The history of organized bridge in Canada is linked inextricably with the evolution of the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
Eastern-Central and Western Canada followed different paths. The former was always aligned with the ACBL, even before that organization became predominant in North America. Western Canada, on the other hand, was originally a part of the Pacific Bridge League which amalgamated with the ACBL in 1956.
At the 1965 Nationals (now called North American Bridge Championships) in Chicago, a group of Canadian organizers and enthusiasts, led by Eric Murray, made the historic decision to create the CBF. This would be a voluntary association of Canadian ACBL units where each member unit would decide the level of its financial contribution. Besides Murray, the Chicago group included: Henry Smilie (Vancouver); Doug Cannell (Winnipeg); Chuck Jane (Woodstock); Bill Robinson (Toronto); Al Lando (Toronto); Doug Drew (Toronto); Aaron Goodman (Montreal); and Don Dobson (Halifax). Together, these individuals represented more than 80% of Canadian ACBL members.
Special shout-out to Doug Drew (now of Victoria) who plays frequently at the Monterey Bridge Club. Many people probably aren’t aware that Doug was formerly President of the CBF, President of the ACBL, and is a member of the Canadian Bridge Federation’s Hall of Fame.
The founders presented a plan for the formation and structure of the CBF, to be approved by unit officials. The latter would provide further direction on policies governing selection of our international teams through national trials, and funding of selected players. The CBF has grown and changed since those early years. The CBF now represents all Canadian players, not just champions vying for international competition, and offers programs that have broader appeal such as flighted national championships, rookie-master games, and a magazine tailored to a wider readership. Furthermore, in 1990 the CBF became a membership organization in addition to being a federation of Canadian ACBL units.
The current Canadian membership in the ACBL is roughly 16,000. But the sad fact is that only 4,000 of those players support the CBF. Current membership dues are $25 annually.
The CBF currently wears many hats, but their initial specific goal was to oversee International representation for the Canadian Bridge teams. This they have done since 1967.
Funding
Every country in the World charges modest mandatory annual membership dues and funds their International teams through those dues. Except for Canada and the USA…..
The ACBL requires bridge players to join their organization, but their goal is to run local tournaments and record master-points. There is no proviso for supporting their International teams.
In fact a few years ago the ACBL created the USBF which is now charged with that task. There was no thought of the implications to other ACBL-member countries – Canada Mexico and Bermuda. The USBF is fortunate. They have several well-heeled sponsors who provided the necessary seed money to start their organization and continue their selection process.
Canada and its International Fund is in dire straits. The inability to attract corporate sponsorship or healthy donations imperils Canada’s future on the international scene.
Due to declining membership and also Covid, the CBF monetary reserves are at an all-time low.
I strongly urge each and every Canadian member of the ACBL to become a member of the CBF to help ensure that our game thrives at the International level.
Thank you,
Michael Roche