The 81th BC Yukon Regional Council was held on June 5 and 6, 2026 in Victoria, BC and we’d like to share a brief recap with you. Regional Councils are an important part of our internal structure that allows branch members from many departments and agencies to discuss areas of mutual interest. All of the Branches in the BC Yukon region were represented.
The following North Central Vancouver Island (NVCI) volunteers attended the council on behalf of the branch: Alan Messner, Branch President (ret. CFIA); Chris Perry, Executive Member at large (MAL), (DND); Roger Miller, MAL, (CRA); Amy Ganton(DFO), Kaleigh Gillespie(DFO).
Here are the council meeting highlights:
- Morgan Cranny, BC Yukon Regional Director, addressed the council.
- This year was an election year for executive members. Our region consists of about 6465 members. 5 of the 10 volunteer executive positions were up for election. 9 members were nominated which initiated an election by secret ballot for the 5 positions.
- Charles Jaimet, Manager of IT architecture, PIPSC Ottawa gave a presentation on how the IT group is using AI to build the PIPSC website. There was widespread acknowledgement that the newly redeveloped PIPSC website is having issues and is not as user friendly as members might be used to. National is aware and actively working to fix. The website was previously used as an info-out platform, but is changing towards an engagement platform to connect members and provide more support.
- Kris Hawkins, Employment Relations Officer (ERO) Manager, attended and provided an overview of her team’s efforts this year.
- Susanne Skidmore, BC Federation of Labour provided an overview of some of the year’s achievements.
- Retired members aim to introduce a mentorship program in the next few months, giving an opportunity for new and retired members to connect about career progression and guidance.
Five (5) resolutions were presented, discussed and voted on. These were mostly updates to the language of our bylaws. This is how we implement the continuous improvement of our bylaws and policies. One(1) resolution for the national AGM in Ottawa on November 27/28, 2026 was discussed and accepted.
Anyone can request a pipsc.ca email address. It is important that members do not use work email addresses to discuss union business.
If you have any questions regarding the council or are interested in becoming a member of this executive and attending a future council meeting on our behalf, please email Messnera@pipsc.ca.
In solidarity,
Alan Messner
President, North Central Vancouver Island Branch, PIPSC