Scouts Canada first organization to sign on
Kingston, ON, May 25, 2012 – Paddle Canada (PC) is pleased to announce an insurance change that will allow new associations, government, institutional and educational groups, access to its paddling programming. The signing of waivers continues to be a barrier for many organizations and government agencies. Paddle Canada will now be able to work with each of these groups, and negotiate agreements via their insurance company, to allow them access to PC programs. This is a very positive change for PC’s national paddling training program, encouraging more participation than ever in the sport, especially by youth.
Scouts Canada is the first to sign on this season and the organization anticipates others to follow in the coming months.
“Scouts Canada was the one that prompted us to find a solution,” stated Graham Ketcheson, Paddle Canada Executive Director. “This has been an issue for well over 15 years. The Board and I have been meeting regularly with brokers over the last year. The best option was found through our current broker, The Standard Insurance in Kenora, Ontario. We applaud them for their efforts in working with us on this project.“
The new policy through Cambrian Special Risks Insurance (Sudbury, ON), will allow pre-approved groups, the flexibility to bypass the signing of waivers by their members when taking Paddle Canada courses. The signing of the PC waiver will still continue to be mandatory on all other public courses.
“Scouts Canada programs are designed to allow youth to discover new adventures they wouldn’t get elsewhere,” says Doug Reid, Deputy National Commissioner, Program Services for Scouts Canada. “We are pleased to be able to partner with organizations like Paddle Canada to provide exciting opportunities for today’s youth that help them to develop into capable and confident individuals, better prepared for success in the world.“
“We are ecstatic, that we have found a solution to overcome our insurance limitations,” says Blair Doyle, president of Paddle Canada. “We knew there had to be a company willing to meet our specific needs, rather than the other way around. We are really looking forward to spreading the word of safe paddling to the youth at Scouts Canada along with other groups, and furthering their connection to the outdoors through paddling, a truly Canadian experience.“
Scouts Canada is the country’s leading youth organization. For more than 100 years, they have brought a world of adventure, outdoor experience and friendship to 17 million Canadian youth. For more information visit www.scouts.ca.
Paddle Canada has been a leader in national canoe, kayak and most recently stand up paddleboard training since 1972, and produces the annual Bill Mason Scholarship Award and the Waterwalker Film Festival. www.paddlecanada.com
Media Contacts:
Paddle Canada
Graham Ketcheson
613-547-3196
View Announcement on Scouts.ca
