BC/Yukon RC - Minutes from 2017 BC/Yukon Regional Council
DRAFT
The Professional Institute of the
Public Service of Canada
73rd BRITISH COLUMBIA / YUKON
REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
M I N U T E S
Friday, June 2, 2017 and
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Delta Hotels by Marriott Burnaby
Conference Centre, Burnaby, BC
73rd BRITISH COLUMBIA / YUKON REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
Delta Hotels by Marriott Burnaby Conference Centre, June 2 and 3, 2017
Delegates Robert MacDonald SP Regional Director
Wanda Aschacher YHC Regional Executive
Carl Cahoon CS Regional Executive
Karen Hall SP Regional Executive
Carol-Ann Lonsdale SH Regional Executive
Peter MacDougall AFS Regional Executive
Philip Mantler AFS Regional Executive
Siddiq Ansari SP-RETIRED Vancouver
Simon Cowell SP Vancouver
Geoff Kendell NR Vancouver
Kathy Kerr SP Vancouver
Wes Kurokawa CS Vancouver
Jean Laberge AV Vancouver
Behzad Mehrabadi NR Vancouver
Ted Molyneux NR Vancouver
Tim Powers SP Vancouver
Bobby Sekhon SP Vancouver
Daniel Thibault AV Vancouver
Isabel Verzosa CFIA-S+A Vancouver
Daryl Wong NRC-RO-RCO Vancouver
Jason Brown AFS Vancouver CRA
Simon Chiu AFS Vancouver CRA
Mohan Grewal AFS Vancouver CRA
Michael Kreuzkamp AFS Vancouver CRA
Lauren Kunimoto AFS Vancouver CRA
Charles Lee AFS Vancouver CRA
Colin McBride AFS Vancouver CRA
Kal Sahota AFS Vancouver CRA
Mona Sidhu AFS Vancouver CRA
Pierre Charpentier CS Victoria
Morgan Cranny SP Victoria
Christine Cress AV Victoria
Linh Ho CS Victoria
Alfred Lyon AV-RETIRED Victoria
Adele McLean SH Victoria
Carmen So SH Victoria
Philip Choo AFS Victoria CRA
Giselle Bramwell SP North-Central Vancouver Island Designate
Archer Schultz CS North-Central Vancouver Island Designate
William Woolverton SP-RETIRED North-Central Vancouver Island
Phil Johnson SH Fraser Valley
Ian Shaw SH Fraser Valley
Ken Antao AFS Okanagan
Jose Jimenez AFS Okanagan Gail Swintak CS Okanagan
Cynthia Denman AFS Northern BC
Sandra Dahl YHC Yukon
Ellen Sedlack SP Yukon
Ingrid Tan AFS Yukon Designate
Chair Richard Barkwill AFS Okanagan
Parliamentarian Dan Jones AFS Vancouver CRA
Guests Steve Hindle Vice-President, PIPSC
Regional Staff Harinder Mahil Employment Relations Officer
Patricia Fung Administrative Assistant
Cynthia Pang Office Administrator/Recording Secretary
Friday, June 2, 2017
1. Welcome and Introduction of the Chair of the Regional Council
The 73rd BC/Yukon Regional Council meeting began at 14:02. Regional Director Robert MacDonald welcomed delegates to this year’s Council.
2. Introductions
Chair Richard Barkwill introduced members of the Regional Executive and Vice-President Steve Hindle.
3. Equity Statement
Peter MacDougall read a statement on equity encompassing the principle that all union members are equal and deserve mutual respect.
4. Burnaby Hospice Society
Jackie Merandi, Director of Community Development, informed the Council delegates about the Burnaby Hospice Society. This is a non-profit organization that supports Burnaby General Palliative Care as well as St. Michael’s Hospice, by providing compassionate care and support to families and individuals during the end-of-life journey.
A collection was taken and $347 was donated in the memory of Ed Zdancewicz.
5. Regional Executive Election
a) Procedure and Election Process
b) Approval of Procedures for Regional Executive Election
m/s Daniel Thibault/Tim Powers
THAT the Regional Executive election process be adopted.
CARRIED
c) Call for Volunteers for the Elections Committee
Volunteers for the Elections Committee were received as follows:
Charles Lee
Tim Powers
Dan Thibault
Isabel Verzosa
Giselle Bramwell
d) Motion to Approve the Elections Committee
m/s Karen Hall/Kathy Kerr
THAT the Elections Committee be approved as received.
CARRIED
e) Call for Nominations (first call from the floor)
There are three (3) year positions available, which are currently occupied by Wanda Aschacher, Carol-Ann Lonsdale and Karim Chaggani.
Nominations from the floor:
Ken Antao
Pierre Charpentier
6. Keynote by Paul Huschilt of Tales, Talks, Training
Robert MacDonald introduced Paul Huschilt, who delivered an engaging and humorous talk on workplace wellness.
7. Keynote by Seth Klein, BC Office of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Robert Macdonald introduced Seth Klein, Director of the BC Office. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives produces and promotes research, analysis and expertise on a wide range of policy matters, from poverty, welfare and inequality to tax fairness, health care, climate justice, housing, forestry and pensions, all from a social justice perspective.
8. Adoption of Agenda
m/s Simon Cowell/Mona Sidhu
THAT the agenda be approved.
CARRIED
9. Adoption of Minutes from 2016 BC/Yukon Regional Council
m/s Karen Hall/Pierre Charpentier
THAT the minutes of the 2016 BC/Yukon Regional Council be approved.
CARRIED
10. Business Arising from 2016 BC/Yukon Regional Council
Philip Mantler advised that there were three outstanding items. The first was a referral of a resolution regarding the cancellation of union meeting that was referred to the Regional Executive to draft a properly formatted resolution. It did not go to the PIPSC AGM in 2016, but will go in 2017. The second issue regarding on-line voting for branches went to the AGM and was dealt with. The third issue concerned geographical boundaries for branches, specifically in the Okanagan Branch, and has also been dealt with.
11. Legacy Fund Challenge
Robert MacDonald advised that the Legacy Fund supports scholarships for the children and grandchildren of our members, as well as for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. To date, the Legacy Fund has awarded over $657,000 in scholarships to 300 students. The BC/Yukon Region was the winner of last year’s Legacy Challenge and it was a great honour to accept the trophy on behalf of the region. There are many ways to support the Legacy Fund. By making a donation to help young professionals, Robert MacDonald encouraged the region to bring the Legacy Cup back again next year.
12. 100th Anniversary of PIPSC
On February 6, 2020, Vice-President Steve Hindle advised that PIPSC will be 100 years old. We think this is something worth celebrating and are updating the history of the Institute. To this end, contributions, thoughts, comments, memories, stories and photographs are being solicited from the membership. The kickoff is planned at the 2019 AGM, with events throughout 2020. Volunteers are also welcome, as well as all ideas and suggestions.
13. Debate on Resolutions
a) Use of Gender Based Language in PIPSC By-Laws, Regulations and Policies
m/s Simon Cowell/Behzad Mehrabadi
WHEREAS PIPSC identifies gender in various by-laws, regulations and policies by including a “Context and Gender” section which generally states, “…expression in the masculine or feminine gender, in plural or in singular, may be substituted to give the effect to the true meaning of the…”; and
WHEREAS other federal unions such as the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Canadian Association of Professional Employees have adopted gender balanced language in their constitutions, by-laws, regulations and policies in French and English;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT PIPSC amend the PIPSC By-Laws and Regulations and all existing Policies to reflect gender balanced language;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT all PIPSC Constituent bodies update their by-laws, regulations and policies to reflect gender balanced language within two years of their next AGM for member approval; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT PIPSC no longer allows a “Context and Gender” section in any future documents.
CARRIED (to take to the AGM)
b) Joining the BC Federation of Labour
m/s Daniel Thibault/Tim Powers
WHEREAS the Institute joined the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) effective January 1, 2012 by a majority vote at the 92nd Annual General Meeting in 2011; and
WHEREAS since joining the CLC, the Institute with the CLC, continues to make great advances in supporting and protecting public pension, health benefits, contracting out and prosperity for middle-class Canadians; and
WHEREAS the Institute will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017 of becoming an official labour bargaining agent; and
WHEREAS in 2020, the Institute will celebrate its 100th anniversary as an organization that has promoted public professionals and the public service; and
WHEREAS we have witnessed an ongoing threat to public service, public professionals, health benefits and defined contribution pensions internationally; and
WHEREAS the fear of Donald Trump’s United States decrease in social and environmental programs may have a direct impact here in the BC/Yukon Region; and
WHEREAS failure to strengthen our ties with other labour organizations to protect the middle-class will eventually result in the loss of defined benefit pension plans, health benefits and reasonable wages; and
WHEREAS joining the BC Federation of Labour and the Yukon Federation of Labour would strengthen the Institute’s unity with middle-class Canadians in the BC/Yukon Region;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the BC/Yukon Region undertake a study to examine the benefits of joining the BC Federation of Labour and the Yukon Federation of Labour. If deemed beneficial, such a move could be planned for January 1, 2020 as part of the Institute’s 100th year celebration.
CARRIED
The Regional Council adjourned at 16:55 on June 2, 2017.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
The Chair reconvened the 73rd Regional Council at 9:04.
14. Call to Order
The Rules of Procedure were identified as the governing document for the Regional Council.
15. PIPSC 2017 Update – Guest Speaker Vice-President Steve Hindle
Vice-President Hindle spoke about the strategic direction of the Institute. Surveys were sent out to the members in 2013 and again in 2016. PIPSC members are above the Canadian average when it comes to recognizing the need for unions. We can continue to be independent and responsive to our members, while also being supportive of labour across the country.
16. WebEx – Bill C-27 – Greg Scriver
Bill C-27, introduced in the House of Commons in October 2016, could impact all our pensions under the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA). It would substantially expand the ability of employers to offer Target Benefit pension plans, which provide a much lower level of security and predictability than Defined Benefit plans by shifting risks from employers to employees.
The legislation could also signal that the government is considering similar action with respect to the Public Service Superannuation Plan. If passed, it would affect new hires as well as those who are already retired or about to retire.
A campaign is currently underway encouraging all members to sign a petition, fill out a special Stop C-27 postcard or send a letter to their Member of Parliament. We need to get the message out and put pressure on this government.
17. WebEx – Finance Committee Report
Chair of the Finance Committee Sean O’Reilly and Friend of the Committee Del Dickson presented the Finance Committee report via WebEx.
18. Call for Nominations
Tim Powers, Chair of the Elections Committee asked for second call for nominations from the floor:
Adele McLean
Sandra Dahl
Mona Sidhu
Simon Chiu
Nominations are closed.
19. Election Speeches
Election speeches were received in the following order:
Ken Antao
Pierre Charpentier
Simon Chiu
Sandra Dahl
Adele McLean
Mona Sidhu
20. Regional Executive Election
Ballots were distributed to all delegates by the Elections Committee, comprised of Tim Powers, Giselle Bramwell, Bill Woolverton and Isabel Verzosa. They were permitted to vote for up to three (3) names.
21. Regional Director’s Report
Robert MacDonald’s efforts on the Board of Directors have been supporting our strategic plan in creating member value. Three year plans have been established for the Executive Compensation and Science Advisory Committees. Branches will receive funding for retired members, hopefully next year. Recognizing the comments during the debate on the dues increase at the last AGM, Robert MacDonald presented a proposal to develop budget policies, to provide a structure to replenish the reserves. He provided a formula for the Finance Committee to consider and propose to the Board. Any new proposals coming to the Board would need to be purpose driven and well documented, to show the reason and deliverables that would be associated with the additional spending. It also encouraged the Finance Committee to look at our expenditures on the membership side and seek areas where efficiencies can be found so that money can be rechanneled.
Thanks were given to the very generous members for bringing the Legacy Cup to the BC/Yukon region. In May, we held a Better Together workshop for twelve stewards to explore ways to increase steward and member engagement. He was encouraged to hear some branches are looking at reaching out to communities with less than 60 members.
Mona Sidhu asked about the possibility of having a PIPSC mobile app. Robert MacDonald advised that this has been placed on a list of projects assigned to the Information Technology Services and Projects Committee. He will find out where it is on the list, as well as virtual meetings and virtual voting, and will continue to work to have both items moved up on the priority list for the Committee to look at.
m/s Kathy Kerr/Behzad Mehrabadi
THAT the Regional Director’s Report be received.
CARRIED
22. Debate on Resolutions
No additional resolutions were received.
23. BC/Yukon Treasurer’s Report
Peter MacDougall presented the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2016 and the budget for the year ending December 31, 2018.
m/s Robert MacDonald/Carl Cahoon
THAT the Financial Statements for the Year Ending December 31, 2016 be received as presented.
CARRIED
m/s Tim Powers/Giselle Bramwell
THAT the budget be amended to include a line item for the cost of a storage facility for regional assets (tents, tables, chairs, banners, flags, etc.) , estimated at @ $1,600 per year for a 5’ x 5’ storage locker.
DEFEATED
m/s Karen Hall/Carl Cahoon
THAT the Budget ending December 31, 2018 be approved.
CARRIED
24. Regional Office Report
Employment Relations Officer Harinder Mahil advised that bargaining for separate employers, namely Yukon Hospital Corporation, Destination Canada (formerly Canadian Tourism Commission) and the BC First Nations Health Authority will now be undertaken by the regional office.
In order to provide the best possible service, it is important to have good coordination between stewards and the regional office when filing grievances.
m/s Robert MacDonald/Mona Sidhu
THAT the Regional Office report be received.
CARRIED
25. Guest Speaker – Bob Dewar
Regional Director Robert MacDonald introduced Bob Dewar, who was hired as the Campaign Chair for NDP Leader John Horgan, running against incumbent Christie Clark for Premier. He outlined the strategy used for the campaign for the 2017 BC provincial election and gave a comprehensive and insightful presentation on the election and the accord between the BC New Democrats and the BC Green Party to form government.
26. Standing Committee Reports
a) By-Laws and Policies Committee Report
Dan Jones reported that this committee is reviewing the Institute by-laws, policies and procedures, in an effort to align and reduce the number of documents.
b) Elections Committee Report
Jean Laberge advised that this committee has supported the election process for one group, dealt with outstanding items and will be working on the preparation of 2018 PIPSC election process.
c) Finance Committee Report
This report was presented by Sean O’Reilly, Chair of the Finance Committee and Del Dickson, Friend of the Committee (see 17.)
d) Human Rights in the Workplace Committee Report
No report was submitted.
e) Information Technology Services and Projects Committee
The report was on the virtual binder.
f) Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee Report
Phil Mantler reported that the committee is reviewing the strategic plan and looking at getting a brochure out for Public Service week.
g) Science Advisory Committee Report
Karen Hall advised that the committee has developed a strategic plan and are working on these goals. There is a survey coming out as a follow-up to Vanishing Science and The Big Chill, to take a temperature of where we are at with our scientists. Numerous action items include a sub-committee on women in science, conferences, another lobby day in the fall and scientific integrity moving forward.
h) Training and Education Committee
Pete MacDougall reminded delegates that funding for Lunch and Learns has to be preapproved, so the form needs to be submitted in advance.
m/s Pete MacDougall/Bill Woolverton
THAT the Standing Committee reports be accepted as received.
CARRIED
27. Process for the Selection of AGM Delegates
Robert MacDonald advised that the BC/Yukon region is allocated fourteen (14) delegates based on the formula of one delegate per 277 members. As most of our branches do not have 277 members, they are bumped up to ensure that each branch has at least one delegate and the larger branches lose a small percentage in each of those cases. This allocation has been done for the last several years.
m/s Philip Mantler/Simon Cowell
THAT the allocation for the 2017 National AGM be approved as tabled.
CARRIED
28. Regional Liaison Report
a) Training Committee Report
Pete MacDougall advised that he didn’t realize that he was required to submit a report. The Training Committee, regionally, has been focusing on supporting the Training and Education Committee.
m/s Karen Hall/Pete MacDougall
THAT the Training Committee report be accepted as received.
CARRIED
29. Election Results
Elections Committee Chair Tim Powers advised that of the fifty (50) delegates who were eligible to vote, two (2) were absent, for a total of forty-eight (48) ballots counted.
The following results were:
Ken Antao – 27
Pierre Charpentier – 33
Simon Chiu – 17
Sandra Dahl – 16
Adele McLean – 30
Mona Sidhu – 19
Therefore, the newly elected members of the Executive for a three (3) year term are:
Ken Antao
Pierre Charpentier
Adele McLean
There are no appeals.
m/s Morgan Cranny/Bezhad Mehrabadi
THAT the new members of the Regional Executive be approved.
CARRIED
m/s Mona Sidhu/Bill Woolverton
THAT the ballots be destroyed at the end of the Regional Council.
CARRIED
30. Branch Reports
a) Fraser Valley
Acting President Phil Johnson advised that they had a joint AGM with the group and sub-group due to historically low attendance. There will be an effort to engage more members, with the intent to return to a stand-alone branch meeting.
b) North –Central Vancouver Island
There are few updates to the executive as result of the election at their May AGM, reported President Carl Cahoon.
c) Okanagan
President Ken Antao advised that the branch covers 29 cities from Osoyoos to Golden. There will be an attempt for some outreach to get out to the more remote areas.
d) Northern BC
President Pete MacDougall advised that the branch is also trying to do some outreach to the outlying communities.
e) Vancouver
President Karen Hall reported that the executive works towards three strategic goals: increasing member engagement, union partnership and community outreach. They have a full list of calendar events and being a large branch, are able to utilize the funds and the membership in pursuit of these goals.
f) Vancouver CRA
The branch held two member engagement and socials around Christmas, with 75 and 55 members attending, reported President Kal Sahota. At the AGM, 126 members attended, with a well received presentation by Robert MacDonald.
g) Victoria
President Adele McLean advised that for their upcoming AGM, the number has grown over last year, which is hopefully a sign of increased engagement. They are continuing to look at different youth initiatives to bring in this demographic.
h) Victoria CRA
Last year, the branch partnered with various groups: with the AFS sub-group for a combined branch and sub-group AGM, with PSAC for a softball tournament, with the Union of Taxation Employees for a barbeque and with the Victoria Branch for the Victoria Royals hockey game. President Phil Choo advised that the executive was successful in recruiting three younger stewards.
i) Yukon
President Wanda Aschacher advised that she did not submit a report this year and the branch is doing fine in the Yukon.
m/s Lauren Kunimoto/Morgan Cranny
THAT the branch reports be accepted as received.
CARRIED
31. New Business
There was no new business.
32. Closing Remarks
Three sitting members of the Regional Executive chose not to run. Robert MacDonald asked those executive members who were in attendance if they wished the opportunity to say a few words.
Carol-Ann Lonsdale has enjoyed meeting everyone and learning about what they do. She advised it has been her honour to know all of you.
Appreciation was extended to Dan Jones as Parliamentarian and to Richard Barkwill for chairing the Regional Council.
Robert MacDonald expressed thanks to Vice-President Hindle for coming out to the region to provide information and answers questions, and was presented with a BC/Yukon backpack.
Thanks were also extended to everyone for their time and contribution and to Vice-President Hindle and the staff for their support. The success of the Legacy Cup is a great way for the region to show its support by continuing to make contributions.
m/s Phil Choo/Mona Sidhu
THAT the 2017 Regional Council be adjourned.
CARRIED
The 73rd Regional Council adjourned at 16:01 on June 3, 2017.