Summary of Canadian Network on Cuba Tenth Biennial Convention
June 28, 2022
A big thank you to all the 28 delegates and the special guests to the 10th Biennial Convention held June 25-26 in Toronto. This brief summary of the convention was prepared by former Co-chairs, Isaac Saney and Elizabeth Hill for your information.
Unfortunately, Fernando Gonzalez the President of ICAP was unable to attend in person because the Canadian Embassy in Havana did not provide a visa. But Fernando did send a warm video message. Sandra Yisel Ramírez, Director of the North American division of ICAP has a multiple entry visa and participated throughout the convention.
The new Cuban Ambassador to Canada, Hector spoke to the convention, as well as at the 20th Anniversary of the CNC’s cultural celebration on Saturday night. At this lively evening celebration, the CNC presented to ICAP a beautiful maple wood plaque, commemorating the CNC’s 20th Anniversary. The beautiful plaque was made by Bill Ryan.
Co-chairs Isaac Saney (by zoom while he recuperates from Covid at home), and Elizabeth Hill presented an overview of the CNC’s work over the past three years. This was followed with specific reports: The 27th and 28th Che Guevara Volunteer Work Brigades by Brigade national Coordinator, Janine Solanki; the fundraising campaigns by Elizabeth Hill, Petitions and work with Parliamentarians by Isaac; the Monthly Virtual Pickets by Tamara Hansen and the Website social media committee by Tamara Hansen and Azza Rojbi.
An animated session opened with reports from the different solidarity organizations on the activities in their local areas, from Halifax to Victoria.
Sandra Ramírez, on behalf of ICAP, presented ICAP’s 60th Anniversary commemorative Seal to the Canadian Network on Cuba. This award is a recognition of “Members of the movement of Solidarity with Cuba, which have maintained an active work in defense of the Cuban Revolution, contributing to disseminate the truth about its political, social and economic transformations, and to reinforce and strengthen friendship among the people of the world.” The CNC is very proud to receive this recognition of the work of all its member groups.
The convention discussed an ambitious plan of activities, including several anniversaries coming up in the next two years, such as July 26, 2023, will be the 70th Anniversary of Moncada, and December 17, 2024 will be the 10th Anniversary of the release of all five of the Cuban Heroes.
A new CNC Executive was elected of seven members: (in alphabetical order by name)
Rob Crooks Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity
Roberto Diaz CCFA Vancouver
Julio Fonseca – Association of Cubans in Toronto
Samantha Hislop CCFA Toronto
Chris Shelton CCFA Vancouver
Tyson Standlund Young Communist League
Cikiah Thomas Global Afrikan Congress
The delegates gave an applause of appreciation in recognition of the work of the past executive members: Isaac Saney, Elizabeth Hill and Tamara Hansen who did not stand for re-election.
Congratulations to the new executive members, and we look forward to working with them in the very important plan of work the CNC adopted to end the blockade, defend Cuba, build the Ché Brigade and strengthen solidarity with Cuba in Canada.
A huge vote of thanks to everyone who helped set up, registration, sound systems, computer connections, coffee, billeting, driving, anniversary buttons – all essential to making this a successful 10th Biennial convention and 20th Anniversary cultural event celebration.
Isaac Saney and Elizabeth Hill
former chairs of the Canadian Network on Cuba