Salesian Cooperators of Canada Provincial Elections

By Fr. John Puntino, SDB, Province Delegate, Salesian Family and Salesian Cooperators (Canada)

(Etobicoke, ON – February 18) – On Sunday, February 8, the Salesian Cooperators across Canada met in congress to hear reports from each centre and to elect the next provincial council.

After the candidates presented themselves and before the voting began, the World Councillor for the Interamerica Region of Salesian Cooperators, Martín Calderon, gave a 14-point reflection calling on those who will be elected to be leaven for the association and for young people today.

Following a carefully designed and approved process, allowing voting from the local centres rather than from a central location, the voting proceeded smoothly. The new provincial councillors are Deborah Da Costa, Dayami Peralta Garcia, Fairouz Hanna, Boban Mathew, and Dindo Miras.

According to the Salesian Cooperators Statutes and Regulations, council members, in a separate meeting, are to choose among themselves the provincial coordinator and other council positions.

After the election, the program continued with Juanita Silva, formation councillor for the Interamerica Region, who shared a reflection, “Illuminating Lives: 150 Years of Formation.”

The congress finished with participants lighting candles and singing, “Carry Your Candle.”

The following day, the newly elected provincial council met by Zoom, along with Martín Calderon, to choose their roles. They are:

• Fairouz Hanna, provincial coordinator
• Deborah Da Costa, secretary;
• Dindo Miras, treasurer;
• Boban Mathew, formation councillor; and
• Dayami Peralta Garcia, communications councillor.