It seems that my posting the CCSVI Coalition appeal has created some upset on Facebook (with some wondering if CC is working with the MSSC, etc., etc.,) , and for this I am truly sorry.
For the record, I am not on the CCSVI Coalition commitee, but I was happy to post their appeal because:
- I knew them as the Blocked Veins MS Research Group
- they are pro-CCSVI
- many of them were present at last year’s AGM in Toronto asking very tough questions of the MSSC and trying to pin them down to answers (to the point where the Chair shut down the AGM rather than answer a question)
- they have represented pro-CCSVI voices on the MSSC’s CCSVI Working Committee
- *** I was told that they are introducing resolutions at the MSSC AGM and would need MSers’ votes/proxy votes in order to have these resolutions passed. I fully support any new resolutions that would rein in the MSSC, as well as demand transparency and accountability
- as we work with other specifically focused CCSVI organizations in this fight, I believe we do need to have an arm - hopefully with a tightening chokehold on the self-serving MSSC.
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Regarding the 3-month waiting period for voting rights:
In advance of the April 3, 2011 AGM, I did post a question on the MSSC f/b site asking Rob (the administrator) the following:
Rob, has the MSSC ever had the following stipulations before?
If so, when?
If not, why now?
"To be entitled to vote at the AGM a member shall have been a member in good standing for at least the three-month period preceding the date of the AGM. Members in attendance at the AGM are required to provide photo identification."
Notice of AGM of Members:
(Page 7 or 8)
http://mssociety.ca/ontario/pdf/ms-on-2011spring.pdf
Sheraton Gateway Hotel at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal Three, Toronto, ON
April 3, 2011 at 11:15am
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Rob responded to the effect that each Chapter/Division has their own rules (and can introduce/change rules at any time) about the length of time one must be a member before being eligible to vote, etc.
The following is my own Chapter’s Membership form and it didn’t mention length of time before eligibility to vote.
https://msors.mssociety.ca/CATv2/PDFs/C ... orm[1].pdf
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I was glad to read a comment from Johnny Lucas (of CC), stating thtat they will be addressing this issue. The MSSC solicits funds while claiming to represent ALL Canadians living with MS, and yet there is a "holding" period before MSers can have their voice heard at the MSSC AGM via votes/proxy votes???
Is there the same waiting period for newly hired staff or are they automatically eligible to vote? BTW, I hope this is being addressed too, it is unethical for paid staff to be allowed to vote. It seems that to date, only paid staff has had a louder voice than actual MSers.
For those who do not wish to participate in the above, and who have withdrawn their membership, please do the following as suggested by a wise fellow MSer:
Please make sure that the MSSC has removed you from all their lists and that they are not including you in the number of MSers they claim to represent while soliciting funds. One would hope that this would be an automatic practice upon withdrawal of membership, but hopefully an official letter stating these wishes will guarantee this.