The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) has announced a realignment of its regions, including the formation of a new Canadian Region effective Jan. 1, 2026.

This change revises the boundaries of six existing regions to create one Canadian Region, which will include five districts. As part of the realignment, the U.S. portions of the Northwestern and Intermountain regions will combine to form a reconfigured Northwestern Region.

Gayla Blaisdell, current Intermountain Region governor, will serve as governor of the new Northwestern Region for the remainder of her term. Yanik Giroux and Lisa Cosens Brillon will serve as co-interim governors of the Canadian Region. A nominating committee will be formed to elect a new Canadian Region Governor, who will take office summer 2026 during the regular time for officer transitions. 

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our current board, including Region Governors Yanik Giroux and Lisa Cosens Brillon, as well as all our dedicated NATS leaders across Canada, for their thoughtful leadership and collaborative spirit in shaping this new region,” said NATS Board President Alexis Davis-Hazell. “We’re also thrilled to formally welcome colleagues from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut into the newly established Canadian Region, and we look forward to building strong connections across the whole of Canada.”

Giroux said the move reflects years of discussion and planning.

“The creation of a Canadian Region, which has been in the talks for years, can hopefully bring a better sense of belonging within the vast organization that is NATS, following in the steps of the more recent International Region,” Giroux said. “The hope is that Canadian members will continue their contribution to the organization and participation into the many programs that NATS already offers, while having the opportunity now to reorganize, open new networking paths amongst Canadian members and create musical events that may appeal to the sensibilities of our members from the five newly created and culturally diverse Canadian districts.”

Cosens Brillon agreed and noted that this new region will better serve NATS members on both sides of the border.

“The creation of the Canadian NATS region has been a long time in the making,” Cosens Brillon said. “During my four years as governor of the NATS Great Lakes Region, I have come to appreciate that while we share many musical ideals, managing a region that spans two countries presents significant financial, geographical, and cultural challenges. Establishing a dedicated Canadian region will enable our Canadian members to connect more fully within their own cultural context and help alleviate the border and currency issues they have faced in the past. Our Canadian members and I are excited for the future of our new region and remain committed to maintaining the strong and positive connection we share with our U.S. and International NATS colleagues.”

David Mannell will serve as interim governor of the Great Lakes Region, which is in the process of selecting a governor-elect to take office in summer 2026. 

Membership data will be realigned automatically in member portals and should appear in member accounts during the fall 2025 renewal period.

“This realignment helps us resolve various logistical and organizational challenges that have existed for several years but have become even more complicated by increased banking regulations cross borders,” said NATS Executive Director Allen Henderson. “Additionally, it helps facilitate increased participation in a variety of programs NATS sponsors by eliminating cross border travel which has also faced increasing challenges.”