Democratization of the FDCC.

Thank you all for your support in regards to our letter “Reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada”

For those who have asked about the names of the individuals responsible for the letter and petition at this point we will let the facts speak for themselves.

The TFC (Toronto Fashion Community) has set up the TFC blog where anyone can make comments. We ask that you keep the comments constructive and on the issues at hand. (click comments at the bottom of this post)

You can also sign and provide your comments on the online petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FDCC/index.html

If you are uncomfortable singing the petition online – then please print off the petition and send directly to the mayors office. Mayor, David Miller - Toronto City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2

Or email the petition to mayor_miller@toronto.ca

Democratization of the FDCC.

We are advocating that fashion industry representatives sign up for membership with the FDCC.

By signing up for membership – everyone can exercise their rights as members and be protected by laws governing not for profits in Canada.

Attached is an FDCC membership form please sign and fax to the FDCC or simply provide at L”Oreal Fashion Week. If for any reason you are refused membership please drop it off at the Mayor’s office 2nd Floor at city Hall.

Office of the Mayor of Toronto - Toronto City Hall, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2

The rights for membership include one member one vote ! This levels the playing field for everyone.

We are recommending a special meeting of the members of the FDCC in November 2007, where all issues can be dealt with in an open and public manner and not by anonymous emails or behind closed doors.

Clause 167 of BILL C-21: CANADA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS ACT

http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?lang=E&ls=c21&source=library_prb&Parl=38&Ses=1

Members representing not less than the prescribed amount (5% of voting members)(36) would be allowed to requisition the directors to call a meeting of members for the purposes stated in the requisition. The requisition must state the business to be transacted at the meeting, and must be sent to each director and to the registered office of the corporation. The corporation must send notice of the meeting to all members entitled to attend the meeting.

A request will also be made for full disclosure of audited financial statements, annual reports and approval of the 2008 strategic plan to members.

Access to Corporate Records (Clauses 21-25)
Clause 22 of the bill states that the records maintained by not for profit corporations must be accessible to members (most importantly, the financial statements)

A motion will be tabled for the termination of the president of the FDCC and that an election be established for directors of the FDCC for the 2008 year.

Clause 130 states Members of an Not for profit corporation have a right to remove a director from office before the end of his or her term through an ordinary resolution voted at a special meeting.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?lang=E&ls=c21&source=library_prb&Parl=38&Ses=1#I3Resignation

We have requested all levels of government including David Miller, Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, Member of Parliament Trinity Spadina and Rosario Marchese MPP
Trinity-Spadina, Adam Vaughn, City Councilor Trinity Spadina to assist in the democratization of the FDCC.

An open request has also been made to Joe Minram – Chair of the FDCC to ensure that membership is available during fashion week to all industry representatives.

Comments from the petition – Reform of the Fashion Design Council of Canada.

• Regardless of who the ideal candidate for leadership is. One thing that is certain is reform to the operating methods of the FDCC are long overdue. Since moving to Toronto and entering the industry as a media outlet for Canadian Designers I have never once felt any need to get involved with the FDCC as it just seemed like money wasted. The organization is completely backwards on its motives and continually fail Canadian Designers and the industry. I truly believe that a huge step forward for the FDCC would be to actually focus on the industry instead of a week long party twice a year. Although shows can play a big role in establishing a designer and even move product, neither of these are being accomplished under the current structure. Without the people there is no industry, the FDCC needs to start focusing on the people instead of themselves.

• I have seen Robin Kay act in the most unprofessional mannor possible to individuals donating their time and efforts. I have also seen her drunk making nonsense at too many events to count.

• Regardless of the allegations specific to the character of the present president of the FDCC, I think it is important that membership of a non profit organization is open to all members of the industry, and the selection of the board of directors and president is democratic. For this reason I choose to place my name on this petition, with the sincere hope that one day I will participate as a member in a reformed organization that serves the needs of Toronto's fashion industry. This is our fashion week, our reputation, and our responsibility. It is reasonable to expect accountability from those who represent us.

• As someone who has had a significant input of the planning and implementation of Toronto Fashion Week (currently LFW), I can concur that the termination of Robin Kay is the KEY TO BUILDING THE TORONTO AND CANADIAN FASHION INDUSTRY TO WHERE IT BELONGS! After running 4 consecutive seasons with my team (half of which quit in the midst of the season due to Robin; the other half at the end of the shows once the week was finished), I have enough knowledge to back the statement up CONCRETELY. Finally, the time has come for Designers to take back the Runways and the FDCC!

• Thank you -- For writing a well-researched email. I hope your campaign goes well and support comes your way. We all need to work together – certainly not against - to build an industry where we can all see the benefits.
  
  Thank you,