December 3, 2004 – Hot on the heels of the CCA’s 2004 AGM and news that Director General Pierre Hutsebaut has extended his sick leave until February 2005, Pedal spoke with acting Director General, Brett Stewart, to get a better picture of the situation at the CCA.

Can Mr. Hutsebaut extend his medical leave again in February 2005?
Stewart: Yes, in theory he could do that.

How long can Mr. Hutsebaut extend his medical leave?
Stewart: I would say it could be indefinite, in theory, depending on the doctor that he is dealing with.

Has the CCA received any applications for the COO position yet?
Stewart: There is a Board committee looking at applicants.

So, when does the Board hope to have the COO position filled?
Stewart: Initially we had hoped to have it filled by the end of December 2004, but I think with the holiday break coming very soon, it is more accurate to say that it will sometime at the beginning of January. I’ll be staying on as the acting Director General until the position is filled.

What’s the general consensus about Mr. Hutsebaut at the office?
Stewart: Everyone is concerned for his long-term health.

The CCA’s AGM has come and gone. Where you happy with it overall?
Stewart: Yes, I’m happy overall. I would say that I sensed concern and uncertainity from our stakeholders, so we were able to provide answers to show we have a course of action to address these issues. I believe people went away feeling better with the situation at the National office. I believe there is more of a perception that there is an openess at the CCA.

Has the CCA filled or began to fill the Financial Coordinator position at your offices?
Stewart: Currently we are contracting the financial component, short term. We will be addressing a permanent position in the new year.

We’ve heard a lot through the grapevine about the Canada Cup Road Series proposal, that there were will four or five races across Canada.
Stewart: Yes, the details of the proposal have not yet been released, but it has been submitted to the legacy foundation. It is the first proposal they will consider, and I think it looks great. It was one of the ideas that came about to be part of the legacy after Hamilton hosted the Road Worlds.

We’ve had a few Pedal readers commenting on the status of the $500,000 legacy. CCA President, Bill Kinash, addressed this on our forum recently – do you have anything to add?
Stewart: I didn’t read what Bill wrote, but I’m sure he assured everyone that the money was secure, and has been invested.

What about the Marketing & Communications Coordinator? We understand that Fiona Morrow, who held that position previously, is back at the CCA’s office.
Stewart: She’s been here on a part-time basis. As part of the new plans at the CCA there will be several issues addressed regarding staff restructuring.

Such as head coach Yuri Kashirin not having his contract renewed? What can Canada’s cycling community read from that?
Stewart: There’s nothing cryptic about it. It’s the nature of coaching that contracts are renewed or not. Currently, Houshang Amiri is the interim head coach of PacificSport, and I think he has a lot of potential. But again, the issue of head coach of Canada’s National team is another issue that we will be addressing very soon.

Thanks for your time Brett.
Stewart: Anytime, Matt.