November 15, 2005
MLA Statement
Toastmasters Accomplishments by Angela Louie

Toastmasters is an organization whose mission is to make effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Toastmasters started in October 1924, when Ralph Smedley assembled a group of men together in the basement of a California YMCA to practise the art of public speaking. A club was formed, and now 81 years later over three million men and women worldwide have benefited from the communication and leadership programs that Toastmasters provides.

Toastmasters arrived in Canada during the early 1930s — to New Westminster and Victoria. In fact, the first club chartered outside of the United States was right here in Victoria, B.C. in 1935. Today there are about 200,000 Toastmasters worldwide in over 70 countries. In B.C. alone, there are now 261 clubs serving over 2,000 members.

The most prestigious and recognized competition in public speaking is the Toastmaster International speech contest. Toastmaster Angela Louie has accomplished what no one else before her has done in B.C. — win three of the last four district contests. From there, the district winner competes in the regional level but has to compose a brand-new speech. Ms. Louie competed and won her regional contest in June 2005, defeating competitors from Alaska, the Yukon and the western United States.

Last August the ten regional winners met to compete for the title of world champion of public speaking, an event that can be likened to the Olympics of public speaking. Ms. Louie had the honour of representing her region, but more importantly, she represented all British Columbia when she stood on the world stage and held aloft the silver trophy. I would like the House
to join me in recognizing the achievement of Toastmaster Angela Louie.