Happy 80th Anniversary, CPS-ECP!

Jan 11, 2018

IT ALL STARTED………… in 1938, when three members of the Windsor Yacht Club crossed the Ambassador Bridge into Detroit, Michigan. Under the direction of the Detroit Power Squadron, Fred Dane, George Ruel, and G. William Bowman passed the United States Power Squadron’s Junior Piloting Course. Soon after, they formed the first Squadron in Canada, the Windsor Power Squadron, with G. William Bowman as its first Commander. He later became the first Chief Commander of Canadian Power Squadrons, the organization that today is Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons-Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance, (CPS-ECP) with over 17,000 members in 138 squadrons across Canada.

Over the years CPS-ECP has grown and evolved into a prominent membership based organization of passionate boaters and the premier boating educator in Canada.

A recent historical milestone occurred in 2016 when CPS-ECP approved the following Vision, Mission and Values statements that define what we are, what we do to achieve our vision and what keeps us strong.

Vision – what we are

“A committed community of experienced boaters inspiring others to adopt a safe boating attitude through education and training”

Mission – what we do to achieve our vision

• We teach safe boating practices and proper navigational techniques
• We promote the cause of boating safety by creating a safe boating ethic
• We advance the cause of boating safety in cooperation with other agencies and organizations
• We keep our Member and Volunteer community strong through ongoing social interaction and enjoyment

Values – what keeps us strong

Safety:

• Boating safety is of prime importance
• We encourage the boating experience as a safe and enjoyable recreation

Education:

• Our CPS-ECP Boating Courses are of high quality and provide good value
• We are leaders in safe boating education
• We embrace changes in boating education and practices

Community:

• We depend on volunteers of all ages, levels of experience and skill
• We enjoy our interactions with our fellow volunteers and members

Environment:

• We believe in boating in an environmentally responsible manner

Plans for your participation to celebrate our 80th anniversary at various levels of the organization are now being finalized. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on where and when these will happen. The celebrations will culminate at the CPS-ECP National Conference in Ottawa – October 16-21, 2018.
Check out our history, awards, and events as we mark the occasion by visiting our website at www.CPS-ECP.ca.