Date December 2021<\/p>\n
LEONBERGER CLUB OF CANADA<\/strong><\/p>\n CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS<\/strong><\/p>\n CONSTITUTION<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The organization shall be called the \u201cLeonberger Club of Canada\u201d, hereinafter referred to as the “Club\u201d or \u201cLCC\u201d.<\/p>\n Except by the Club itself, the use of the LCC insignia or name in any form of advertising by any member or group of members is prohibited without prior approval of the Board.<\/p>\n The Club shall maintain its recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and shall operate in accordance with the Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and Policies of the CKC.<\/p>\n The Club shall:<\/p>\n 4.1<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Develop interest in, increase knowledge of, and otherwise advance and protect the Leonberger breed.<\/p>\n 4.2<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support the conscientious and careful breeding of the Leonberger according to the individual breed standard as recognized by the CKC; seek to preserve the essence of the breed as developed in its country of origin and strive to maintain critical characteristics which allow the breed to perform the work for which it was originally developed.<\/p>\n \u00a04.3\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Make information available on the Leonberger breed and conduct educational programs for members and the general public.<\/p>\n 4.4<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Guard against the commercial exploitation of the Leonberger.<\/p>\n 4.5<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support the training and exhibiting of the Leonberger and encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, trials, sports and other events.<\/p>\n 4.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Encourage the organization of local branches of the LCC, in those areas where there \u00a0are sufficient fanciers of Leonbergers, consistent with the current CKC zones or combinations thereof, and to support the regional activities.<\/p>\n 4.7<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Conduct boosters, specialty shows, trials and other activities for Leonbergers under CKC rules.<\/p>\n 4.8<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Encourage responsible dog ownership and promote the cause of Leonbergers.<\/p>\n 4.9<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Publish and circulate to all members a newsletter at least twice per calendar year.<\/p>\n \u00a04.10 <\/strong>The Club shall not be conducted nor operated for profit, and no part of any monies or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Club shall be to the benefit of any member or individual.<\/p>\n The area of operation of the Club shall be the Dominion of Canada.<\/p>\n The members of the Club may, from time to time revise such Constitution and Bylaws as may be required to carry out these purposes and objectives.\u00a0 To carry such changes, a two-thirds (2\/3) majority of all votes cast from eligible voting members is required.\u00a0 Notification and votes may be sent and received by email or regular post.<\/p>\n BYLAWS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n ARTICLE 1 – MEMBERSHIP <\/strong><\/p>\n 1.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MEMBERSHIP YEAR <\/strong><\/p>\n The membership year of the Club shall be from the first (1st) of January to the thirty first (31st) of December.<\/p>\n 1.2<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS <\/strong><\/p>\n 1.2.1<\/strong> Membership shall be open to all persons with an interest in the Leonberger breed, who are in accord with the purposes and objectives of the Club.<\/p>\n 1.2.2<\/strong> Members of the LCC must be in good standing with the CKC, or eligible for membership in the CKC.<\/p>\n 1.2.3<\/strong> All applications for membership are to be sent to the Secretary or Membership Chair if one is appointed, and must be on the appropriate form as approved by the Board and contain the following:<\/p>\n 1.2.4<\/strong> The Board shall have the authority to reject the application of any applicant not \u00a0meeting all requirements.\u00a0 Memberships are approved by a majority vote of the Board of \u00a0Directors.<\/p>\n 1.2.5<\/strong> No member shall have a vote or may hold office until they have been a continuous member for one (1) full year from date membership is approved.<\/p>\n 1.3<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIPS <\/strong><\/p>\n 1.3.1 PROVISIONAL MEMBER<\/strong> shall be any new member who is eighteen (18) years of age \u00a0or older and meets the requirements of Section 1.2. Provisional Members will have no voting privileges and shall not hold office for twelve (12) months.<\/p>\n \u00a01.3.2 FULL MEMBER<\/strong> shall be any paid member in good standing, who has held a membership for a minimum of the preceding twelve (12) months. Full members will have voting privileges and can hold office.<\/p>\n 1.3.3 REGULAR MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> shall be granted to an individual Provisional or Full Member.<\/p>\n 1.3.4 HOUSEHOLD MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> shall be granted to Provisional and\/or Full members who cohabit in the same domicile.\u00a0 Each household Full Member will have a single vote to a maximum of 3 votes per household.<\/p>\n \u00a01.3.5 JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> is open to those under eighteen (18) years of age.\u00a0 Junior members do not pay dues and shall not have voting rights in the Club.\u00a0 On their eighteenth \u00a0(18th) birthday, they may apply to become a Provisional Member added to a current \u00a0Household Membership or an individual Regular Membership with payment of dues.<\/p>\n 1.3.6 LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> may be granted to those people who have made outstanding \u00a0contributions to the Club and breed over a long period of time and who have been continuous members for at least 10 years.\u00a0 Proposed names will be nominated by the Board of Directors and must be voted on by the general membership by a two-thirds (2\/3) \u00a0majority of all votes cast.\u00a0 Life members do not pay dues, but do have voting privileges.<\/p>\n 1.3.7 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> may be granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Club and the Leonberger breed over a long period of time.\u00a0 Proposed names will be nominated by, or presented to the Board of Directors and must be voted on by the general membership by a two-thirds (2\/3) majority vote, of all votes cast.\u00a0 Honorary members neither pay dues nor may hold office or have voting privileges.<\/p>\n 1.3.8 BREEDER SPONSORED MEMBERSHIP<\/strong> may be offered to buyers who purchase a Leonberger puppy from a member breeder.\u00a0 This membership is free for the first calendar year.\u00a0 Puppy buyers are eligible within 6 weeks of puppy purchase; completed membership application forms must be received by the Membership Chair within that time.\u00a0 At the end of the calendar year, the member is responsible for renewal with payment of membership dues.<\/p>\n 1.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DISCIPLINE <\/strong><\/p>\n 1.4.1<\/strong> Any member of the LCC who is suspended from the privileges of the Canadian Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the LCC.\u00a0 Loss of all privileges will be for the \u00a0same period as the CKC suspension.<\/p>\n 1.4.2<\/strong> Any member of the LCC who is charged and found guilty of any act of cruelty or mistreatment of any animal by any Humane Society or court will be automatically suspended or expelled from the Club, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Club.<\/p>\n 1.4.3<\/strong> Any member may be disciplined by the Board of Directors of the Club for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the Leonberger breed.\u00a0 Upon receipt of an official complaint, the Board of Directors shall appoint a disciplinary committee consisting of one (1) or two (2) members of the board plus one (1) or two (2) other members in good standing, who have been Regular, Household, or Lifetime members of the LCC for a \u00a0minimum of one (1) year.\u00a0 If, for any reason, no members of the board are able to serve on \u00a0a disciplinary committee, the board may recruit a board member(s) from another breed club to serve on the committee. \u00a0The Disciplinary Committee will conduct a hearing and present their findings to the Board in writing. The Board makes the decision to uphold or \u00a0dismiss the complaint and may apply a disciplinary sanction such as a letter of reprimand, request for apology, membership suspension or expulsion.<\/p>\n 1.4.4 <\/strong>The Board may appoint a member to be the Standing Disciplinary Chair to review \u00a0 complaints received by the Secretary, establish merit based on the Club’s Bylaws and Code of Ethics and if warranted form a disciplinary committee.\u00a0 The Standing Disciplinary Chair would be appointed for a term not exceeding that of the current Board.\u00a0 The Standing \u00a0Disciplinary Chair will not oversee any complaint where a conflict of interest may exist.<\/p>\n 1.4.5<\/strong> A formal complaint must be submitted in writing via email or Canada Post to the Secretary.\u00a0 The written submission must fully detail the grounds for the complaint and include any supporting documentation.\u00a0 Any person who submits a formal complaint against a member will be charged a fee of $50 payable to the Club when the complaint is \u00a0 submitted to the Secretary.<\/p>\n 1.4.6<\/strong> The disciplinary chair and\/or committee will notify the complainant via email or Canada Post within 30 days of receipt of the complaint.\u00a0 If the complaint proceeds to hearing, the committee will provide the accused member written notification of the allegations against them including a copy of the complaint document(s) and set a timeline to submit their testimony in writing.\u00a0 As part of the hearing process, the committee may request further information from either party be provided in writing either electronically, by Canada Post or via conference call\/web conference.<\/p>\n 1.4.7<\/strong> Should a member receive a disciplinary sanction, they may appeal the Board’s \u00a0decision within 30 days from the date of the disciplinary decision letter.\u00a0 The written request for appeal can be sent by regular post or electronically, to the Secretary.\u00a0 The request must clearly state the grounds for appeal.\u00a0 An appeal committee will be formed \u00a0 within 30 days to review the findings of the Disciplinary Committee.\u00a0 The Appeal \u00a0Committee will allow the introduction of new evidence only if it is first established that this evidence could not reasonably have been made available to the Disciplinary Committee.<\/p>\n 1.4.8<\/strong> The Appeal Committee will make the final determination to uphold or dismiss, in whole or in part, the decision levied by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n 1.4.9<\/strong> An Appeal Committee will be appointed by the Board comprised of three members in good standing, from different regions when possible.\u00a0 No member of an Appeal Committee will have served on the Disciplinary Committee involved in the case.\u00a0 Should the Board not \u00a0be able to convene an Appeal Committee within the membership, the Board may recruit \u00a0from other breed clubs.<\/p>\n 1.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.5.1 Resignation:<\/strong> Any member in good standing may resign from the Club upon written notice, and payment of any financial indebtedness to the Club, notice may be by email or \u00a0regular mail.<\/p>\n 1.5.2 Lapsing:<\/strong> If a member\u2019s dues remain unpaid 30 days after the first (1st) day of the \u00a0\u00a0 fiscal year, as defined in Section 4.1, the membership will be considered as lapsed and \u00a0automatically terminated.\u00a0 If the member should submit their renewal after the 30 days, they will be considered as a new member.<\/p>\n 1.5.3 Expulsion: <\/strong>Expulsion of a member may be affected only by recommendation from the \u00a0Board, following action under Article 1, Section 1.4 Discipline.\u00a0 A motion to this effect will \u00a0be circulated to all eligible voting members and two-thirds (2\/3) of votes cast in favour of expulsion will be necessary.\u00a0 Such a motion may be circulated by email or regular mail<\/p>\n 1.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MEMBERSHIP CHAIR<\/strong><\/p>\n The Membership Chair will be appointed by the Board.\u00a0 The position can be held concurrently by a Board member or by an eligible member.\u00a0 The duties of the Membership Chair include:<\/p>\n ARTICLE 2- ORGANIZATION <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.1 \u00a0 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.1.1<\/strong> Executive officers of the Club shall be members in good standing of the Club, all of whom shall also be members in good standing of the CKC and shall be residents of Canada.<\/p>\n 2.1.2<\/strong> The Board shall be comprised of the Executive Officers including President, Immediate \u00a0Past President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and the Regional Directors, one elected or appointed per region of each of the CKC zones or by province and territory.\u00a0The position of the Immediate Past President may be vacant after one term if the incumbent President is elected or acclaimed for a second term.<\/p>\n \u00a02.1.3<\/strong> The property and business of the Club shall be managed by the Board.<\/p>\n \u00a02.1.4<\/strong> The Board will assume office January first (1st) and hold office for a period of three (3) years.<\/p>\n \u00a02.1.5<\/strong> Any vacancies occurring on the Executive during the term of office shall be filled by election of a majority vote of the Board, except that of a vacancy in the office of President, which is automatically filled by the Vice President or Immediate Past President, as decided by the Board.<\/p>\n \u00a02.1.6 <\/strong>A board member, who, in the opinion of the Board, fails to fulfill the duties of office or whose conduct adversely impacts board members and\/or the ability to conduct club \u00a0 business, will be advised in writing.\u00a0 The board member will have opportunity to respond. \u00a0 \u00a0If no resolution is found and the conduct continues, the member will be asked to resign. \u00a0 \u00a0Should the board member not agree to resign, or refuse to submit the portfolio of office, \u00a0\u00a0 he\/she will be removed by majority vote of the Board.\u00a0 In this circumstance, the President will vote concurrently.<\/p>\n 2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.2.1<\/strong> The President shall: <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.2.2 The Immediate Past-President shall: <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.2.3 <\/strong>The Vice-President shall:<\/p>\n \u00a0a)\u00a0<\/strong>Perform all the duties and exercise the powers of the President, for the remainder of the term, in case of the President\u2019s death, absence or incapacity, or potential conflict of interest.<\/p>\n 2.2.4 The Secretary shall: <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.2.5 The Treasurer shall: <\/strong><\/p>\n 2.2.6 <\/strong>All previous duties can be assigned to another officer but the responsibilities for their effective completion can not be transferred or delegated.<\/p>\n 2.3 \u00a0ELECTIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a02.3.1 <\/strong>A nomination form shall be included with the spring or summer newsletter during an election year.\u00a0 All nominations for office must be received by the election chair, appointed \u00a0\u00a0 by the Board, in writing, by email or regular mail prior to the deadline established. \u00a0The election chair will notify all persons nominated and determine their willingness to stand.<\/p>\n \u00a02.3.2<\/strong> Ballots shall be sent by Regular mail or electric methods to all eligible voting members.\u00a0 All ballots returned by the specified deadline, will be counted by an election officer and a witness appointed by the Board.\u00a0 The appointed election officer may be a club member in good standing not seeking a board position or a CKC Director of the CKC zone where the Secretary resides.\u00a0 Regional Directors will be voted on by members residing in that region only.<\/p>\n 2.3.3<\/strong> A majority of votes cast by eligible voting members shall prevail.<\/p>\n 2.4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 COMMITTEES <\/strong><\/p>\n The Board shall appoint such committees it deems necessary to further the aims of the Club.<\/p>\n ARTICLE 3- CONDUCT OF THE CLUB <\/strong><\/p>\n 3.1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MEETINGS <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.1.1 Board Meetings <\/strong><\/p>\n Board meetings will be held via email, conference call or web conferencing.\u00a0 The Board will \u00a0be active throughout the year.\u00a0 Communications will be conducted by email, online group forum, telephone and\/or web conferencing.\u00a0 The record of club business will be maintained in meeting minutes and online group forum.\u00a0 Motions will be recorded in an official log including voting outcomes.\u00a0 Motions pass with a majority vote of all Board members excluding President.\u00a0 Should a tie occur, the President will cast the deciding vote<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.1.2 Annual General Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n This meeting may be held in conjunction with the Annual Specialty show, conference call or via newsletters, electronic or Regular mail, emails, members group.\u00a0 Its purpose will be to give reports of the Treasurer, all committees and The Board of Directors, and to encourage \u00a0dialogue amongst all members of the Club.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 3.2 Official Publication<\/strong><\/p>\n 3.3 Voting – National Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n ARTICLE 4 – FINANCE <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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