---
title: "Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Peter McQueen at WVC Johnstown '96 Hi all, I've been enjoying the"
url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3690-congress-thai99-profiles-peter.html"
date: "2026-11-06T00:06:46+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction

**International Vegetarian Union (IVU)** | ![IVU logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/members/pics/ivu-con4.gif) |  |
|---|---|
 | ![Congress Logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/thai99/pics/logo99.gif) **33rd World Vegetarian Congress**    Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999    *'Vegetarianism is the Way'*    an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience  ![[Peter McQueen]](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/wvc96/peter_mcqueen.jpg)   *Peter McQueen at WVC Johnstown '96*Hi all,  I've been enjoying the introductions, especially from people I've never heard of, so despite the fact that some of you already know me I thought I'd add mine.  I've been vegetarian for 23 and 1/2 years (including about the last 8 as a vegan) -- having become so at the age of 16 for ethical reasons supported by environmental reasons. Later after I met other vegetarians I became aware of and came to believe in the health reasons also.  Within a year of becoming vegetarian I learned of the [Toronto Vegetarian Association](http://www.veg.ca/) (TVA). (I live in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.) Although I immediately joined TVA I was not impressed with the group which was run by an elderly person, had a poor quality newsletter, did little in the way of outreach and had a lot of members in their 50s and 60s. At the time, and for many years after, I was very busy organizing a national organic gardening and farming group -- now known as the Canadian Organic Growers(COG) -- so I had no time to get involved in TVA. However in 1983 -- a year before I stepped down as president of COG -- I decided to get involved and joined TVA's board of directors, intitially as recording secretary. Later I became vice president and for seven years served as president. Along with others I was instrumental in rebuilding and revitalizing TVA.  Today the Toronto Vegetarian Association is the largest locally-based vegetarian organization in North America with about 1700 members. We are well respected both locally and internationally for our bi-monthly newsletter, our well-stocked resource centre, our web site, our widely distributed factsheets, the advice and assistance we've provided to individuals and groups near and far, our local free Vegetarian Directory (25,000 to 35,000 copies distributed annually), and our much copied Annual Vegetarian Food Fair which is visited by over 10,000 people every year. Today I remain on the TVA board of directors as past president as well as Congress Co-ordinator of the [34th World Vegetarian Congress](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2000-congress-2000-index.html) which we are hosting in July 2000.  In 1987 I was one of the people who helped found the Vegetarian Union of North America (VUNA). Two years later I was asked to stand for election as president, a position I still hold.  In addition to my rather heavy veggie committments I am an amateur naturalist and photographer, and regularly go on and lead canoe trips, hikes and cross-country ski outings. I put tofu on the table by working as a supply/substitute teacher in elementary/primary schools.  The 33rd World Veg. Congress will be the third I have attended. The others being in 1984 and [1996](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc96-index.html) (both in the US). I am somewhat of a veggie conference "junkie" having also attended many vegetarian conferences in the US as well as the above. These included the 1995 International Vegan Festival in San Diego. The only conference I've attended outside of North America was the 1991 European Vegetarian Union congress in Chester, England. I am looking forward to meeting all of you (and the others not on-line) in Chiang Mai.  Peter  Peter McQueen, Scarborough, Ontario, CANADA      A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 1101    ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![Cuban Bean Dip](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/cuban-bean-dip-1780520108_669f7e6f5caa17d9ca46592f5046b032.jpg "Cuban Bean Dip")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/cuban-bean-dip.html "Cuban Bean Dip")           ####  [Cuban Bean Dip](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/cuban-bean-dip.html "Cuban Bean Dip")            [Cuba](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/cuba.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [Caribbean](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/caribbean.html) - [![VEGAN TOFU SOUP](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th11%20297_12bd5f210a148c16c6583b8425041860.jpg "VEGAN TOFU SOUP")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-tofu-soup.html "VEGAN TOFU SOUP")           ####  [VEGAN TOFU SOUP](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-tofu-soup.html "VEGAN TOFU SOUP")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) [Soups](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/soup.html) - [![VEGAN MUSHROOM CONGEE](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20312_230ac948c02cb4625703440cd2311763.jpg "VEGAN MUSHROOM CONGEE")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mushroom-congee.html "VEGAN MUSHROOM CONGEE")           ####  [VEGAN MUSHROOM CONGEE](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mushroom-congee.html "VEGAN MUSHROOM CONGEE")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Rice](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/rice.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - ####  [A Vegan’s Guide to Tokyo: Where to Feast, Snack, and Savor Without a Worry](https://ivu.org/veggie-travel/cities/tokyo.html "A Vegan’s Guide to Tokyo: Where to Feast, Snack, and Savor Without a Worry")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/veggie-travel/cities/tokyo.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                                ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7319 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html)       ### Departments  - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html)     - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html)       ### Regions  - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html)       ### Blogs  - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html) |

## Schema

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html?view=article&id=3690:congress-thai99-profiles-peter&catid=165","url":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html?view=article&id=3690:congress-thai99-profiles-peter&catid=165","name":"Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 — part 28 of 32","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-1999-congress-thai99-profiles-index.html"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience…","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#wvc-1999"}}]}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://ivu.org"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "IVU",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "Resources",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 4,
            "name": "Interviews",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 5,
            "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 6,
            "name": "congress",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 7,
            "name": "thai99",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 8,
            "name": "profiles",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 9,
            "name": "Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction",
            "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3690-congress-thai99-profiles-peter.html"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3690-congress-thai99-profiles-peter.html"
    },
    "headline": "Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction",
    "description": "Chiang Mai 1999: Peter McQueen - Delegate Introduction: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Peter McQueen at WVC Johnstown '96 Hi all, I've been enjoying the",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "International Vegetarian Union",
        "logo": {
            "@type": "ImageObject",
            "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png"
        }
    },
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Alex Fernandes",
        "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html"
    },
    "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:46+00:00",
    "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:05:04+00:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:32+00:00"
}
```
