About Our Organization

Dedicated toCompanion Bird Education & Welfare

The Canadian Avian Society is devoted to improving the welfare, education, and responsible care of companion and domesticated birds across Canada.Founded as a community-driven organization, we work to create a culture of ethical, compassionate, and informed bird ownership.

Our Mission & Vision

Guiding principles that drive our work

Our Mission

The Canadian Avian Society (CAS), registered in Alberta, is devoted to improving the welfare, education, and responsible care of companion and domesticated birds such as parrots, pigeons, finches, and canaries across Canada.

Our mission is to:

  • Educate the public on proper bird care, nutrition, housing, and enrichment through workshops, volunteering, and online resources.
  • Support rescue and rehoming initiatives that give second chances to birds in need.
  • Encourage ethical breeding and membership-based record systems that promote responsibility within the avian community.
  • Provide hands-on learning and social experiences that allow people — especially youth, families, and individuals with disabilities — to connect with birds in meaningful, compassionate ways.
  • Build a national network of bird lovers and clubs united by respect, ethics, and education.

Our Vision

We envision a Canada where every companion bird is cherished and every bird keeper is informed, compassionate, and supported.

Our vision includes:

  • Creating a culture of responsible and compassionate bird ownership.
  • Encouraging education, inclusion, and volunteering as tools for positive change.
  • Offering opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy peaceful, guided time with birds — experiences that can bring relaxation, joy, and even aid emotional healing.
  • Making birds ambassadors of comfort, learning, and connection within our communities.
  • Positioning CAS as a national leader in ethical aviculture, education, and community outreach.

Together, we're building a community where birds and people thrive side by side.

Our Objectives for Companion Bird Welfare in Canada

To bring our mission to life, the Canadian Avian Society will focus on several key objectives:

Licensing & Membership for Pigeon Enthusiasts

Offer official membership identification and licensing to support ethical pigeon keeping, breeding, and record tracking.

Educational Tours & School Programs

Host engaging tours and exhibitions for students, helping young Canadians learn about bird care, responsibility, and respect for animals.

Inclusive Bird Visits for People with Disabilities

Provide gentle, guided bird interactions — short visits or "bird therapy" sessions — that bring happiness, sensory comfort, and companionship to participants, supporting emotional well-being and community connection.

Volunteer & Learning Programs

Involve volunteers in direct care and education, teaching them how to provide safe, comfortable homes for birds and share their skills with others.

Community Engagement

Organize shows, seminars, and local events where bird owners can exchange knowledge, celebrate their birds, and promote welfare across Canada.

All our initiatives are designed to improve public understanding of bird care, promote humane treatment, and strengthen Canada's avian welfare community.

Board of Directors

The Canadian Avian Society is guided by a passionate team of volunteers dedicated to promoting responsible bird care, education, and community involvement across Canada. Our Board members bring experience in aviculture, community work, and leadership — ensuring the Society operates ethically, transparently, and with compassion for all companion birds.

Soroush Ojagh

President

Founder and lead advocate of the Canadian Avian Society. Soroush oversees the Society's vision, partnerships, and community programs, ensuring all initiatives align with CAS's mission of education and welfare.

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Abbas Adnan Hachim Khalaf

Vice-President

Supports operational planning and helps coordinate member outreach and educational programs, especially in the areas of pigeon keeping and aviculture networking.

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Sepehr Sabour

Treasurer

Responsible for maintaining the Society's financial integrity, managing membership funds, and ensuring transparency in all financial matters.

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David McTee

Secretary

Maintains accurate records, organizes official correspondence, and ensures the Society's documentation complies with provincial and CRA standards.

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Ali Reza Hassan Ghasemi

Director

Provides oversight and contributes strategic input to the Society's programs, including educational tours, volunteer development, and member engagement.

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Our Approach

The Board of Directors meets regularly to review progress, plan future programs, and maintain compliance with Alberta's Societies Act.

All Board members serve voluntarily and receive no financial compensation, reflecting CAS's commitment to operate purely for the benefit of the bird-keeping community.

By-laws & Governance

Guided by integrity, transparency, and the Alberta Societies Act.

Our Governance

The Canadian Avian Society (CAS) operates as a non-profit organization registered in Alberta, Canada, and governed by a structured set of by-laws approved by its members and board. These by-laws guide how the Society is managed, ensuring integrity, accountability, and transparency in all decisions.

Our governance structure ensures that CAS:

  • Operates strictly for educational and community purposes, not for profit.
  • Support rescue and rehoming initiatives that give second chances to birds in need.
  • Uses all funds exclusively to support the Society's objectives — bird welfare, education, and community outreach.
  • Holds regular Board meetings and an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review programs, finances, and future goals.
  • Keeps accurate financial and membership records, open for member inspection upon reasonable request.
  • Follows ethical, inclusive, and democratic practices in decision-making.

Our By-laws Overview

Our by-laws define the foundation of the Canadian Avian Society, including:

  • Membership: Open to anyone interested in companion or domesticated birds. Membership categories include Life, Adult, Junior, Family, and Affiliated Club.
  • Board of Directors: The Society is led by at least five directors — President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one Director-at-Large — who serve two-year renewable terms.
  • Committees: CAS may form committees for Education & Welfare, Rescue & Adoption, Finance, and Exhibitions to carry out specific programs.
  • Meetings: The Board meets quarterly and the AGM is held annually with at least 21 days' notice to members.
  • Finance: All transactions require two authorized signatures, and books are audited yearly by appointed members.
  • Discipline & Appeals: Members must uphold the Society's objectives; fair procedures exist for any disputes or disciplinary actions.
  • Dissolution Clause: In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets must go to a registered Canadian charity with similar purposes — ensuring public benefit remains central.

Our Governance Principles

1

Accountability

We are accountable to our donors, volunteers, and communities through transparent reporting and open communication.

2

Transparency

Our financial records, governance documents, and key procedures are publicly accessible and regularly updated.

3

Ethical Stewardship

We manage all resources responsibly to ensure maximum impact for bird welfare, conservation, and education.

4

Inclusive Decision-Making

Our board values diverse perspectives, ensuring fair, informed, and compassionate decisions that benefit all stakeholders.

Organization Information

Registration

Registered in Alberta under the Societies Act (Incorporation Date: October 14, 2025)

Structure

Non-Profit Organization governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors

Board Meetings

Held quarterly, with an Annual General Meeting (AGM) every year to review finances, programs, and member input

Support ethical care and rehoming for Canada's companion birds

Your support helps us continue our mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.