Attendance: Meeting started at 13:15 hours. Those in attendance = Dave Lewis, Stefan Scarola, Daina Deblette, Jean Marien, Alan Billard, Gordon Warnica, Bruce Murphy, Ross Denman, Doug Archibald.(Guest: Ross Archibald).

Draw Prizes: Draw Prizes were awarded at the AGM this year. Special thanks to TAO Adventure for their contributions to these attendance incentive awards. Ross Archibald drew the following lucky names:

Gordon Warnica........Can of chocolates ...purchased by NSMCRA.

Bruce Murphy.......PFD...purchased by NSMCRA

Alan Billard.......Carlyle plastic Bent Shaft Paddle ...TAO Adventure Sports

Doug Archibald........Throw Bag...TAO Adventure Sports

Old Business:

(1.) Inventory of Equipment Nov.30, 2002.

(2.)Revised format for Point Races was adopted this year. Worked well. Only one male and one female Paddler of the Year to be awarded. In case of tie executive to make decision.

(3.) Race Schedule:

- Worked well. Fred Lynch Race should be scheduled on a Saturday in the future.

- Enforcement Challenge Race in New Glasgow is interested in becoming Sanctioned, however they still wish to have a clause that states each canoe must have an enforcement person on board. That would be to exclusive as some NSMCRA members might not be able to race. The offer is still open to them should they drop that clause.

New Business:

(1.) Affiliation with Atl. Div CCA was re affirmed this fall at their AGM on Nov 10. This affiliation was initiated during the last application for Block Funding in the spring of 2001. Through this arrangement the NSMCRA receives liability insurance for the executive and the organizers of sanctioned races (up to $500 premium cost); Secretarial support; $500 grant; Membership within the Atl. Div.;

Use of facilities on Lake Banook with permission from the Facilities and Maintenance Chairperson.

(2.)Insurance Policy: All NSMCRA Sanctioned races must conform to the rules and regulations for Races and Racers. This is important.

(3.) Membership: Year 2002= 35 Full Time Members, 46 Part Time Members = Total 81 Members.

(4.) Paddlers of the Year: Female = Ashley McKinnon... 170 points.

Male = Justin McKinnon .... 210 points.

(5.)Remarks from MRC Chairman Don Stoneman:

- Turnout for 2002 Cdn. Nationals at Wallaceburg Ontario = 77; Numbers were down; $1200 deficit.

-2003 Cdn. Nationals undecided, possibility at Mount Laurier, Quebec.

-Canada was represented at the 2002 Worlds by Trevor MacLean of Nova Scotia and Blair Manktelow of Ontario. The MRC will no longer carry the mandate of selecting the Team for the Worlds after 2003. MacLean and Manktelow will compete in 2003 as will a junior K2 mens team from Ontario.There are many openings for nominations. Contact Don Stoneman.

-MRC experienced a surplus this year, some of the surplus may go towards CBET initiatives.

(6.) Treasurers Report, Ross Denman:

See attached Treasurers Statement.

(7.)ESSO Grant: Jean Marien explained the purpose for the $1500 grant from ESSO. The $$ were granted to help foster development of a marathon canoe paddling coaching program in Nova Scotia and to purchase / maintain equipment to initiate new paddlers to the sport of Marathon Paddling.

Bowater Grant: Dave Lewis explained the purpose of the $630 grant from Bowater. The $$ are for fostering youth paddling in the Liverpool region of Nova Scotia.

(8.)Newsletter / Web Page:

Bruce Murphy strongly encouraged race organizers to forward results of the races to him asap after the races. This makes for an upto date and current web page which is beneficial to our membership and association. Send any information pertinent to the web page and newsletter to Bruce by E Mail and he will insure it is added. For this year we would like to have several articles on "Why I like to Race", such personal accounts may attract others to our sport.

(9.) Promotions: Gordon Warnica reported that few race organizers submitted results to him this year. This must be done immediately after the race or else the Newspapers will not accept them. Gordon will be away hiking the Applachian Trail this coming summer (2003) so we will have to find an alternative promotions man in his absence.

The NSMCRA Logo was discussed. The current Logo , designed by Don Evans for the cover of our Newsletter has served that purpose well but needs some revamping to make it suitable for other promotional activities such as T Shirts, etc.

Daina Deblette has agreed to spearhead this project.

(10.)Competency Based Education Training and National Coaching Certification Process:

Dave Lewis reported that currently the Marathom CBET committee for Canada is debating between going with an Advanced Coaching Program or a Community Sports Coaching Program. The feeling seems to be leaning towards Community Sports and that was the feeling from this AGM of the NSMCRA.

(11.)Race Schedule 2003:

Proposed race schedule was reviewed. Race dates and particulars should be sent to Doug Archibald by January 31, 2003. This will enable compilation of the 2003 Schedule at an early date so that it will be ready for the Web Page and Newsletter early in the spring.

Clinics were discussed. Association members around Halifax Dartmouth will strive to organize several weekday evening clinics on the Dartmouth or Waverley Lakes. The Milton members continue to have weekly training sessions on the Mersey River in Milton.

NSMCRA Pro Boats can be made available to those who wish to try them out. Contact Dave Lewis, Jeam Marien, Alan Billard, Doug Archibald.

Doug Archibald and Jean Marien discussed the possibility of a race on the Musquodoboit River. Doug will investigate the possibilities of continuing the Elmsdale Relay.

(12.) Canadian Nationals 2002; USA Nationals 2002:

Nova Scotia was well represented at both the Canadian and US Nationals this past summer. Dave, Bev and Abbey Lewis, along with Doug, Kristoffer and Mary-Beth Archibald competed at both National Events. Jean Marien joined the others at the US Nationals. The results are recorded in the Newsletter.

(13.) Canadian Nationals 2004:

Alan Billard reviewed the hosting of the 1996 Cdn Nationals on the North West Arm. Doug, Dave and Jean discussed the benefits of National events for paddlers.

A motion was passed (5 of 6) that the NSMCRA would investigate the possibility of hosting the Cdn Nationals for 2004. A focus meeting will be held January 18, 2003 at 13:00 hours at Jean Marien`s home, 57 Braeside Avenue, Dartmouth.

Decisions will be made there.

(14.) Equipment: It was decided to go ahead with the purchase of 2 banners; START; FINISH. NSMCRA logo should be included as well as the ESSO logo as the funding for the project comes from the ESSO Grant.

(15.)Grant Application: Jean Marien and Alan Billard will work on applying for the 2003 ESSO grant prior to the end of December 2002.

(16.)Election of Officers:

President: Doug Archibald was re elected as President...2 year term.

Vice President: Alan Billard was re- elected as Vice President....2 year term.

Secretary / Treasurer: Dave Lewis was elected Sec. Treasurer....2 year term.

Ross Denman who was Secretary Treasurer for many years stepped down from this position. The Association thanked him for his commitment.

(17.)Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 16:00 hours. The next AGM is scheduled for Saturday November 29, 2003. Location to be announced.

Special Thanks to Jean Marien for his special pepperoni and coffee.