History of the British Columbia Association
The British Columbia Chefs’ Association (BCCA) was founded in July 1958 by a small group of dedicated chefs, including the late Xavier Hetzman and Wally Shaw, at a meeting at the Lougheed Hotel in Burnaby, BC. These founding members also helped establish the Canadian Federation of Chefs and Cooks.
Initially named “The Association of Chefs de Cuisine of BC,” the organization received its charter on February 27, 1959. The name was changed to “The British Columbia Chefs’ Association” in June 1967, following updates to its constitution and bylaws. In recognition of their contributions, Chef Xavier Hetzman was inducted into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2010, followed by Chef Wally Shaw in 2013.​
The BCCA is committed to educating junior members and enhancing the skills of regular members. Annual scholarships are awarded to outstanding culinary students aspiring to earn their TQ (Red Seal) certification. Funds for scholarships are raised through board-organized initiatives, including preparing and serving healthy menus at private homes, with all proceeds supporting junior chef education. Additional funding comes from generous corporate donations and year-round fundraising activities, such as the BC Produce Marketing Association Healthy Chef Competition and the Gourmet Competition in the spring.​
The Association also hosts events like Christmas parties, summer picnics, the President’s Ball, golf tournaments, apprentice competitions, local and national conventions, and culinary salons to highlight the work of professional chefs in BC. Over the past 30 years, the BCCA has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships and provided significant support to B.C. Olympic Culinary Teams and Bocuse d’Or competitors.
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The BCCA is operated by dedicated volunteers elected every two years and is affiliated with the Canadian Culinary Federation and the World Association of Chefs. New members are always welcome and can join through the Culinary Federation website.
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For more information about membership or donations, please visit www.bcchefs.com or email info@bcchefs.com.
British Columbia Chefs’ Association
PO Box 51340, RPO Cameron
Burnaby, BC, Canada V3J 0C9