Message from UIRC President

​

May 2020

mmESSAGE FROM OUR pRED

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life for millions of people around the globe. Thanks to the excellence of our medical and government leadership in British Columbia, our province has had one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 infection and related deaths in the world. Under the guidance of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province is now slowly reopening in stages. The limits on group numbers in gatherings have not been lifted, and based on the reopening plans at this time,

will be the last to be addressed.

The UIRC acted quickly in early March when the extent of the pandemic was becoming known and cancelled all field classes and training days planned for March and April. The cancellations were extended into May and June based on the Provincial and Federal Government regulations and suggestions. At this point, all field events are cancelled in the province through to the middle of August, with the exception of PRHRC’s mid-July WC test and UIRC’s Hunt Test at the end of July. The PRHRC is running a Picnic Hunt Test at Swallowfield on June 7th to see if the logistics of social distancing and other anti-infection protocols will be practical in a hunt test environment.

We look forward to their findings.

At the moment, the UIRC Executive is in a “wait and see” pattern in regards to whether our July Hunt Test will go ahead as originally planned. The re-opening (or not) of the borders, the potential relaxation (or not) of the 50 person limit for outdoor gatherings, the practicality of appropriate physical distancing, as well as the possibility of another spike in infection following the reopening of the province will all influence our decision.  Since the decision to hold a hunt test will require the support of club members, the UIRC Executive plans to hold a club meeting towards the end of June to gather member input, after which the Executive will make a final decision. Please watch your e-mail inbox or check our website (www.uirc.ca) for notification of time and place.

In the meantime, please continue training and enjoying your dogs. It has been excellent weather this spring for being outdoors. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Although we are continuing to physically distance ourselves, plans for 

2 UIRC Hunt Tests and 

1 Retriever Field Trial 

are underway for this summer and fall. Please save the dates. 

​

July 24 - 26, 2020 - Hunt Test

September 5 - 6, 2020 - Hunt Test

October 10 - 11, 2020 - Field Trial

​​

As we receive direction from our Minister of Health and Provincial Health Officer, 

 we will keep you posted as to the status of these events. 

​

Please take this time to take of yourself, look out for your family & neighbours,

and enjoy your dogs.