrat I served as a Democratic Party Precinct Committee Officer (PCO) in the Washington State Legislative District where I previously resided, and participated in the presidential caucuses during the 2004 and 2008 election cycles. I have close family ties in the US and continue to care about political trends there. I was deeply concerned about the results of the presidential election of 2016, and further alarmed by the events of January 6, 2021. This motivated me to do whatever I could from my home here in Victoria to preserve democracy in the US. When I discovered that Democrats Abroad had a chapter here in Victoria, I immediately volunteered and am hopeful that contributing in this small way is helping to reverse current trends in the US.

Membership Secretary: Steven Saunders

I have been in the position of Membership Secretary for DAVI since October 2021. I am just finishing up my second Membership Verification period and enjoy the work, and meeting, welcoming, and communicating with our members and volunteers.

In my professional life, I am retired, but was a Software Quality Assurance Engineer from Silicon Valley in California. I vote in Washington as Seattle was my last US residence before moving to Victoria in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Part of what I find fascinating about Democrats Abroad is the diversity and global nature of the organization. I lived and worked for international organizations in the Netherlands for 5 years and in Mexico for 2 years.

I would be happy to receive your vote for continuing my duties in 2023.

Member-at-Large: Patricia Kostek

• Dual citizen from Pennsylvania (Scranton area)
• Active in Democrats Abroad-DAVI for the past 16 years
• Lifelong Democrat from a family of passionate Democrats

Previous DA - Victoria Board positions held:

• Acting Chair
• Vice Chair
• Acting Vice Chair
• Member-at Large

Service to DAVI Community.

Assisted in the organization of and implementation of:

• Obama Inauguration at Swan’s Pub
• Fourth of July Activities, multiple years
• Pub meet-ups for Election Nights, Primary nights and general socializing
• Thanksgiving dinners at local church halls
• Tax Seminars
• Movie night
• Get out the Vote
• Registration at area public libraries
• Information booth at civic events (Pride Parade, etc)
• Media Advertising voter registration events (editing and devising Ad script)

Community Service:

• Board member Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra (1994-2015)
• Board member, American Federation of Musicians, AFM/CFM Local 247, Victoria and the Islands (2018-present)

While at the University of Victoria (1989-2018) I held the following leadership positions:

• Acting Director of the School of Music
• Acting Chair of the Theatre Department
• Acting Associate Dean of Fine Arts

During the 2020 Presidential election, I came to the stark realization that the Democracy known by all Americans before the election of Donald Trump in 2016 is in extreme jeopardy. The fact that on January 6, 2021 there could be a riot and violent attack against the 117th US Congress while in session at the US Capitol and that the Speaker of the House position became “a hold for ransom” position with the constant tradeoffs and deals being struck, has strengthened my resolve to do everything I can to support Democratic and democratic principals. If elected I will continue to work in support of Democrats Abroad initiatives to get out the vote in midterm elections and the presidential election 2024.

Member-at-Large: James Ham

I've been a DAVI board member since 2018 an agree to stand for reelection.

Member-at-Large: Stephanie Erin Hart

My lifelong commitment to the Democratic Party, plus many years serving on and as staff counsel to non-profit Boards, would make me a good choice for the position of Counsel. I have been working for Democratic candidates and causes since I was a teenager in Arizona, marching for MLK Day, and stuffing envelopes (remember that!?) for Bill Clinton. In the years since, I've marched for, and staffed, and funded many progressive campaigns. I was really excited to learn of the existence of Democrats Abroad, as a way to continue to help now that I live in Canada.

I also understand Board and non-profit governance, having served on and been a staff lawyer for trustee boards. I am admitted to practice in British Columbia and in New York, and received my JD from Columbia Law School. I started out as an employment and commercial litigator. More recently I worked as a transactional and governance attorney for, among other clients, public pension fund boards and the investment firms that support them. 

I understand that being a Board member is not just ceremonial. It means making a commitment to do the work in a timely and competent manner because others are counting on you. I understand the hours of work required of board membership, and am prepared to devote that time to Democrats Abroad.  I would be honoured to be considered for the position of member at large.

Member-at-Large: Susan Watt

I was born and raised in New York, and began my political campaign work as an 8 year old child, sealing and stamping envelopes for Al Lowenstein for Congress. I have lived in Victoria, for over 40 years, during which time I would always find a way to get involved with GOTV calls for Democratic candidates in each US election. I spent my parenting life very involved in the education of my children. Two time President of our Co-Op preschool, Co-Chairing The ‘Making Tomorrow’ Educational Conferences (for 3 years), on the executive of elementary/middle schools for 14 years and President of High School PACs for 8 years. I was also a Board Member (twice) of VCPAC. In 2013, I was asked to join the Board of Directors of Congregation Emanu-El, where I satas a Member At Large for 4 years, resigning only because of my campaigning commitments.

Upon “graduation” I quickly moved into heavy involvement with the Green Party of BC (as well as Canada). In 2012, I joined the campaign staff to elect Andrew Weaver as the first BCGP MLA, as the campaign Event Coordinator, working closely with the Fundraising Co-ordinator. This opportunity gave me an eye opening experience to the inner workings of politics. I worked part-time as a constituent assistant in the Office of Andrew Weaver, in addition to becoming a voluntary Medical Advocate. In 2017, for the campaign to re- elect Andrew, I took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator, managing approximately 200 volunteers, ranging in age from 11 to 85. I encouraged and was privileged to have the opportunity to engage, train and mentor a large number of University student volunteers. In addition, I was still assisting with events and direct fundraising.  Each campaign (and in-between), I was very active on Call Hub, so am quite familiar and comfortable on that platform. 

From 2013 - 2020, I also served as the President of the Oak Bay Gordon Head Riding Association for the BCGP. I decided to move from that commitment to DAVI, in order to do whatever I could to help elect Joe Biden and other democrats. Now more than ever, I continue to see the need for consistent, active participation in making sure Democrats are elected up and down the ballot in order to secure our democracy.

I would like to continue my involvement and work with the other amazing members I’ve met volunteering with DAVI. If re-elected as a Member at Large, I would love to continue working with the amazing Board in any areas I feel I can contribute. Thank you for your consideration.

Volunteer for a role that could help shape America. Deadline for nominations: February 9, 2023

Nomination Process: You can self-nominate or nominate someone else, with their permission. Nomination forms must be submitted. 

Term: Starting March 18, 2023 for two years, ending approximately March 2025, covering the next Presidential election, always an exciting time to be involved.

Eligibility: All currently registered members of  Democrats Abroad Canada who are members of the Niagara Region Chapter are eligible unless prohibited (i.e., term limits) per the Democrats Abroad Canada by laws.  Nominees must be willing to stand for office. 

Nomination Deadline:  February 9, 2023. After nominations are closed, we’ll provide ballots and information on voting.

Positions: The following 3 positions are up for election:

Chapter Chair 

The Chapter Chair shall be the legal representative of Democrats Abroad Niagara Region as the chief executive of the chapter.  This person shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. They shall have responsibility for the day-to-day activities of Democrats Abroad Niagara and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. They may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of the chapter, and shall be a voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees. The Chapter Chair is a voting member of the Board of Democrats Abroad Canada and shall attend their monthly meetings. 

Vice Chair 

In the absence of the Chapter Chair, the Vice Chair shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Board. They shall have such duties as chairing one or more standing or ad hoc committees and shall attend all Board meetings and work with the Chapter Chair to ensure that all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the chapter are supervised and executed appropriately. In accordance with Democrats Abroad rules about gender representation, the Vice Chair shall be a different gender from the Chapter Chair. 

Secretary

The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all General, Board, Committee meetings. The Secretary shall maintain all files and administrative records of the chapter. All such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Board once approved by the Chapter Chair and/or Vice Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate participation of members for all Board meetings.

Join us 10 AM Saturday January 28th on Zoom for an Information Session on everything about being a Democrats Abroad leader in the Atlantic Provinces!

Here is the Zoom Link to Join

The virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2023 Elections of The Atlantic Chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada will take place Wednesday, March 15, 2023. More information, including the ability to RSVP will be distributed closer to the date.

Volunteer for a role that could help shape America. Deadline for nominations: January 28, 2023

Nomination Process: You can self-nominate or nominate someone else, with their permission. Nomination forms must be submitted. 

Term: Starting March 14, 2023 for two years, ending approximately March 2025, covering the next Presidential election, always an exciting time to be involved.

Eligibility: All currently registered members of  Democrats Abroad Canada who are members of the Toronto Chapter are eligible unless prohibited (i.e., term limits) per the Democrats Abroad Canada by laws.  Current members of Democrats Abroad Canada who live in one of the regions of Durham, Peel, and York are eligible for the regional position in which they live.  Nominees must be willing to stand for office. 

Nomination Deadline:  January 28, 2023 11:59 p.m. After nominations are closed, we’ll provide ballots and information on voting.

Board Meetings: Meetings occur monthly and can be attended either in person (when feasible) or remotely.

Positions: The following 13 positions are up for election:

Chapter Chair 

The Chapter Chair shall be the legal representative of Democrats Abroad Toronto as the chief executive of the chapter.  The Chapter Chair shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. The Chapter Chair shall have responsibility for the day-to-day activities of Democrats Abroad Toronto and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. The Chapter Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of the chapter, and shall be a voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees. The Chapter Chair is a voting member of the Board of Democrats Abroad Canada and shall attend their monthly meetings. 

Co-Vice Chair (2)

In the absence of the Chapter Chair, either of the Co-Vice Chairs shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Board. The Co-Vice Chairs shall have such duties as chairing one or more standing or ad hoc committees. The Co-Vice Chairs shall attend all Board meetings and work with the Chapter Chair to ensure that all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the chapter are supervised and executed appropriately. In accordance with Democrats Abroad rules about gender representation, one of the Co-Vice Chairs shall be a different gender from the Chapter Chair. The Co-Vice Chairs are voting members of the Board of Democrats Abroad Canada and shall attend their monthly meetings. 

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the chapter, maintain its financial reports to members, and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law (including without limitation the laws and regulations of the United States applicable to political parties and contributions to them).  All such records shall be open for inspection by members. The Treasurer shall attend all Board meetings and prepare and present to the Annual General Meeting of Democrats Abroad Toronto a Statement of Income and Expenses and a Balance Sheet.

Secretary

The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all General, Board, and Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall maintain all files and administrative records of the chapter. All such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Board once approved by the Chapter Chair and/or either Co-Vice Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate participation of members for all Board meetings.

Member-at-Large (8 positions including up to 3 possible regional positions)

Members-at-Large bring special gifts and talents to the chapter. Members-at-Large should attend all Board meetings and stay informed through general emails from Democrats Abroad.  Members-at-Large will work to engage area members by organizing events, such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights. Members-at-Large should include a diversity of individuals with various skill sets, such as database and technology proficiency, writing articles for the website, and writing or sending emails.

Regional Members at Large: We will fill these positions if candidates are available and elected, and otherwise fill those spots with general Members-at-Large

Member-at-Large Durham Region

The Member-at-Large Durham Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage Durham area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Member-at-Large Peel Region

The Member-at-Large Peel Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage Peel area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Member-at-Large York Region

The Member-at-Large York Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage York area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Nominations and Elections Committee Equity Statement

Democrats Abroad Toronto’s Nominations and Elections Committee will actively work to recognize, develop and promote initiatives that build equity, diversity, and inclusion in the election process, including, but not limited to, removing barriers of race, sex, gender, age, physical disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic status. These efforts will prioritize actions to ensure that all members are treated in a fair and ethical manner and are supported in their paths to success.  For more information, please contact the committee at [email protected] 

“Democrats are the party of inclusion. We know that diversity is not our problem—it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree ... we do not merely seek common ground—we strive to reach higher ground.”  - DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM

Chapter Chair

The Chapter Chair shall call and preside at all General Meetings, Special Meetings, Executive Committee Meetings and all meetings of the Chapter Board. The Chair shall determine the Agenda of all such meetings.

The Chapter Chair shall have Membership responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the

Chapter and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Chapter Board.

The Chapter Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees and individuals as necessary for the execution of the activities of the Chapter.

The Chapter Chair shall be a voting member of the DACA board as Chapter Representative and is responsible for enacting policies as determined by DACA. As such will be required to attend DACA meetings as required, generally monthly. 

This role takes approximately 10-20 hours per week in an election year, and 8-10 hours in a non- election year.

Chapter Vice Chair

In the absence of the Chapter Chair, the Chapter Vice Chair shall determine the Agenda, call and preside at meetings of Chapter members, the Chapter Executive Committee and the Board.

The Chapter Vice Chair shall have such other duties as chairing one or more committees, depending on their experience and preferences.

The Chapter Vice Chair shall work with the Chapter Chair to ensure all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the Organization are supervised and executed appropriately.

The Chapter Vice Chair shall be a member who is of the opposite sex to the Chapter Chair, as  per the bylaws of Democrats Abroad and the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

NOTE: If the decision is to have two Chapter Co-Chairs, foregoing a Chapter Vice Chair, the above paragraph is still applicable.

This role takes approximately 7-10 hours a week

Chapter Secretary-Treasurer

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall distribute required meeting notices, attend and produce minutes for all Chapter Board meetings.

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall produce and maintain all files and administrative records of the Chapter. All such records shall be open for inspection by members.

Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Board once approved by the Chapter Chair and/or Vice Chair.

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall schedule all Board meetings. In the case of absence of the Chapter Secretary-Treasurer, the Chapter Chair or Vice-Chair shall designate to another Officer the responsibility to attend and produce the minutes.

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall manage the finances of the chapter in coordination with the Chair and the DACA Treasurer. 

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall produce a monthly written report for the Chapter Board and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by DACA. All such records shall be open for inspection by members.

The Chapter Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare and present to the AGM of the chapter a Statement of Income and Expenses.

This role takes approximately 6-8 hours a week.

Chapter Membership Secretary

The Chapter Membership Secretary shall maintain the Chapter membership database by responding in a timely manner to member requests for changes, welcoming new members, and by using best practices to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy.

The Chapter Membership Secretary shall have administration privileges to update the Nationbuilder database and send out email blasts. S/he shall monitor the DAVI gmail account and participate in the annual DACA membership verification process.

The Chapter Membership Secretary provides statistical information as required and produces a monthly report for the Chapter Board.

This role takes approximately 5-12 hours a week during election years, and 5-6 hours weekly during non-election years. 

Social Media Coordinator

The Social Media Coordinator shall be responsible for maintaining the DAVI Facebook page, the DAVI web page, and other DAVI media sites as they become operational.

To do so, the Coordinator shall amplify vetted content from the Democrats Abroad weekly content kit and other Democrats Abroad sites in consultation with the Chair and according to the guidelines specified by Democrats Abroad.

The Coordinator acts as the Chapter Social Media Liaison, interfacing with the DA Facebook Managers Group, and other Democrats Abroad media groups.

They shall produce a written report for the Chapter Board on a monthly basis.

This role requires an estimated 3-7 hours per week, depending on whether an election is imminent.

Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator shall recruit, train and manage volunteers for Democrats Abroad, in coordination with the Chair.

The Coordinator shall endeavor to offer a range of opportunities appropriate to the skills, physical needs and interests of all members.

The Coordinator acts as the Chapter Volunteer Liaison, interfacing with DACA and DA volunteer and GOTV personnel as required.

They shall produce a monthly report to the Board.
This role requires an estimated 3-20 hours per week, depending on whether an election is imminent.

Chapter Member-at-Large

Chapter Members-at-Large represent the broader membership and bring to the Organization special gifts and talents which complement those of the other elected officials on the Board.

This role varies in hours, depending on the activities undertaken by these Board Members

Watch the Election Returns in a Virtual Room with other Democrats Abroad Members, Family and Friends!

On behalf of Democrats Abroad Canada, we thank those who attended our webinar “The Basics of Cross-Border Taxes for Americans Abroad”, presented March 28th by Max Reed and Polaris Tax Counsel. We hope you found the information beneficial.

This posting is to share with you links for the webinar audio recording and presentation deck, plus other useful information.

AUDIO only of DACA and Polaris Tax Webinar March 2021

PDF Presentation of DACA and Polaris Tax Webinar March 2021

If you’re in need of a certified U.S. tax return preparer, please visit this link from American Citizens Abroad. Contact details for Max Reed are in the presentation deck.

Democrats Abroad has advocated on behalf of our members for decades on the issues of taxation, which we continue to do through these challenging times. To receive updates on the work of our Global Taxation Task Force visit this page to subscribe.

As a 100% volunteer, self-funded organization, Democrats Abroad is grateful for your generous support.

Thanks to those who participated  - we look forward to you joining us on future webinars.

Nominations from the floor of the AGM will be accepted and decided upon for the position of TREASURER. *

Chair Candidate Statements 

Michele Grant, J.D., (she/her) is a dual U.S.-Canada citizen living in St. John’s, in the ancestral homelands of the Beothuck and Mi’kmaq peoples (Newfoundland and Labrador). After living in the States all of her life, she moved to St. John’s with her spouse in 2017. She is a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania and is pursuing her call to the bar in NL.

Before moving to Canada, Michele last lived in Philadelphia (PA-03), where she raised her son and went to law school. She was a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the public transit provider in metro Philadelphia, advocating for city resident ridership. She also served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the South Street Headhouse District, a quasi-municipal authority, advocating for District residents. For several years she served as Co-chair of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, and occasionally as a regional vice-president of the Guild, reporting to the Guild’s national executive committee.

A Democrat for over 20 years, she worked and volunteered at many elections in Philadelphia, in partisan and non-partisan roles: signature gatherer, poll worker, election observer/protection, data gathering, policy research on judicial elections, and litigation support in ballot access legal challenges.

She welcomes the opportunity to build Atlantic membership and keep Democrats effectively engaged with electoral politics in the U.S.

Luke Roman*

I am currently Vice Chair of the Atlantic Chapter of Democrats Abroad, Canada. I would be very happy to continue carrying out this duty. My experience as Vice Chair over the last few months provided a basis for my future work in the role, and I hope to gain yet more experience if elected. As a professor at Memorial University and Head of the Department of Classics, I have acquired communication and organizational skills appropriate to the position of Vice Chair. Thank you for considering my candidacy. 

Secretary Candidate Statement

Rachel Brickner (Wolfville, Nova Scotia)

I am running for the position of Secretary of the Atlantic Provinces chapter. I am originally from Detroit, Michigan (go Tigers!). I moved to Canada in 1999 to attend McGill University’s PhD program in Political Science. Despite being open to “any academic position, as long as it was in a cool urban area,” I ended up accepting a position at Acadia University in rural Nova Scotia. I’ve been here since 2006. 

I have been involved in the DA-Atlantic Provinces chapter since it rebooted in 2019, initially in the position of Vice-Chair and before serving temporarily as Chair. In these roles I spoke to the media on behalf of the chapter on multiple occasions and gained extensive experience with the DA database. Although my work commitments do not afford me the time necessary to serve in the role of Chair, I have gained substantial knowledge about our chapter and have developed ideas for how to build momentum going into the future. I am looking forward to using these ideas in a role that allows our chapter to be up and running for 2022 and 2024. 

Social Media Coordinator Statement

Devbani Raha

I am an Epidemiologist working in Cancer Care, Nova Scotia Health. I have lived in Canada and the United States, and am a dual citizen of both countries. I lived in Denver, CO and continue to vote in Denver County.

For the past year, I've volunteered with Democrats Abroad Atlantic Chapter in an unofficial media outreach role. I have been the watch party host on Facebook for the presidential debates (2020 elections); I really enjoyed keeping my fellow attendees engaged and commenting throughout the events. I've chaired a meeting on behalf of our Chapter Chair, Dr Rachel Brickner. I've posted in the DA- Atlantic Facebook pages to remind people to vote, send links to reliable information and posted information about upcoming events like the watch parties or DA-Atlantic meetings.

I self identify as a woman and person-of-color.

*Please note that email notification sent March 28th had an error and stated Luke Roman self nominated as Treasurer. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

*With apologies,
*Julie Buchanan-Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee

The virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2021 Elections of The Atlantic Chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada will take place Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. RSVP here to get the Zoom link to join the meeting

The Nominations and Elections Committee is seeking nominations for the following offices: The Executive Committee consisting of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Social Media Coordinator, and Treasurer. The Vice Chair elected shall be a member who is of differing gender to the Chair, as per the by-laws of Democrats Abroad and the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Review the office position descriptions for each here. 

Nominations open March 8, 2021 and will close on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.  

Please send us an email with a Candidate Statement supporting your nominee, or yourself if you are self-nominating. In 200 words or less, describe skills and experience pertinent to the office position for which you or your nominee is running. A nominee must be a Democrats Abroad Canada member, a US citizen, a resident within the boundaries of the Atlantic Provinces Chapter. 

As a Board member you will be expected to actively participate in the management of the Chapter, including attendance at monthly board meetings, either in-person or virtually.

Online ballots will be emailed Monday, April 12, 2021 with instructions on how to complete and submit the ballot by Monday April 26,  2021, 12:00 midnight.

We greatly appreciate your assistance and look forward to receiving your nominations.

Best regards,

Sara Joyce MacDonald, Julie Buchanan and Ed Ungar
Linda MacDonald, Teller
Atlantic Provinces Nominations & Election Committee
email: [email protected]

As of the close of nominations, the position of Treasurer remains open. **

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the organization, maintain its monthly financial reports to members and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law (including without limitation the laws and regulations of the United States and the several States applicable to political parties and contributions to them). All such records shall be open for inspection by members. The Treasurer shall prepare and present to the Annual General Meeting of Democrats Abroad Canada a Statement of Income and Expenses and a Balance Sheet.

The following are brief descriptions of the other positions on the Board:

Chair: The Atlantic Chair shall be the legal representative of Democrats Abroad Canada and the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, and shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. The Chair shall have Membership responsibility for the day-to-day activities of DA Canada - and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. The Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of DA Canada. The  Chair shall be a voting member of all Standing Committees and ad hoc committees. The Chair shall be a voting member of and attend meetings of Democrats Abroad Canada. 

Vice Chair: In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Executive Committee. The Vice Chair shall have other duties such as chairing one or more committees. The Vice Chair shall work with the Chair to ensure all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the organization are supervised and executed appropriately. The Vice Chair elected shall be a member who is of different gender to the Chair, as per the by-laws of Democrats Abroad and the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Secretary: The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all Board and Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall maintain all files and administrative records of the organization. All of such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Executive Committee once approved by the Country Chair and/or Vice Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate participation for all Board meetings. 

Social Media/Communications Coordinator: The Social Media Coordinator makes posts for upcoming events, moderates live viewing parties, and assists with membership communication, outreach, and involvement. This person will oversee our social media accounts, coordinate media appearances, and work directly with the Canada Communications Officer.

**Please note that email notification sent March 28th had an error and stated Luke Roman self nominated as Treasurer. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

**With apologies,
**Julie Buchanan-Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee

Democrats Abroad Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands 

There are currently no candidates for the positions of Membership Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator. Nominations and/or appointments for these positions will take place on the floor of the online Annual General Meeting, March 20th, 1-3 pm. Please contact the Nominations and Elections Committee if you are interested. 

Candidates were asked to make a short statement of interest, which follow here.

On July 12, about 100 people, including members of Democrats Abroad (DA), gathered near the U.S. Consulate in Toronto to protest the detention of thousands of migrant children in overcrowded settings in Florida, Texas, and elsewhere in the U.S. 

A lawyer who visited one of these facilities has reported that a large majority of the children have U.S. based family members who could take care of them. Instead, they are sleeping on mats and cement floors, and they are not being adequately nourished. Fruit and vegetables are not provided.
Reporters for the Miami Herald, who visited a facility in Homestead, Florida, said that children are identified by a number rather than a name and have very regimented schedules, including five-minute showers and two 10-minute calls a week to family members.

As protestors gathered in Toronto, gatherings were happening at detention centres across the U.S. and in other countries, including Germany and Ireland. The Toronto gathering included participants in the YWCA Settlement Program, the Canadian Association of Refugee lawyers, members of the Honduran community, and other groups, as well as DA members.

A number of speakers talked about urgent need to close these prison-like facilities:
Irit Printz, the rabbi of B’nai Shalom v’Tivah synagogue, said that “This is not a moral gray area. Children should not be held in detention in conditions that are worse than the conditions in which people can keep animals. Parents should not be torn away from their children. Providing people with basic necessities and a safe place to stay should be obvious, not a matter of debate.”

Karin Lippert, DA Toronto chapter Vice-chair, stated later that “Our message at the Lights for Liberty was: Close the Camps. Americans and people around the world are horrified by the images of children in cages, sleeping on the floor in their own feces, without adequate food and water. This is not reflective of American and Canadian values and must not continue. Close the Camps was both a solemn demonstration and a sacred space. Several speakers reminded us of the decades of exploitation of Central America by American corporations – supported by the U.S. government – and the general disregard there has been for the PEOPLE of Central America.”

Ed Ungar, DA Canada Vice-chair, stressed that action is required: “If you do not provide the basics of life (toothbrushes, showers, and so on) for children in your custody, that’s child abuse – child neglect. Society removes those children from custody. This is just as society must remove children from the Trump administration’s custody.”

The gathering concluded with candle lighting, song, and words of encouragement for the journey forward. Julie Buchanan, DA Canada Executive Vice-Chair recalled that “after moving stories and inspirational speakers, we sang John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’”: Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one. ”True, I may be a dreamer but clearly I was not the only one there that day. There is always hope,” said Ms. Buchanan.

In her statement, Rabbi Printz noted the meaning of candle lighting: She said that Jews light candles on Hannukah “because of the principle that light should always be increased in the world, that the world is dark enough without removing what light there is. I am so proud to stand with you today as we add our light to the world with the hope that we can make the world a little brighter, a little more caring, perhaps even a little more just.”

For DA members, the July 12 protest pointed the way toward action that is needed in 2020. Karin Lippert said that the gathering was a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. “ Going forward, the activism of Democrats Abroad living in Canada and around the world, and also our voter turnout in 2020 will be an affirmation of our values and an expression of the collective power of every vote.”

Authored by Virginia Smith

Democrats Abroad Canada is pleased to bring back our U.S. Tax Webinars for members. These webinars fill up quickly, so please register to attend today!

Operating a Canadian business as a US citizen

The Trump tax reforms made entirely changed the tax reforms around operating a business as a US taxpayer resident in Canada. This webinar will provide an overview of those changes and examine strategies for dealing with the complexity as a Canadian resident US citizen who wants to incorporate. Incorporation can still provide significant tax benefits — even for those with double tax exposure. Specifically, the webinar will cover at a high level:

• Tax benefits of incorporation
• The US repatriation tax and strategies for offsetting it;
• The US GILTI rules and strategies to mitigate them;
• Other tax planning ideas for incorporated business owners.

Sunday, April 28, 2019
3:00 P.M. Eastern / 12:00 P.M. Pacific
Duration: 90 minutes

This is an online webinar session and advance registration is required. Register by clicking here and we will follow up with WebEx installation/user/meeting information. Hope to "see" you there!

About the presenter

Max Reed is a cross-border tax lawyer at SKL tax in Vancouver where he focuses on tax strategies for those with tax issues that span the Canada-US border. Specifically, he has written a number of articles addressing the taxation of US citizen business owners who reside in Canada. SKL Tax has been helping people with double tax exposure for over 40 years.


Watch for our email invitation to attend US Personal Tax Webinar on May 26th.

Questions? email [email protected]