Welsford, N.B. 
Attendees:
Adam Morgan (Chair), Chris Norfolk (secretary), Terry Melanson, Marty Teriault, Andrew Martin, Steve Adamson, Lucas Toron, Kristy McClellan, Greg Hughes, Joe Kennedy, Mike Delaney, Magda Celejewski, Kevin Kelly, Dom Caron, Lauren Miller, Sonia Wilson, Peter Adamson, Kristen Maillet, Pete Blight, Luc Gallant, Brian Nason, Monica Goodine, Max Fisher
Reading of the Constitution:
Adam opened the meeting by reading aloud the draft constitution and explaining our reason for wanting to form a provincial climbing organization. Although the UNB Rock & Ice club has acted as the default representative of climbers for many years, there is reason to believe it may not be able to continue that function in the future. Simply, UNB Campus Recreation isn’t well aligned with the objectives of the greater climbing community (nor should they be), and thus a concern about future access is valid.
Adam outlined discussions Ascent NB (ANB) has had with all major climbing clubs clubs and he indicated that there is support from UNB Rock and Ice, Rbloc (Moncton), and NBCC Saint John. In the near future ANB will contact the climbing club at CFB Gagetown.
Adam explained that the immediate steps for ANB include:
- Approval of the draft constitution
- Election of board members and officers
- Legal incorporation as a not-for-profit
Following the reading of the constitution Adam opened the floor to proposed amendments and ratification.
Lauren proposed removing the clause requiring board candidates to demonstrate their ability to climb Sticky Fingers. Because of the level of strength required in addition to techncial proficiency and experience, it could be exclusionary to women wanting to join the board.
Several members wanted to see the clause remain as it’s intent was to ensure board members were likely to be longtime members of the NB climbing community. Several alternatives routes were suggested that would still accomplish the intent while reducing the risk of being exclusionary towards women. Brian suggested that a suitable alternative may to be require board members to demonstrate their contribution towards route development in NB.
Accepted Amendment: ANB Board candidates must have led Cheekbone Corner (or another route requiring equivalent competency) and have contributed to development of climbing routes in NB.
Steve wants some type of extenuating circumstances to qualify for proxy voting at future AGMs. He gave the example of a climber being out of the country temporarily. Adam suggested that the draft constitution does allow for voting via electronic means. Steve agreed this satisfies his concern.
Joe asked why we need a constitution
- Constitution needed to incorporate
- Incorporate required for recognized
- required for insurance
- required for recognition
Joe questioned the value offered by the constitution. Adam and Dom explained that it’s a structure that is required of any body attempting to incorporate and that incorporation is a prerequisite to eventually being recognized as the governing body for any sport. This satisfied Joe’s question. The group suggested that the officers elected should ensure that the draft meet all requirements set forth for both incorporation or recognition by the Dept. of Wellness, Culture, and Sport.
Dom suggested that we make the explicit allowance for ANB to keep a membership list.
Accepted Amendment: A list of the membership will be maintained by the secretary
Marty commented about bouldering and ice climbing. He suggested that ice climbing as well as other disciplines be included in the ANB mandate. He suggested boulder and or ice grades as acceptable grades for board and/or officer candidacy. Discussion evolved around demonstrating competency.
Accepted Amendment: The clause requiring candidate requirements for election as officers will be expanded to allow equivalent competency. No route development experience will be required for officer positions.
Brian suggested as a bylaw, that all future presidents must have held a previous position as an officer.
Accepted Amendment: Candidates for president must have held a previous position as an officer with ANB.
With these amendments passed the constitution was ratified by all those present.
Nominations for Board:
Steve Adamson (elected), Marty Terriault, Adam Morgan (elected), Chris Norfolk (declined nomination), PJ Adamson (declined nomination), Joe Kennedy (elected), Kristy McClellan
Nominations for President:
Marty Teriault (elected), Kristy McClellan (declined nomination), Adam Morgan, Chris Norfolk (declined nomination), Lucas Toron (declined nomination), Greg Hughes, Dom Caron (declined nomination)
Nominations for Vice President:
Chris Norfolk, Greg Hughes (elected), Lucas Toron (declined nomination), Adam (declined nomination)
Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer:
Stacey Couturier, Mike Delaney, Chris Norfolk (elected)
Other items:
Website is under construction
Logo is under development
Formal approach to Access negotiations to be developed
Meeting adjourned.