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Surrey Legion placed under trusteeship

'Persistent in-fighting within executive' forced BC/Yukon Command to take serious action
2025-01-23
The Cloverdale Legion is seen on Jan. 23, 2025. The branch has been placed under trusteeship.

A Legion in Surrey is currently undergoing some internal turmoil.

BC/Yukon Command sent a letter in early January notifying members of the Cloverdale Legion, Branch No. 6, of the difficulties and changes. A hard copy of the letter was given to Black Press Media.

In the letter, Craig Thomson, president of the BC/Yukon Command, writes that Branch No. 6 in Cloverdale is suffering from "persistent in-fighting within the executive" and that "ongoing significant operational challenges" are hampering the day-to-day work of the Legion.

Thomson also wrote that after "concerns were raised by several members" he has placed Branch 6 under trusteeship.

"Pursuant to Article 505 of the general bylaws we are exercising the powers granted under Article 418.a and suspending the powers and bylaws of Branch 6 Cloverdale," he wrote.

Thomson said under Article 419.a, he's appointing Pat Ostrom, Doug Hadley, and Karen Kuzek as trustees to act in the name of, and on behalf of, the Cloverdale Legion.

"Effective immediately, the trustees have all powers with respect to the management of your branch," Thomson continued. "The trustees will oversee branch operations and are not obligated to seek ratification from the general membership."

He added that the trustees are within their powers to establish a committee to manage the Legion or they can work with members to figure out how to manage the branch in the interim. But, he clarified, the decisions were at the sole discretion of Ostrom, Hadley, and Kuzek.

Thomson then asked members to participate in a positive way to stabilize the branch. He said anyone who's willing to volunteer, or would like to be considered for a future management committee, is encouraged to reach out to the three trustees and not BC/Yukon Command.

"The participation of the general membership is the most important factor in your branches success," he added

He further said BC/Yukon Command is committed to getting the branch back on track and that it was their goal the branch be returned to the control of its members.

Thomson did not respond to interview requests by publication time. Black Press Media also reached out to Ostrom, but did not hear back by publication time.



Malin Jordan

About the Author: Malin Jordan

Malin is the editor of the Cloverdale Reporter.
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