Chad Vanderbyl
President, CAAA
For those who do not know me, I am Chad Vanderbyl. Together with my wife Kendra and our three children Parker, Hudson, and Boedy we own and operate Fly’n Dutchman Ag. Currently, I am going into my thirteenth year of spraying out of Melfort, Saskatchewan. I have been a member of the CAAA board since 2017. It has been such an honour to be selected as President of our association. I plan to work hard to maintain the legacy and the long-standing reputation of the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association.
Recently, our association organized our first-ever CAAA Virtual Conference. With over 100 participants, we had a better-than-expected turnout. A huge thank you to all our great sponsors. Without them, we would not have the association we have. We were extremely fortunate to have a lot of great speakers put on some very educational sessions. For those who missed these sessions, you are still able to sign up and take in these credits within the next year (with the exception of the PAASS program). Also, a reminder to all those who did participate if you need a refresher on any of the sessions from the conference, you will be able to use your username/ password to access within the next year as well. Once again, thank you to all those you attended and helped make our Virtual Conference a success. We hope to see you all in person next year.
Currently, CAAA is working hard on a couple big issues: firstly, the issue of water rate now being audited with enforceable fines for operators that not complaint. This issue is presently our top priority. We have already had a committee meeting and sent letters out to registrants.
The Carbon tax is also on our priority list. The CAAA, along side our provincial associations, have sent out letters to MP’s voicing our concerns. We are also encouraging everyone to sign the CFIB petition. Bill 206 has passed second reading but is at the review committee. Unfortunately, it only includes fuel for grain drying purposes currently, so we are working to get our aviation fuel on this list as well.
With grain prices remaining strong, we hope everyone has a successful 2021 spray season. I look forward to representing you all for this next term. Enjoy the spring weather and fly safe.