At the May 2025 meeting, retiring members Clara and George Edwardson received recognition for over 25 years with the Canadian Club of Morrisburg and District. From the left, front row: Clara Edwardson, George Edwardson, CCMD President Anne Caza. Back row: Bob Grenkie, guest speaker and Edwardson’s long-time friend André Pommiér. Courtesy Photo

MORRISBURG – In 1925, a group of men gathered in the small community of Morrisburg and before the meeting was over, The Canadian Club of Morrisburg and District (CCMD) was formed with the first meeting held in October 1925. On Oct. 15, a century of socializing, dining and listening to speakers on a wide variety of topics will be celebrated with Canadian writer and explorer, Adam Shoalts as guest speaker.

“The Canadian Club movement originated in Hamilton, Ont. A small group of men wanted to be more active and better-informed Canadians and hoped to stimulate a sense of pride in being Canadian. The idea spread across Canada.” said CCMD President Anne Caza.

Canadian Clubs are found in communities across this country and are composed “of people in various communities that meet regularly for a meal and to hear distinguished Canadian, or a visitor from another country, speak on issues of local, national or international importance.

The speakers for 2025-2026 include Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a world-renowned botanist, medical biochemist and author; Canadian explorer and author Adam Shoalts, Cathy Ashby and Kristina McDermott from House of Lazarus; Ryan Hreljac of Ryan’s Well Foundation; Jeff Ridal from the River Institute and Eli Batchelor speaking on human trafficking.

While in years past there was a national association of Canadian Clubs, the clubs are now run on a local basis. The CCMD is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, with Caza serving as president. The 1st vice president is Leo Tessier; 2nd vice president is Miriam Wylie and Bob Weagant is 3rd vice president.

The membership in the CCMD is open to the public, with the subscription cost covering the six dinners which include an opportunity for socialization as well as a presentation by the guest speaker. Caza mentioned there are currently around 100 members, with visitors welcome to attend these dinners by contacting the organization to reserve a seat.

The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of September, October, November, March, April and May in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 048 in Morrisburg. She explained there is a social hour between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. when dinner is served followed by the presentation from the guest speaker scheduled for 8 p.m.

Mentioning how the club is currently in a membership campaign, she noted the CCMD is “always happy to welcome new members or visitors.” If interested in receiving more information on the CCMD, people are invited to call Ron Beaupré at 613-543-3362 or email him at canadianclubmorrisburg@gmail.com.

More information is available on the organization’s Facebook page as well as their website located at www.canadianclubmorrisburg.com.

 

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