The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 2026–2028 Board Election of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter were held on December 8 at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Chaired by BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam, the meeting brought together nearly 200 members. Approximately 500 ballots were cast, resulting in the election of 29 board directors. During the AGM, 10 resolutions were approved, including initiatives under the theme “60 Years of Passing the Lamp,Honoring a 100-Year Legacy.”

Following the election, the leadership team for the new term was announced: Kevin Cao as President, Rachel Fan as First VicePresident, Bernard Teoh as Second Vice President, and Ken Su as Third VicePresident.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and Monastic Advisor of BLIA Toronto Chapter, affirmed that the BLIA Toronto Chapter is one of the key representative chapters in North America. She commended the chapter’s steady development, effective succession planning, and the growing participation of second-generation Buddha’s Light members in leadership roles. Venerable Chueh Fan encouraged the new board to continue collective learning, strengthen collaboration among the Association, subchapters, and the temple, and further expand community engagement.

President Mabel Lam reflected on the chapter’s efforts over the past year, noting that challenges such as the pandemic inspired innovation, including the expansion of online Dharma programs and creative service initiatives. She expressed gratitude to the monastic community for its guidance and to all members for their dedication and teamwork, and conveyed confidence in the incoming leadership.

Despite winter snowfall, representatives from 22 subchapters, including Markham, North York, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, and Waterloo, were in attendance. Members also expressed collective support for resolutions from BLIA World Headquarters, including the promotion of a global online reading and forum series on The Light Transmission Record of Humanistic Buddhism by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, as well as plans for upcoming cultivation services and annual activities.

In recognition of its sustained organizational development and effective advancement of association affairs, BLIA World Headquarters conferred the Outstanding Achievement Award on the Toronto Chapter at the 2025 BLIA General Conference in October. During the AGM, Venerable Chueh Fan formally presented the award to President Mabel Lam, honoring the collective contributions of all BLIA Toronto members. Outstanding members and Buddha’s Light Scout leaders were also recognized for their dedicated service.

The Toronto Buddha’s Light Young Adult Division led group activities during the vote-counting period, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for the gathering.