Elks of Canada is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1912. It is not directly affiliated with Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the American organization founded in 1868, but the two "share a common history and enjoy a friendly relationship".
Early history
The organization was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia by three men from Seattle. It appeared that they were only in it for the money, but early applicants were able to seize control of the organization and begin building it in earnest. The first Grand Exalted Ruler of the Grand Lodge of Canada was Charles Edward Redeker, from Windsor, Ontario.
In 1979 it had 300,000 members.
References
Elks of Canada Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA