MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – MARCH 2026

“2026 Maple Leaf Celebrity Classic…building community worldwide”

This inaugural “2026 Maple Leaf Celebrity Classic” is more than a fundraiser – it is a worldwide community-building event, involving world class players from all over the globe who donated their time to offer an online lesson, or to play in the Celebrity Classic online game on RealBridge which took place on February 23rd. The game time of 1:00 ET was chosen carefully so that European and other International players could also participate.

I would like to thank the over 100 generous donors who engaged with enthusiastic players to help build community across Countries, and all those who supported this initiative, including our Expert panel, those who spread the word to players, and all those who bid and participated. I hope that you had a great time!

These funds will help to ensure the sustainability of the CBF in supporting our Clubs, mentoring our developing players, running our Team trials for world competition, and running our Junior program.

Maple Leaf Friday online games on RealBridge – 8:00 ET Open, 7:50 ET 0-499

These Friday online games were initiated as a profit sharing incentive for Canadian Clubs. We are striving to build up these games in an effort to strengthen community and financially support our Clubs. Please set up an account on RealBridge and join us any Friday!

Upcoming Events – see cbf.ca

  1. B (<3,500 MPs) and C (<1,000 MPs) Team Championships – Round Robins online March 21/22 – encourage your friends to sign up!
  2. All CBF Team Championships Live Playoffs – during Penticton Regional June 15-21
    Open, Women’s, Mixed, Seniors, B and C
  1. Canadian Open and B Pairs Championships – online April 25/26
  2. Spring League – Thursdays 8:00 ET; including non-CBF members
    Open and Limited category

Welcome Board Members

I would like to thank Deb Harper and Mike Hargreaves for their service on our CBF Board. Deb was always a calm voice of reason. Mike’s legal background and eloquence were invaluable in many areas, and we very much appreciate his thoughtful contributions.

Xavier Combey took over from Deb as Zone 2 representative, and his immediate contributions in helping us implement our “Expert coaching on Team strategy for 0-1,500” developing players, and working on plans for our 2027 Championships in Quebec have already kept him busier than he anticipated…welcome Xavier!

I would also like to welcome Paul Janicki as our newest Director at Large. Paul has extensive experience on the ACBL Board of Directors and on the World Bridge Federation Executive Council. Paul has accepted the position of CBF designate to the WBF Executive Council, starting in 2026.

Your participation matters. Help us to continue to grow this game that we all love.

Sincerely,
Shelley Burns
CBF President

“Building community, one card at a time…”