Chairman's update

The calendar year of 2003 is coming to its end and I find myself satisfied with its outcome.

The Finnish-Canadian Society successfully hosted significant events and participated in a number of great happenings throughout the year. As I think over the year, the appointment of Jari Kurri as the Finnish-Canadian Society's Goodwill Ambassador was a defining moment in the development of our organization. Mr. Kurri's acceptance was gracious and an exposition of the synergies that exist between our two nations.

This edition of the Vaahteranlehti is another example of the richness of our Society's activities. As an organization, our influence extends well beyond these pages. To me, this is confirmation that the overall project of the Finnish-Canadian Society continues to move forward and gain momentum. I am looking forward to new avenues of cooperation and ways to celebrate this friendship.

From me and on behalf of the Board of the Finnish-Canadian Society, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

By Dwayne Weleschuk