TOASTMASTERS DISTRICT 45
For the Members... By the Members
TAX INFORMATION FROM
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
June 18, 2025
Dear Toastmaster,
In working with Canadian tax advisors, it has been identified that Toastmasters International’s activities in Canada are required to be taxed under applicable Canadian sales tax requirements (GST/HST, Quebec Sales tax, and Manitoba/Saskatchewan/British Columbia Provincial Sales tax).
Accordingly, effective August 4, 2025, all sales transactions (including membership dues, new member fees, new path fees, charter fees, all other digitally delivered items, and tangible goods) will be subject to the applicable sales tax rate.
If you have questions, please email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Treasury and Compliance Team
Toastmasters International
Additional Information
Toastmasters International (TI) is a registered entity with the Canada Revenue Agency and will collect it at the time of the order. The organization utilizes a third-party company that files the necessary returns and remits tax to the appropriate government agency.
After several months of research and considerable pushback, it was confirmed that TI did not qualify for the educational exemption and taxes will apply. Just because TI is a non-profit, doesn’t make it exempt.
The tax rate will be specific by province, not a blanket tax. Please see rates below and we’ve also updated this information by product sold if helpful – I would appreciate your feedback on that as we want to be as transparent as possible on the % rates by province that we’re required to collect.
District 45 Leadership
Monthly Peer Calls
Club Presidents
3rd Thursday of each month at 6 pm Eastern / 7 pm Atlantic / 7:30 pm Newfoundland
Zoom link found on our District 45 Calendar
Club Vice Presidents of Education
2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm Eastern / 8 pm Atlantic / 8:30 pm Newfoundland
Zoom link found on our District 45 Calendar
Club Vice Presidents of Membership
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm Eastern / 8 pm Atlantic / 8:30 pm Newfoundland
Zoom link found on our District 45 Calendar
Club Vice Presidents of Public Relations
Alternating between 4th Monday / 4th Tuesday each month at 7 pm Eastern / 8 pm Atlantic / 8:30 pm Newfoundland
Zoom link found on our District 45 Calendar
New Member Calls
3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm Eastern / 8 pm Atlantic / 8:30 pm Newfoundland
Zoom link found on our District 45 Calendar
District 45 Trail Blazers...
We have so many Trail Blazers in District 45 and so little room on our main page to highlight everyone! For this reason, as we add new recipients, former recipients are rolled off the front page. Everyone continues to be trail blazers even if they are no longer highlighted below! Thank you to all our recipients for serving the members of District 45!
Angela Chute, DTM, IPDD
The Maine Thing Toastmasters Club, Kennebec Valley Toastmasters
I’d like to take a moment to recognize Angela Chute, DTM, IPDD, for her outstanding leadership and dedication as chair of this year’s District Leadership Committee (DLC). Guiding a team of 12 uniquely talented individuals is no small feat—some might even say it can be like herding cats—but Angela managed it all with grace, good humor, and an ever-present smile. Her patience, insight, and unwavering commitment ensured that the DLC report was not only thoughtfully prepared but also submitted right on schedule. Angela led the group with fairness, warmth, and always maintained a smile — without the aid of treats, no less! For her outstanding service and trailblazing spirit, I nominate Angela for the Trail Blazer Award.
- DJ Turchon, DTM
Sarah Hanna
Memorial Toastmasters
Sarah has gone above and beyond her duties as member of Memorial Toastmasters. She initially, learned how to set up Hybrid Meetings and taught fellow Toastmasters, as well. She has participated in outside Club activities, such as, Toastmaster sessions for SHAD Valley and as a Judge at the annual Lions Club Speak Off.
She focuses on projects to assist with easing new members into numerous aspects of Toastmasters, such as devising a condensed version of the various Roles & Responsibilities or presenting on Base Camp. Sarah also set our Club up with Toast Host, which has been extremely beneficial for Memorial Toastmasters.
Sarah is a valuable and contributing Toastmasters who seeks to enhance the experience of each and every Toastmaster with a particular focus on new members, ensuring they understand and feel comfortable with all aspects of Toastmasters.
Memorial Toastmasters is appreciative of Sarah's creative ideas and dedication to making Toastmasters a positive experience for all.
- Lorna Walters, DTM
Jeffrey Roy
Provincially Speaking Toastmasters
Jeffrey is our club’s Vice President Education. His enthusiasm for Toastmasters is evident in the positive impact he brings to both the club and the wider community. Jeffrey consistently demonstrates his commitment by sending out emails at least twice a week, encouraging members to fill various roles. Jeffrey's dedication goes beyond administrative tasks; he frequently steps in to fill roles whenever there are vacancies. His willingness to take on multiple roles when needed showcases his flexibility and commitment to the club's success. In addition to his contributions within our club, Jeffrey serves as the Club Coach for Amoskeag Better Communicators. His involvement extends to multiple other clubs, including Cape Breton Toastmasters, the Rostrum Clubs in Australia, and the Association Of Speakers Clubs (England), where Jeffrey is President of their Redhill & Reigate club. Jeffrey has also been nominated to be the new VPE of the Cape Breton club. Jeffrey's dedication to promoting effective communication is further highlighted by his role as a host on Halifax’s Campus Radio Station, where he airs “Our Journey Together” every Wednesday.
- Sam Li
Nita Patel, DTM
Amoskeag Better Communicators
Thank YOU, Nita! Nita served above and beyond the Club level. She proudly represented DivA serving on the 2025 D45 District Leadership Committee.
- Angela Chute, DTM, PDD
Michael Lawlor
Toast of the Coast Toastmasters Club
Michael recently helped fill a role as a guest at Spotlight Toastmasters during a recent open house meeting. Not only did he take on the role, but it was a last minute request and he didn't hesitate to step up and help. As a club working on building growth - this helps us greatly. I know Michael is a member of at least 3 clubs AND is a club coach this year on top of that. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and is shows passion for Toastmasters. Thank you, Michael!
- Jenny Theriault
Michael is the SAA for Provincially Speaking; this position is more demanding because of where we meet. Michael receives messages when a guest arrives then has to meet them at a door and unlock it to admit the guest to the floor (the club meets in a provincial government department). Michael is an active member of the Bedford Basin and Toast Of The Coast clubs. He is Club Coach for the Schooner club. The impact of this extensive involvement was evident at a recent meeting when Michael described himself as feeling "burnt out." The many ways Michael's commitment and involvement extend beyond Provincially Speaking embodies the Trail Blazer spirit and makes him deserving to be considered for the award.
- Jeffrey Roy
Kathi Zwicker, DTM
Women Changemakers Toastmasters Club
In the comparatively short time Kathi has been a toastmaster, she has set and reached her goals consistently. Here are just some of her accomplishments in the past three years: she navigated the complexity of our organization to found Women Changemakers Toastmasters, had a successful year as an Area Director, achieved her DTM award, paired up with her city hall to protect and benefit Fredericton, and created alliances with Rotary International, appearing in the Toastmaster, our organization’ magazine. She is made a strong connection with a club from Ukraine, too! This January, she once again led Women Changemakers Toastmasters in hosting their annual Women in Leadership Levee. Every year she finds fascinating speakers, women who are changing the world for the better of all. Go to their Facebook page and website to learn more. Kathi is a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
- Sheryl Poirier, DTM
Donna Tasker, DTM
2211 Toastmasters Club
Donna, has gone above and beyond. She stepped up and assisted me with the Area Contests. She has filled in where others were unavailable. Thank you, for all you do.
- Patricia Saucier, DTM
Alexa Vodicka
Provincially Speaking Toastmasters Club
Alexa uses her expertise at Public Relations to impact her home club, other clubs, the District, and the organization as a whole. In addition to her efforts at her home club, Alexa has provided guidance to clubs in Cape Breton and New Hampshire. In January 2025 she created a channel “Improving our Public Speaking Skills”. There are now 260 members. This channel is used to inspire and help staff and promote Toastmasters. Provincially Speaking Toastmasters has gained new members thanks to this channel, and inquiries/interest in joining Toastmasters. Alexa is a genuine example of a Trail Blazer whose impact continues to inspire challenge and growth. She is well deserving of this award.
- Jeffrey Roy
Joe Reid
White Mountain Toastmasters Club
Joe represented Divison A on the D45 Alignment Committee this year and was a strong voice for the clubs in this division. He was passionate about providing the best recommendations for Division A and showed up to meetings prepared and ready to give input. Thank you for always having D45 members' best interest at heart and for saying yes to being on the Alignment Committee this year! It was a pleasure to work with you!
- Crystal Cobb, DTM, PDD
Marcia Rogowsky, DTM
Amoskeag Better Communicators, Penmen Toastmasters
Marcia assisted Spotlight Toastmasters with our recent open house as our Table Topics Master. She showed up prepared and asked thoughtful questions relating to our theme of the event "Find Your Voice". Marcia is consistently stepping up to help where needed and brings her positive energy and smile everywhere she goes. Thank you so much Marcia - we appreciate you!!
- Crystal Cobb, DTM, PDD
Dawna-Jean Turchon, DTM
Kennebec Valley Toastmasters Club, Speech Afire Advanced Toastmasters Club, The Maine Thing Advanced Toastmasters Club
Thank YOU, DJ! DJ served above and beyond the Club level. She proudly represented DivB serving on the 2025, D45 District Leadership Committee.
- Angela Chute, DTM, IPDD
David Allen
Fredericton Toastmasters Club
I am honored to nominate David Allen of the Fredericton Toastmasters Club #2204 for the District 45 Trail Blazer Award. As our Club Vice President of Finance, David has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. Beyond his financial role, he has been an outstanding mentor, actively guiding new members in setting up their Toastmasters accounts and navigating their Pathways curriculum.
David’s commitment to member success extends beyond meetings—he engages with individuals both within and outside club sessions, ensuring they stay on track with their personal growth. His own achievements are equally inspiring; he recently completed his first Pathway and transitioned seamlessly into his next within a year, showcasing his drive for continuous improvement.
David Allen is not only a remarkable Toastmaster but also a valuable asset to our club and the broader community. His unwavering support, enthusiasm, and mentorship make him highly deserving of this recognition.
- Dr. Kaushal Rathnayake
Paula D. Tozer
Riverside Toastmasters
Thank YOU, Paula! Paula served above and beyond the Club level. She proudly represented DivC serving on the 2025 D45 District Leadership Committee.
- Angela Chute, DTM, IPDD
Melissa Miller
2211 Toastmasters
Thank YOU, Melissa! Melissa served above and beyond the Club level. She proudly represented DivB serving on the 2025 D45 District Leadership Committee.
- Angela Chute, DTM, IPDD
The information on this website is for the sole use of Toastmasters’ members, for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters material or information. All Toastmasters International logos, brands, and trademarks, etc., are the property of Toastmasters International
District 45 Toastmasters International
The information on this website is for the sole use of Toastmasters’ members, for Toastmasters business only. It is not to be used for solicitation and distribution of non-Toastmasters material or information. All Toastmasters International logos, brands, and trademarks, etc., are the property of Toastmasters International
District 45 Toastmasters International