Another successful year
P.E.I. Association of Exhibitions looks forward to challenges and growth
Members of the P.E.I. Association of Exhibitions from across the Island held their annual general meeting recently in Souris, hosted by the Eastern Kings Exhibition.
President Paul Jackson, reporting on the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibition meeting he attended recently in Edmonton, said there are two changes coming that are going to impact events on P.E.I. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed a change to its animal traceability regulation that will now include all fairs, festivals and exhibitions. Jackson also updated the membership regarding Bill S-228 (Amendment to the Food and Drugs Act). The bill has passed the Senate and will soon be approved.
“Our events will have to follow the guidelines set out in this new act regarding the promotion of food and beverages deemed unhealthy for children under the age of 17.”
Bill S-228 was originally introduced by Conservative Senator Nancy Green Raine and is an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act prohibiting food and beverage marketing directed at children.
Mary Best, accountant with Arsenault, Best Cameron and Ellis, reviewed the 2017 financial statement and commended the association on another successful year. Best was re-appointed as accountant for 2019.
All exhibitions, fairs and festivals gave a brief overview of their 2017 events and indicated their planning for the 2018 was well underway.
Jean Tingley reported on the success of the Youth Talent program, making special mention of the P.E.I. Mutual Insurance Company from Summerside for its continuous sponsorship of the program.
“During the past 19 years, this Island-owned company has provided $300,000 in funding to our association for programs such as the Youth Talent and the Woodsman competitions,” said Tingley.
Administrative director Morgan Ings- Bernard reported another successful year.
“Through our Savour the Flavours program, events promote locally sourced food products to visitors and residents alike through sampling and demonstrations. In 2018, they will continue to expand the variety of products and educate the public about how easy it can be to support local.”
Ings-Bernard also updated the membership on a meeting she and Jackson had with federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, who is also the MP for Cardigan, in January regarding the changes to the animal traceability regulations being proposed by CFIA.