Prince Rupert, it's time we talked.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our club's mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

The Club Meets Every Week

Under normal circumstances, the Prince Rupert Toastmasters meet on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Lester Centre of the Arts from September through June. Due to COVID-19, however, meetings are being held online via Zoom web conferencing. Our next meeting is at 8:00 p.m. Follow this link to connect to the Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening: ruperttoastmasters.ca/meet.

Reach Milestones At Your Own Speed

In a club meeting, you practice giving prepared speeches as well as brief impromptu presentations, known as Table Topics. There is no rush and no pressure: The Toastmasters program allows you to progress at your own pace.

Build Leadership Skills for Real Life

Anyone who is a strong leader has to first be an effective communicator. In Toastmasters you will hone your speaking skills, and you will develop leadership abilities — through evaluations, listening, mentoring, serving as club officers and filling roles in club meetings.

Meet the Club's Leadership Team

Leslee Bruce
President

Leslee recently retired from the position of Finance Administrator at Ridley Terminals Inc. While practiced at accounting, payroll and pension, her passions also include literacy and music. Leslee sings in the Prince Rupert Rotary Community Choir — a group that performs at many civic functions — and is committed to a healthy lifestyle. Reflecting on her accomplishments so far, Leslee says her proudest achievements include raising her two children to adulthood, and serving in the community.

Debby Peng
Public Relations

Debby immigrated to Canada in 2000 from Taiwan. After completing her education in the Lower Mainland, she moved up North to pursue a career in Environmental Public Health. Debby finds strong connection, creativity and resilience in the Coastal community of Prince Rupert. She appreciates the opportunity to grow personally and professionally serving in leadership roles both in volunteer organizations and at the workplace. Her goal for the upcoming Toastmaster season is to complete the Visionary Communication Path.

David Armstrong
Logistics

David Armstrong was born in Victoria, BC. He moved many times when he was young to places such as Halifax, NS, Terrace, BC, and even Destin, FL, USA. When he was in grade four he finally settled in Prince Rupert, BC. David is currently one of the two captains of his soccer team based out of Terrace, BC. He has completed his Competent Communicator and has hopes of completing his Advanced Communicator Gold sometime in the future. David hopes to attend University in the near future and to play on a high level soccer team, while also focusing on his studies that will relate to public speaking. David Also hopes to do something in the farther future with his speaking abilities.

Scott Langille
Administration & Finance

Scott is a graduate of Prince Rupert's Charles Hays Secondary School. Before beginning undergraduate studies in business and computer science, he dedicated a year to community service and entrepreneurship. In addition to Toastmasters, Scott is overseeing numerous projects with the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, including leadership of the Rising Stars Business Mentorship Program. He is an avid maker of lists and collector of priorities.

Christa Simonds
Club Growth & Membership

Christa Simonds is from Prince Rupert but left at 17 to pursue education and work experience. She has lived in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Montreal, only to find there is no place like home. Her interests include outdoor activities and live music. Christa organizes the Home Routes concerts, which provide live music in an intimate setting. Christa enjoys learning new things, is an avid reader and hopes to further develop her leadership skills with Toastmasters.

Michael Gurney
Education & Training

Michael grew up in the Lower Mainland and moved to Northwest BC in 2011, where after six years with the Port of Prince Rupert, he now serves the Lester Centre of the Arts as its General Manager. In addition to Toastmasters, Michael's volunteer involvement encompasses North Pacific Cannery, the Prince Rupert Rotary Club and the BC Heritage Fairs Society. Michael's passions include history, live theatre, music and multimedia production, hiking and kayaking.

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