This year’s Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association was unique in more than one way. First, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held virtually via web-based video conferencing. Second, with 151 members participating, it was the best attended AGM ever. Third, a woman now leads COPA as its president and chief executive officer.

Hosted by COPA’s Interim Chair Bill Mahoney from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, with COPA’s Director of Membership Communications Lauren Nagel behind the scene making it all work. The meeting went off smoothly without a hitch, with all voting performed online in a process that lasted less than a minute for each motion.

In fact, such was the enthusiasm that some comments posted in the live chat room during the meeting suggested that future AGMs include the option of online participation.

A highlight of COPA’s AGMs is the recognition of members who have merited recognition with special awards. The three main awards were made as follows:

Chairman’s Award

To Dave Sprague, President of COPA Flight 44 – Buttonville Flying Club, in recognition for his exceptional service to the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.

“Dave Sprague is quick to volunteer and offer his assistance when asked. When we conferred the search committee back in January of this year, Dave offered to assist. He is an executive search consultant and he offered to help our search committee with the daunting task of finding a new CEO for COPA.”

President’s Award

To Cameron Boekhoff, who resurrected COPA Flight 8 – Ottawa, for embodying the future of aviation in Canada.

“[Cameron] resurrected COPA Flight 8, he’s been a key player in the NextGen movement. He lives, breathes everything aviation. He’s been a strong supporter of the staff and board members in the younger generation.”

Editor’s Award

To Jean-Pierre Bonin, contributing photographer to COPA Flight.

“It is my great pleasure to give Jean-Pierre Bonin the Editor’s Award in recognition of his generous contributions to COPA Flight magazine over the years. Jean-Pierre’s photographs have graced the magazine’s pages bringing pleasure and enjoyment to thousands of COPA members across the country.”

Many more awards were presented during the meeting, which lasted a total of two hours and 45 minutes.

Click here to see a PowerPoint presentation with the full list of award recipients. Click here to watch a recording of the AGM on YouTube.