Well I picked a good time to revisit my blog after a nearly 2-year hiatus...
Citing "increasingly strained" relations between the US and Canada and other issues completely unrelated to amateur radio, the RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada) have "unanimously" agreed NOT to attend the Hamvention in Xenia for 2025.
I double-checked and sure enough, April Fool's Day was last Tuesday.
See for yourself below (complete statement with French translation here):
At its meeting on March 27, 2025, the Board of Directors of Radio Amateurs of Canada voted unanimously to cancel RAC’s plans to operate a booth at Hamvention (Dayton) in Xenia, Ohio in May. This decision was not taken lightly and was made with deep regret as our members and volunteers always look forward to attending this significant international event.
The relationship between Canada and the United States has become increasingly strained due to recent trade disputes and tariffs imposed by the US government. Adding to these challenges, controversial remarks from US leaders, including suggestions of Canada becoming the 51st state, have heightened concerns about Canadian sovereignty.
For Canadians, these tensions have had tangible impacts and there has been a decline in cross-border travel and tourism.
It is a complex and evolving situation, but it is our hope that we will be able to return to Hamvention in future years and we hope that Canadian Amateurs who do attend the event will have a safe and enjoyable experience.
I scouted over their Objectives and nowhere do I find anything about boycotting hamfests across the border due to political ideologies of the board. The closest I find is this:
To represent Canadian Amateur Radio operators in policy decisions regarding international issues and regulation that affect Amateur Radio within the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and at meetings and conferences of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).
To act as a liaison organization and consultative body to municipal, provincial and federal governments in matters concerning the Amateur Service and act as a liaison and consultative body to the Canadian Government and its appropriate departments.
The "controversial remarks" made by US leadership at no point is making a threat to Canadian amateur radio, its operators, or agencies. How exactly do these remarks affect spectrum? How do they endanger amateur radio operations for Canadians?
This is quite simply, the actions of a few overbearing hams with some delusions of grandeur trying to make it appear that their entire constituency is on a united front. That attitude doesn't always end well for those that attempt to wield their swords when not warranted or welcomed.
I'm thinking this will NOT be the end of the story. I expect there to be an attempt at a retraction in the forthcoming days should the membership protest this decision, and I would certainly hope the membership does protest en masse. The RAC says it speaks on behalf of ALL Canadian Amateurs so while I'm sure there are those who would support this decision, do they ALL feel this way? I feel it's unlikely a unified sentiment, and I would hope they raise their voices in chorus to say as much. And regarding the "unanimous" comment...I know from personal experience, that this decision is anything BUT unanimous. NOTHING is unanimous in ham radio, unless everyone has a like-minded mentality about the politics of things outside of ham radio, which I've never encountered. Most any radio club, big and small, has their factions when it comes to any kind of politics. You ask club members what time it is, about half will tell you how to build a watch, some will give it in 24-hour military time, and a few others will tell you to f*** off and look at your own damned phone.
I made two trips to Canada last year, and neither time did I feel any strained relations between the US and our neighbors in the "51st state". My family and I felt nothing but appreciation, gratitude, and kindheartedness. I couldn't raise anyone on a repeater, but that's another story...
So congrats, RAC Board, you fell for the "51st state" comment by a President who loves trolling the weak-minded simpletons like yourselves. He stirred the pot yet again and you took it hook, line, and sinker. There is a snowball's chance in hell of any sort of annexation, either via force or via tariffs. But you want to use it as an excuse to get out of a commitment for spreading goodwill and friendship at the most important ham radio event of the year, because your feelings got hurt?
This is not about spectrum, nor about regulatory issues, and definitely not about operating skills and goodwill (other than to create some sense of animosity between Canadian and US hams). This is simply a group of people putting on a show to try and give an appearance of unity about a topic the organization has no real direct purpose for involving themselves. They have put personal politics ahead of the objectives and values of their organization.
If...IF the RAC board change their mind (or the membership makes them change it), will the DARA folks even consider extending the invite back to the RAC for this year? Were they comped a table or did they have to pay for the privilege of having a table indoors? Are there deeper concerns for the stability and solvency of the RAC or is it truly grandstanding for a cause which not everyone may be in agreement?
I am curious to know how RAC members feel about this decision. Does it truly speak for them all? Does the RAC need to involve themselves in politics not related to ham radio in a direct (or even indirect) capacity?
