CSGA 2025 AGM

WELCOME TO VICTORIA!

CSGA is pleased to welcome all members, stakeholders and seed enthusiasts, and their families to the 2025 Annual General Meeting, taking place from July 3 to July 5, 2025, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Our AGM is your opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the future of seed certification and innovation. This year, we are excited to feature special invited guest speakers who will share valuable insights on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the seed sector.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria, British Columbia, this year’s AGM offers an inspiring setting for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. It is a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of seeds.

Join us for an engaging and welcoming experience—see you in Victoria!

Registration

Please stay tuned for details. Registration is expected to open in early March.

AGM Agenda & Business Programs

While our agenda is still being finalized, we invite you to click here for a draft overview of the AGM order of events.

Accommodations

This year’s AGM will be hosted at the beautiful Inn at Laurel Point. With stunning views of the harbour and serene surroundings on the edge of the capital city, the Inn is a mix of ocean air and tranquil gardens to create a rare retreat in the city.

When our AGM registration link opens, you can reserve your hotel room at the CSGA AGM $359/night block rate. If you plan to arrive early, or stay stay later in Victoria, this preferred rate is offered from Sunday, June 29 through to Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Inn at Laurel Point
680 Montreal Street
Victoria, BC, V8V 1Z8

Sponsorship

Support our AGM and join us in creating a meaningful event. Sponsorship opportunities provide a chance to connect with our seed community. Download our sponsorship kit highlighting the amazing opportunities available, or email us directly to chat about options. Thank you in advance!

CSGA 2025 AGM Sponsorship Kit

Keynote Speaker: Mike Downie

Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker | Co-Founder, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

We are proud to welcome Mike Downie as our keynote speaker at this year’s AGM. A multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker and co-founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Mike is a master storyteller who has spent his career capturing and sharing powerful narratives that define Canada—its history, people, and future.

Mike’s keynote, “What’s Your Story?”, will challenge and inspire delegates to reflect on their own experiences and the role they play in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture. Through captivating stories from his career and personal journey, he will illustrate the importance of storytelling in leadership, community-building, and reconciliation.

Best known for his work bringing the story of Chanie Wenjack to national attention—an Ojibway boy who died fleeing a residential school—Mike has been a passionate advocate for reconciliation and cultural understanding. His thought-provoking message will encourage us to consider the untold stories within our own industry and how sharing them can strengthen both our communities and our commitment to progress.

Join us for an unforgettable keynote session as Mike Downie shares his experiences, inspires new perspectives, and helps us uncover the power of our own stories.

Social Events

Thursday, July 3, Optional Tours

Before the AGM kicks off, dive into adventure with optional tours for delegates and their families—we guarantee it will be “REEL” fun! Reserve your spots through the AGM registration link. Additional fees apply.

Notes: Tours have limited spaces, so please reserve early. Rain or shine, no reimbursement is provided in case of inclement weather. A minimum number of registrations is required for the tour to operate.

Salmon Fishing Charters (Thursday, July 3, AM and PM tours)

Who wouldn’t want to fish ‘the Salmon Highway’ in July?

You’ll enjoy an epic 4.5-hour ocean voyage along the rugged West Coast, offering some amazing scenery and top-notch fishing. In fact, your arms will be tired from bringing in so many salmon!

Morning tour boats leave at 7 am, afternoon tour boats leave at 12:15 pm. Cost: TBC

Tall Ship Sailing Adventure (Thursday, July 3, PM tour)

Experience a unique traditional 3-hour sailing adventure in the protected waters of the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest with spectacular scenery and marine life. The knowledgeable crew shares information on marine history, wildlife, and local history and geology.

And – you may also get a casual sailing lesson! Imagine helping sail the tall ship by hauling the sails, taking the helm, riding on the bowsprit, or, if you prefer, just relaxing onboard. All ages and abilities are welcome aboard. Tour departure times to be confirmed.
Cost: TBC

Butchart Gardens Walking Tour (Thursday, July 3, PM tour)

The Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s most celebrated botanical destinations – offers an immersive experience through stunning themed gardens, vibrant floral displays, tranquil ponds, and captivating fountains. Enveloping visitors in lush greens and colourful blooms, the Gardens are a must-see garden oasis over 100 years in the making.

An unforgettable journey for visitors of all ages. Cost: TBC

Highland Pacific Golf Course 18-Holes (Thursday, July 3, PM)

Carved from the Highland wilderness in Victoria, experience Highland Pacific’s 71-par course on lush bent grass fairways through a landscape of West Coast forest. The course boasts panoramic views of the city of Victoria, Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Bear Mountain and Thetis Lake Park.

Golf carts will be provided per team of four. Club rentals are $25/set for 18-holes.

Cost: TBC

Friday, July 4, Companion and Children Programs

While you’re attending the AGM business sessions, companions and children will have an amazing day in Victoria! These full-day tours offer stunning scenery and a touch of local excitement. Plus, each tour includes a delicious Friday morning breakfast, Friday’s Family Fun Night, and a reserved seat at the Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. Don’t miss this opportunity for a truly memorable experience!

Notes: Programs have limited spaces, so please reserve early. No reimbursement provided in case of inclement weather or non-attendance. A minimum number of registrations is required for the program to operate.

Companion’s Program – Malahat Skywalk and Gorge Tour

Friday, July 4, Full Day, Transportation included

This will be an unforgettable experience! Start your day at Malahat SkyWalk, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views high among the trees and surrounded by the sea. Feeling adventurous? Try the spiral slide on the way down, or immerse yourself in nature and use the optional, more rugged nature trail. Malahat is accessibility-friendly, as the TreeWalk and Spiral Tower have a consistent low gradient, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate.

All that fresh air will make the amazing lunch with views to match taste even better! Every dish will give you a taste of the island’s diversity, quality produce, and agriculture.

After lunch, you’ll out for a Victoria Gorge Tour Step where you’ll step back in time, relax and enjoy this scenic tour. Cost: TBC

Children’s Program – Wildplay Adventure Park

Friday, July 4, Full Day, Transportation included

Kids (5-15 yrs) will go crazy at Victoria’s ultimate outdoor adventure park! Starting with the Classic Course, they will conquer wobbly bridges, cargo nets, rope swings, ziplines, swinging logs, and more! The finale, the “What’s to Fear” jump, is an exciting plunge from 40ft (safely tethered, of course)!

An on-site picnic lunch is included. Certified childminders will accompany the children on tour. Cost: TBC

SeCan’s Friday Family Fun Night

Friday, July 4, 6-10 PM, Transportation included, Cost: Complimentary

Get ready for a lively evening at one of Vancouver Island’s most stunning destinations! Church & State Wines offers the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled gathering, with its scenic vineyard views, charming barn with soaring cedar beams, and a peaceful pond setting.

But this is a Fun Night for the whole family included in your AGM Business, Companion and Children Program registration! With great music, fun games, delicious drinks, and plenty of laughter, it’s a night everyone will enjoy!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic family event—we can’t wait to see you there! This evening is complimentary, but reservations are required. Reserve your spots through the AGM registration link.

Awards Gala Dinner

Saturday, July 5, evening

The Saturday evening Gala is included in your AGM Business, Companion Children Program registrations; however, reservations are required. Please use our AGM Registration link to reserve your spot or purchase additional tickets. This event is semi-formal with cocktail hour held outside.

We celebrate excellence, dedication, and service in the seed sector with presentations of the 2025 CSGA Honorary Life, Robertson Associate and Clark-Newman Clayton Awards.

Held in the beautiful Terrace Ballroom, the Awards Gala plated dinner celebrates the sector’s finest and their contributions to CSGA, the seed sector, and Canadian agriculture. CSGA Award recipients will be welcomed on stage and presented with their awards. We invite you to learn more about them here.

Getting Here

Whether travelling to Victoria, British Columbia by ferry, floatplane or car, all routes are picturesque.

From the Victoria International Airport
A peaceful 35 minute cab ride from the airport
Taxi Options: Yellow Cab Victoria or TaxiCab.com

Victoria From Vancouver BC
Ferry: BC Ferries – British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
A scenic 90-minute cruise through coastal BC waters. Board at the Tsawwassen terminal, 30-minutes south of Vancouver, and arrive in Swartz Bay in Sidney BC, 35-minute drive to Victoria.

Floatplane: Harbour Air Seaplanes
Get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding seascape during your 25-minute flight from mainland to island with views across the islands and coastline. Depart from docks in Richmond, BC or downtown Vancouver and arrive in Victoria’s inner harbour (three minute drive from the Inn).