After a restful night and a 6:00 a.m. wake-up call, I began the day with a refreshing shower in a thoughtfully designed walk-in space equipped with accessibility rails. Breakfast was served on the second floor—a generous buffet offering an extraordinary array of choices. The food was excellent, and the company at my table made the experience even more enjoyable.

Following breakfast, the conference transitioned to Knox United Church for a formal service of apology to the 2S LGBTQIA+ community. The service was powerful—large in attendance, animated in spirit, and deeply moving. It was rich with music and symbolism, anchored by a magnificent organ and a message delivered with sincerity and care.

We then returned to MacLeod Hall for our theme speaker, who delivered an outstanding presentation that sparked meaningful dialogue in the subsequent discussion groups.

Lunch was yet another sumptuous buffet, featuring a variety of unique and flavorful dishes. The culinary offerings throughout the event have been nothing short of exceptional.

Following lunch, we returned to the business at hand. The afternoon began with a comprehensive review of all proposals scheduled for Friday’s discussion. This session provided delegates the opportunity to pose clarifying questions, with a designated representative available for each motion to offer responses. The process was rigorous and demanding, but we persevered—concluding the session just 30 minutes behind schedule.

The next item on the agenda was the initial vote for Moderator. In accordance with established procedures, the results led to the elimination of two candidates. With that, we transitioned into our discussion pods—smaller groups of 15 to 20 commissioners—where we continued our review of the proposals. These discussions focused not on advocacy or debate, but rather on the relevance, merit, and content of each proposal. Each pod included a designated note taker, and these notes will be submitted to the Way Forward Committee. This committee is tasked with synthesizing the feedback, making necessary adjustments, and determining which proposals will proceed to final voting. It was, without question, a demanding afternoon.

Dinner offered a welcome change of pace. During registration, commissioners were invited to select from a curated list of downtown Calgary restaurants for this unique dining experience. GC45 had arranged for each venue to host its selected guests, with the cost of the meal covered. I opted for Saltlik, a steakhouse located just a short walk from the Marriott. We were seated in an upstairs dining room with round tables, and I estimate there were approximately 40 diners in total. The meal was exceptional, with four entrée options—nearly everyone at my table chose steak. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with new members in a relaxed setting.

Well-fed and thoroughly exhausted, I returned to my room to rest and prepare for what promises to be an even more significant day tomorrow.