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History of Calgary Canada-China Friendship Association (CCCFA) The Calgary Canada-China Friendship Association was founded in 1974 to develop further friendship and understanding between Canadians in Alberta and the People’s Republic of China in a non-political manner. Members of CCCFA want to know more about this emerging country which is opening up to the world and having a major impact. We are actively involved in building bridges with the PRC through educational and cultural exchanges. - Canada-China Friendship societies began in 1965 in the Victoria, BC chapter. - In 1970 Canada was one of the first Western countries to recognize New China. Groups began to tour China. - In 1980 the Federation of Canada-China Friendship Associations (FCCFA) was established. The Society tries to provide information about China through public lectures, film showings, forums, and other programs and activities. The Society was also successful in organizing several travel tours for Canadians wishing to visit the People's Republic of China, introducing many people from Calgary and southern Alberta to China and its people. Membership is open to anyone interested in the advancement of mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Canada and China. Past President of both the federation and local chapter, Dr. Ron Keith, Political Science professor at the University of Calgary, has published several books on China, the most recent on the reform of the judicial system. Dr. K. W. Chang, was instrumental in establishing a Congress of Chinese Associations in Calgary and in 2001, merged with other associations to form the Alberta Congress of Chinese Associations, of which CCFA Calgary is a member. Founding members Dr. KW Chang, Eng Chang and Joyce Lau are honorary members of the association today. Joyce Lau has been awarded honorary member status by the federation, largely for leading several trips to China. With the opening of a PRC Consulate General in Calgary in 1999, Calgary has become a centre for increased activities between the two countries, and CCFA Calgary maintains a good relationship with the consulate. CCFA is involved in community projects; including supporting the summer Mount Royal College Music Bridge program hosting gifted music students from China and Canada. It had a long-standing relationship with the Calgary Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CCSSA.) In February 2008, we launched Shou La Shou (Hand in Hand) program to link families who have adopted children from China with members of the CCSSA, who are Chinese university scholars/students living and studying in Calgary. Many members traveling to China have donated funds to help schools and other organizations, including a language laboratory at a less-fortunate school in Nanchang, Jianxi province. With the advent of easy travel between the two countries, the need for study tours and exchanges has waned. However, the organization remains as a focus for those interested in China and its culture. March 2008  
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