Quebec City Welcoming Convention Site

OSM broke new territory for its annual convention, June 7 to 10, travelling to Canada’s Quebec City, whose history dates back to the 16th century.  Delegates, based at the Loews Le Concorde Hotel were immediately charmed, giving themselves over to the unique site, high above the St. Lawrence River.  A visit to Quebec City is the closest thing marked by a distinctive European flavour – wrought iron flower boxes dotting the exterior of heritage buildings, open air patio-style cafés - enhanced by the magnificent architecture in Lower Town, one of the oldest cities in North America.  While French is the predominant language, OSM participants were delighted to find that English speakers were warmly welcomed and accommodated.

Opening the events of the convention was the President’s dinner Thursday night followed by the drawing up of golf teams.  This marked the first year for an all-woman team.

The AGM held Friday morning featured two important items.  Out going president Mike George handed over the reins to Harry Vogt in coming president from the Waterloo-Wellington association.  George also made a special presentation to past president Harold Brough in behalf of the board of directors in recognition of his record setting seven years of service as OSM past president.
 

The most pressing item on the agenda was the discussion of amalgamation involving three areas in the province and the tabling of the report and recommendation by the Review Committee on the subject.  The proposed amalgamation brings the number of local areas into direct correspondence with the number of local unions in the province.  Following discussions, members voted to accept three motions to be effective 31 December 2009 amalgamating Hamilton, Brantford with Niagara; Sault Ste. Marie with Sudbury and Peterborough with Toronto, respectively.
 

Free time in the afternoon allowed participants to take in the scenery and check out the sites of Quebec City.  Dinner that evening was part of a boat cruise that followed a historic route along the St. Lawrence River.  The evening felt like a private party since the group had one deck all to itself.

Saturday was reserved for the Annual OSM Golf Tournament, with golfers teeing off at the Stoneham Golf course.  The Alternate Program featured a tour of Le Chateau Frontenc with its turrets and castle-like architecture, perched high above the St. Lawrence in the heart of the old city.  The tour also included a trip across the bridge to L’Isle d’Orléans a short distance away where participants visited chocolate and maple sugar factories.

Dinner on Saturday was part of a cabaret show à la Moulin Rouge complete with can-can dancers and a casino.  Rumour has it that the blackjack table was a lot of fun.  Topping the evening was the announcement of Golf Tournament winners and the presentation of prizes.
Overall, everyone agreed on the success of the convention, thanks to the good weather, excellent food and accommodation and the beauty of the setting.  Next year the convention will be held in Cuba, March 29 – April 5.