Events

WINTER 2019 - New Decade, New Federation

Dear CF members, colleagues and friends,

I’m excited to once again take on the presidency of the Culinary Federation, if only in an interim capacity. I’ve been here before, and I’d like to thank my fellow board and chef members for once again putting their trust in me. It will be a short, sweet ride, and I intend to make a positive impact.

But enough about me. There’s plenty to be excited about as we head into 2020, and nothing more so than the Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany. This year, we’ll be sending both senior and youth teams to take on the world’s best chefs, and they won’t be alone. A handful of regional teams are stepping up as well, giving Canada plenty of representation overseas. In case you didn’t realize it, it’s a good time to be a chef in Canada.

Next year won’t be all fierce competition, though. In 2020, the Federation is heading to Saskatoon for its National Conference. While it’ll be tough to top Niagara in 2019, we’re in the midst of putting together a fantastic slate of speakers, education sessions and activities to do so, and we couldn’t ask for a better setting. Saskatoon is Western Canada’s underrated culinary gem, and its relaxed atmosphere and convenient access to the outdoors is the perfect setting to learn, network and, of course, enjoy plenty of great food.   

We need our members to help the Federation take its next steps, though. Like I said, I’m only the interim president, so start thinking about who you’d like to nominate and vote for to lead our association over the long term — the same goes for the National Secretary position as well as the Chair of the Canadian Culinary Institute. Change is good, and fresh faces will help the Federation thrive.

Until then, though, I’d like to thank our sponsors and industry partners for their ongoing support – the association is only possible with your collaboration. And with that, I look forward to steering the Culinary Federation into 2020.

Donald A. Gyurkovits

Interim President, Culinary Federation

president@culinaryfederation.ca