Email: vancouverisland@thecic.org
About
As one of 20 CIC branches across the country, the Vancouver Island branch came together in September 2023 and is centered in Oceanside for people on Vancouver Island who live north of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Area. Currently we are holding events in the Nanoose/Parksville area.
We invite distinguished national and international diplomats, scientists, journalists, economists and historians to meet our members and present their perspectives on topics of critical importance to Canadians. Following their presentations, our speakers encourage lively question and answer sessions which enhance both critical thinking and our understanding of the significant issues facing Canada and the world.
To get involved
Our branch is continuously striving to expand its membership base and raise its profile. Please feel free to contact us at the email listed above.
Check out Dr. Mark Williams’ World Re.Ordered (3-minute) reels that tell the story of the making and breaking of world order – its triumphs and its tragedies of the past and present.
World. ReOrdered is available across Instagram, Tik Tok, and YouTube Shorts. Each reel tells a story from the making and breaking of world order—its tragedies and its triumphs—and the lessons they hold for our own perilous times.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/world.reordered/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@world.reordered
YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@World.ReOrdered
Branch Executive Leadership
President
Dr. Mark Williams
Vice-President
Glen Bonderud
Treasurer
Bruce McLennan
Secretary
Margaret Stevens
Event Coordinator
Kim Rasmussen
Website
David Stevens
Technical Support
Tony Gural
Team Members at Large
Rosemary Bonderud, Greg Chubak, Frank Hanson, Norm Kilarski, John Pyrik, Gerry Thompson
CIC Vancouver Island Annual Report 2023-2024
Our 2026/2027 Season Events
Our Next Event: Friday September 18th, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
CIC VI Branch 2026/27 | Season Kick-Off Event!
If Canada was attacked today,
How ready do you believe Canada is in defending our borders?
Do you think that we have strong allies to assist should we need it?
Do we have the resources needed?
ICYMI, Vice President JD Vance called Canada a “state” during a rally in Maine on Aug. 24, 2026, calling it a Freudian slip, while trade tensions rose after President Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian auto imports and other goods. The vice president went on to claim that Canada would be “invaded by a foreign country” if not for the United States’ protection. (USA Today)
About our Event
Hello CIC-VI Members,
We hope that you are looking forward joining us on Friday, Sept 18th for our branch member social event to celebrate the kickoff our of third season, followed by a panel discussion on the “The Role of the Canadian Armed Forces in an Unpredictable Time”.
Our stellar panel members, Michael St. Louis – Major General Canadian Armed Forces (retired); Dr. Chris Kilford, Royal Roads University, and Dr. Mark Williams, Professor, Political Science department at Vancouver Island University and President, CIC VI Branch, would really appreciate your input to focus and shape the discussions on where Canada is today and where we need to be, given the changing and challenging geopolitical landscape
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM Welcome Reception | 4:00-6:00 PM Panel Discussion
Location: Walbran Room, Tigh Na Mara Resort in Parksville
Cost: Members $15 each| Guests $20.00 each.
- A complimentary beverage and assorted appetizers will be served at 3:30 PM, followed by the panel discussion 4:15 PM and a refreshment break at 5:00 PM.
- For food allergies / sensitivities please email vancouverisland@thecic.org
- Tickets for Guests/ non-CIC members: Please include first and last name and sent email to vancouverisland@thecic.org.–
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Upcoming Events – See the national events listings