AGM Resolutions 2024

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws have been modified in a piecemeal fashion for many years, and

Whereas many changes to the bylaws have been time sensitive in nature, and

Whereas the content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.),

Be it resolved that the following housekeeping changes be applied to the PIPSC Bylaws:

1. Preamble – Remove (not required in bylaws).
2. 13.1.4.1 a) – Change “Office of the Executive Secretary” to “Institute” to ensure the bylaws remain generic.
3. 13.1.4.3.1 – Change “Office of the Executive Secretary” to “Institute” to ensure the bylaws remain generic.
4. 14.1.1 – Remove “Effective July 1, 2017,” since the historical date is no longer required.
5. 14.1.1.1 Stub Year – Remove entirely since this historical transitional language is no longer required.
6. 22.1 Date of Election/Commencement of Office – Remove “Commencing in 2015,” since this historical transition language is no longer required.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws is the primary Institute governance document and the basis for all policies and constituent body bylaws, and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance to maintain clear and concise direction in the Institute bylaws, and

Whereas the current content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.), and

Whereas an evaluation from the President is not a right of membership, as indicated in bylaw 7, and

Whereas a report on the state of the Institute should be part of a report from the Board of Directors and presented at the AGM,

Be it resolved that the PIPSC Bylaws be revised as follows:

Remove: 

7.4 Evaluation Report by President At least four (4) weeks before the Annual General Meeting, all members shall be provided with a written evaluation by the President of the effectiveness of the Institute in meeting the objectives in By-Law 2.

Add: 

13.2.1 The Annual General Meeting is the supreme governing body of the Institute. General Meetings shall govern the policy of the Institute and deal with such other matters as may come before them. All actions of constituent bodies shall be consistent with and within the policies laid down by General Meetings. An annual report for the previous fiscal year shall be presented at each Annual General Meeting.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws is the primary Institute governance document and the basis for all policies and constituent body bylaws, and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance to maintain clear and concise direction in the Institute bylaws, and

Whereas the current content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.), and

Whereas it is not a requirement of the CNCA to designate a specific individual to fulfill requirements of The Act,

Be it resolved that the PIPSC Bylaws be revised as follows:

Remove: 

BY-LAW 3 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 The Seal of the Institute shall be of such form as prescribed by the Board, and shall be inscribed in English and French. The Executive Secretary shall have custody of the Seal of the Institute.

3.2 The Officer designated to fulfill the requirements of Sections 21 and 278 of the Act is the Executive Secretary.

Add: 

BY-LAW 3 SEAL

3.1 The Seal of the Institute shall be of such form as prescribed by the Board, and shall be inscribed in English and French.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws is the primary Institute governance document and the basis for all policies and constituent body bylaws, and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance to maintain clear and concise direction in the Institute bylaws, and

Whereas the current content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.), and

Whereas Resolutions submitted after the prescribed 12-week deadline do not allow for proper evaluation and follow-up with the sponsor of the resolution, and

Whereas inconsistent treatment of resolutions is offside with the fiduciary requirements to due diligence,

Be it resolved that the PIPSC Bylaws be revised as follows:

Old Wording: 

13.1.4.3.2 Resolutions submitted contrary to the procedure outlined in these By-Laws may be dealt with by an Annual General Meeting only after all regularly submitted resolutions have been dealt with and are received by the Resolutions Sub-Committee no later than 10:30 a.m. on the final day of the Annual General Meeting, except that an Annual General Meeting may accept a resolution as an emergency and deal with it immediately.

New Wording: 

13.1.4.3.2 Resolutions submitted contrary to the procedure outlined in these By-Laws shall not be dealt with by an Annual General Meeting except that an Annual General Meeting may accept a resolution as an emergency and deal with it immediately.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws is the primary Institute governance document and the basis for all policies and constituent body bylaws, and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance to maintain clear and concise direction in the Institute bylaws, and

Whereas the current content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.), and

Whereas Remuneration of the President and Vice-presidents is already established as being determined by the Board of Directors in bylaw 19.3 and 20.5 respectively, and

Be it resolved that the PIPSC Bylaws be revised as follows:

Remove: 

21.3 Remuneration Only the Annual General Meeting has the authority to determine the remuneration for Elected Directors.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Whereas the PIPSC Bylaws is the primary Institute governance document and the basis for all policies and constituent body bylaws, and

Whereas it is of the utmost importance to maintain clear and concise direction in the Institute bylaws, and

Whereas the current content of the Institute Bylaws far exceeds the requirements of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA), and

Whereas concise bylaws facilitate ease of use, and

Whereas the Board of Directors is recommending changes recommended by an external governance review consultant (Laridae Communications Inc.), and

Whereas PIPSC requires a concise policy on the signing authorities and delegation of financial authority,

Be it resolved that the PIPSC Bylaws be revised as follows:

15.2.3 No agreement may be executed so as to bind the Institute except on the authority of the Board. Any agreement, instrument, contract or other written commitment not specifically required by the Board to be executed by a particular Officer or Officers, may be executed by the President an Officer together with those employees into whose area of responsibility the subject matter of the document may fall.

Note: A full policy on signing authorities and delegation of financial authority shall also be implemented.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Advisory Council

Whereas groups have no control over the size of the group, as this is subject to employment levels established by the employer; and

Whereas a group could lose members through attrition, and those positions remain vacant, resulting in a reduced number of members and a corresponding reduction in the number of Executive Members allowed; and

Whereas there is a similar amount of work to be done by a group executive, regardless of group size.

Therefore, be it resolved that the maximum number of Executive Members be revised as follows:

10.1.5 Group Executive The minimum size of a Group Executive is three (3). The maximum number of Group Executive members shall be based on the size of the Group in accordance with the following table.

RSC: 11 potential Groups impacted

Finance Comment: $4,082 (if local) up to $208,586 (if all out of town)

Sponsored by AFS Group

Whereas many small sub-groups have difficulty in meeting the requirement for a minimum executive size of three (3);

Whereas it is still normally ideal to have at least three executive members;

Whereas it is important to have sub-groups in place to service all of our members at the local level;

Whereas constituent bodies can go to PIPSC for a second signature for paying expenses, if required;

Be it resolved that PIPSC by-law 10.2.3 be amended as follows:

10.2.3 Sub-Group Executive A Sub-Group Executive shall normally comprise up to one (1) member per ten (10) members of the Sub-Group rounded to the nearest ten (10), with a minimum of normally three (3) and a maximum of eleven (11). Officers shall normally comprise a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary-Treasurer or, alternatively, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The term of office of an Executive member shall not exceed three (3) years. The results of Sub-Group elections, listing the names, positions, addresses and home and office telephone numbers, shall be forwarded forthwith to the Executive Secretary.

RSC: Must be read in conjunction with the other requirements for exec numbers.

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Be it resolved that article 7.1 of the by-laws be amended as follows:

7.1 Regular and Retired Members Only Regular and Retired Members may vote to elect Directors, run for elected office and otherwise participate in the activities of the Institute and its constituent bodies, subject to Article 7.1.1. Regular and retired members may attend the Institute’s general meetings. Only Regular Members may be appointed as Stewards and be members of bargaining teams.

7.1.1 Groups and sub-groups may, in accordance with their by-laws, determine the level of participation of retired members in their activities, excluding membership on a bargaining team.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Whereas the term is mainly used in Quebec;

Whereas the word chapter is associated in Quebec with outlaw motorcycle gangs;

Whereas it is important for PIPSC to have a professional image with our members, management and the public; and

Whereas two of the professional unions that most resemble us, CAPE and ACFO, use the term “local section”.

Be it resolved that the national by-laws in French be changed as follows:

11.1 RÉGIONS

11.1.1 Chaque région est structurée selon un minimum de trois (3) niveaux :

i.   Conseil régional

ii.   Exécutif régional

iii.  Chapitres Section

11.1.2 Les membres peuvent choisir d’être actifs(-ives) dans les structures régionales de leur lieu de résidence, de l’emploi ou du dernier emploi occupé. Les membres n’ont jamais de droits dans plus d’une (1) région.

11.1.3 La participation à d’autres unités organisationnelles est conforme à la définition des statuts de chaque région.

11.1.4 Chaque conseil régional est libre de recommander l’organisation détaillée de la région, sous réserve de la conformité aux présents statuts et de l’approbation du Conseil d’administration.

11.1.5 Statuts Chaque région est régie par des statuts conformes aux présents statuts, qui prévoient notamment la représentation des chapitres sections ou d’autres unités organisationnelles au conseil régional. Après modification de ses statuts, une région les soumet au Comité des statuts et politiques pour qu’il les étudie. Les modifications apportées aux statuts entrent en vigueur une fois approuvées par le Conseil d’administration.

11.1.6 Conseil régional Le conseil régional se compose d’au moins un(e) (1) délégué(e) par deux cents (200) membres et d’au plus un(e) (1) délégué(e) par cinquante (50) membres résidant dans la région, chiffre arrondi aux deux cents (200) près, plus deux (2) autres délégué(e)s. Le décompte des membres se fait le 31 décembre précédent.

11.1.6.1 Chaque conseil régional se réunit au moins une fois pendant l’année civile.

11.1.7 Exécutif régional L’exécutif régional est composé des directeurs(-trices) élu(e)s de la région et d’autres membres jusqu’à concurrence de onze (11) membres. Dans les régions de plus de 10 000 membres, le nombre maximal à l’exécutif régional est de treize (13) membres. Les dirigeant(e)s comprennent normalement un(e) président(e), un(e) vice-président(e), un(e) secrétaire-trésorier(-ière) ou, selon le cas, un(e) secrétaire et un(e) trésorier(-ière). Le mandat des membres de l’exécutif n’excède pas trois (3) ans. Les résultats des élections à l’exécutif d’une région ainsi que la liste des noms, postes, adresses et numéros de téléphone au bureau et au domicile des dirigeant(e)s élu(e)s sont transmis au (à la) secrétaire exécutif(-ive) dans les plus brefs délais.

11.2 chapitres Sections

11.2.1 Création La création d’une chapitres section, comprenant au moins dix (10) membres titulaires ou à la retraite provenant d’au moins deux (2) groupes spécifiques dans une région, est assujettie à l’approbation du Comité exécutif, à la demande des membres de la chapitre section proposée et sur recommandation de l’exécutif régional en cause. Nonobstant ce qui précède, lorsqu’une région, où autrement une chapitre section serait créée, comprend les membres d’un seul groupe, l’exécutif régional peut recommander la création d’une chapitre section, sous réserve de l’approbation du Comité exécutif. Les statuts appropriés sont assignés au chapitre à la section nouvellement formée conformément aux présents statuts.

11.2.1.1 Les membres devraient toujours faire partie d’une chapitre section et ne peuvent jamais appartenir à plus d’une (1) chapitre section.

11.2.2 Statuts Chaque chapitre section est régie par des statuts conformes aux présents statuts et à ceux de la région en cause, qui garantissent notamment à chaque membre le droit de poser sa candidature et de voter lors de l’élection de l’exécutif. Après modification de ses statuts, une chapitre section soumet les modifications au Comité des statuts et politiques et à l’exécutif régional en cause pour qu’il les étudie. Les modifications apportées aux statuts entrent en vigueur une fois approuvées par le Conseil et ratifiées par les membres de la chapitre section.

11.2.3 Exécutif de chapitre section. Un exécutif de chapitre section comprend habituellement un(e) (1) membre par dix (10) membres de la chapitre section, chiffre arrondi à la dizaine près; il est formé d’au moins trois (3) membres, mais d’au plus onze (11) membres. Les dirigeant(e)s comprennent normalement un(e) président(e), un(e) vice-président(e), un(e) secrétaire-trésorier(-ière) ou, selon le cas, un(e) secrétaire et un(e) trésorier(-ière). Le mandat des membres de l’exécutif n’excède pas trois (3) ans. Les résultats des élections à l’exécutif de la chapitre section, ainsi que la liste des noms, postes, adresses et numéros de téléphone au bureau et au domicile des dirigeant(e)s élu(e)s sont transmis au secrétaire exécutif dans les plus brefs délais. L’exécutif se réunit au moins trois (3) fois par an.

11.2.4 Assemblée générale annuelle Chaque chapitre section convoque une assemblée générale annuelle des membres au moins une fois par année civile, jamais plus de quinze (15) mois après l’assemblée annuelle précédente. Lorsqu’une chapitre section omet de tenir une assemblée générale annuelle, le (la) secrétaire exécutif(-ive) l’informe qu’il enfreint la présente disposition et lui demande de prendre les mesures nécessaires dans les trente (30) jours suivant la réception de cet avis. Si la chapitre section n’obtempère pas, l’affaire est renvoyée à l’exécutif régional en cause pour qu’il fasse une recommandation au Conseil.

11.2.5 Motif de dissolution Une chapitre section peut être dissoute s’il si elle omet de se conformer à ses statuts, à ceux de la région en cause ou à ceux de l’Institut, sous réserve de la recommandation de l’exécutif régional en cause et de l’approbation du Comité exécutif.

RSC: No Comment

Whereas the AGM is the supreme decision-making body at the Institute;

Whereas such a large number of participants makes discussion and decision-making difficult; and

Whereas the total number of Institute members is constantly increasing;

Whereas the number of delegates to the AGM will be subject to increase under the current formula;

Whereas the costs of the AGM are constantly increasing;

Whereas hotels in many provinces cannot accommodate members invited to the AGM;

Whereas hotels that are still able to accommodate us are no longer able to prepare

meals adequately for members invited to the AGM;

Be it resolved that, for the 2025 AGM, articles 13.2.6.1 Groups and 13.2.6.3 Regions, be corrected as follows:

That the number 200 be replaced by 300

13.2.6.2 Groups Each Group Executive shall be entitled to the greater of:

1. one (1) delegate for each two hundred (200) three hundred (300) of the Group’s members, rounded to the nearest two hundred (200) three hundred (300), based on its national membership as at December 31, immediately prior to the notice of the meeting, or
2. one (1) delegate.

13.2.6.3 Regions Each Region shall be entitled to one (1) delegate for each two hundred (200) three hundred (300) of its members, rounded to the nearest two hundred (200) three hundred (300), residing in the Region as at December 31 immediately prior to the notice of the meeting.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: 

Current cost estimated at $2,400,000 prior to delegate amendment.  Post resolution, delegate cost would be estimated $1,600,000 which represents a potential $800,000 reduction.

Sponsored by Ontario Region

Whereas the purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to govern the Institute as per the

of the Canada Not-for profit Corporations Act and PIPSC bylaws;

Whereas the efficient governance of the Institute and its members is desirable;

Whereas there are significant costs to holding the Annual General Meeting;

Whereas the approval of financial statements, appointment of auditors and budget discussions are the required business;

Be it resolved that every attempt will be made to conduct Annual General Meeting business prior to holding extracurricular discussions, topics and presentations.

13.2.3.1 Ordering Agenda Items. The following agenda items shall take precedence

over extracurricular discussions and topics:

1. Approval of agenda
2. Approval of prior Annual General Meeting minutes
3. Approval of prior year financials
4. Appointment of auditors
5. Resolutions with a financial budgetary impact
6. Budget approval
7. All other resolutions, presentations and business matters

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by SP Group

Whereas members of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) are currently appointed for 1 year terms;

Whereas it requires several meetings for committee members to familiarize themselves with the work of the committee;

Whereas having committee members serving only 1 year terms can result in significant turnover of committee membership and can limit progress on longer term initiatives;

Be it resolved that by-law 17.10.1 be amended to include a 2 3-year term length:

17.10.1 Composition – There shall be a Committee of the Board to be known as the Science Advisory

Committee consisting of five (5) to seven (7) members. Composition of the Committee should be

representative of Science and Technology Membership, which includes research, engineering, and

science-related activities. The Board shall appoint members for a two (2) three (3) year term.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Prairie/NWT Region

Whereas Regions and Sub-Groups receive an allowance but they are not mentioned in bylaw 14.3.1.

Whereas bylaw 14.3.1 should be amended to put these two constituent bodies in the bylaw.

Be it resolved that bylaw 14.3.1 be amended as follows:

14.3.1 Annual Allowance Each constituent body is eligible to receive an annual allowance based on the number of Regular members and Rand deductees in each constituent body on the rolls as of December 31 of the preceding year, as set by an Annual General Meeting. Allowances will be established based on the following member composition:

Regions – number of Regular members, Retired members and Rand deductees;

Branches – number of Regular members, Retired members and Rand deductees;

Groups – number of Regular members and Rand deductees; and

Sub-Groups – number of Regular members and Rand deductees; and

Retired Members’ Guild – number of Retired members.

Allowances will only be paid with respect to the current calendar year. The purpose of the allowance is to enable constituent bodies to defray the normal cost of conducting their business.

RSC Comment: No change to cost – correction of omission

Sponsored by BC-Y Region & IT Group

Whereas a Group is given the right to determine the need for a fee adjustment, and;

Whereas the request for a fee adjustment is subject to the will of the Annual or a Special General Meeting of the Institute, and;

Whereas, in the spirit of Group Autonomy, the identified need of a Group should not be overridden by the AGM;

Be it resolved that By-Law 14.2.3.1 be amended as follows;

14.2.3.1 Groups Notwithstanding By-Law 14.2.2, the fees set by an Annual or Special General Meeting need not be identical for each Group. When a Group, by majority decision of that Group’s AGM, requests that a budgetary item be established for the benefit of that Group, it shall be entitled to request an Annual or Special General Meeting to approve a fee adjustment to enable extra services to be provided to that Group.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: $4,082 (if local). 11 potential Groups impacted up to $208,586 (if all out of town)

Sponsored by BC-Y Region & IT Group

WHEREAS the mandate of the Information Technology Services and Projects Committee reads; The Information Technology Services and Projects Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the Board on Information Technology Services and Projects issues.

WHEREAS best practices of system design and development include participation of all stakeholders and,

WHEREAS stakeholders within PIPSC include all Members and,

WHEREAS Members belong to all occupational groups with different requirements for services provided by PIPSC,

THEREFORE be it resolved that By-Law 17.11.1 be amended to the following;

17.11.1 Composition There shall be a Committee of the Board to be known as the Information

Technology Services and Projects Committee consisting of five (5) to seven (7) members. Composition of

the Committee should normally be representative of PIPSC IM/IT Professionals.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by BC-Y Region & IT Group

WHEREAS the mandate of the Information Technology Services and Projects Committee reads; The Information Technology Services and Projects Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the Board on Information Technology Services and Projects issues.

WHEREAS best practices of system design and development include participation of all stakeholders and,

WHEREAS stakeholders within PIPSC include all Members and,

WHEREAS Members belong to all occupational groups with different requirements for services provided by PIPSC,

THEREFORE be it resolved that By-Law 17.11.1 be amended to the following;

17.11.1 Composition There shall be a Committee of the Board to be known as the Information

Technology Services and Projects Committee consisting of five (5) to seven (7) members. Composition of

the Committee should normally be representative of PIPSC IM/IT Professionals.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Robert Tellier & Guy Abel (members)

Whereas financial transparency is an essential factor in mobilising members; and

Whereas the use of funds to acquire and offer alcoholic products has been anchored in the Institute’s culture for decades; and

Whereas the use of funds to acquire and offer cannabis products has been permitted since Canadian legislation made it possible; and

Whereas general opinion on the use of public funds to acquire and offer alcoholic or cannabis products has evolved significantly over the past decade; and

Whereas the members of the Institute expect sound management of the funds generated by union dues.

Be it resolved that the Bylaws of the Institute be amended to include the following articles:

14.1.11 (NEW) Alcoholic and Cannabis Products

It shall be lawful for the Institute and all constituent bodies to acquire and offer alcoholic or cannabis products under the following conditions:

a) acquisition and distribution shall comply with applicable municipal, provincial and federal laws.

b) expenditures are authorized by the Annual General Meeting of the constituent bodies.

c) from 1 January 2025 and thereafter, expenditures shall be recorded under the accounting heading ‘Alcohol and Cannabis’ in the accounting records of the Institute and all constituent bodies.

d) from 1 July 2026, the annual budget of the Institute shall include a maximum aggregate amount authorised for the acquisition of alcohol and cannabis products for the organisation as a whole and this amount shall be divided and allocated on a pro rata basis to the membership of the constituent bodies prior to its approval by the AGM of the Institute.

e) as of December 31, 2025 or June 30, 2026 depending on the end of the accounting period, the annual financial report of the Institute and the constituent bodies shall disclose the amounts spent on alcoholic or cannabis products.

14.1.12 (NEW)

Notwithstanding 14.1.11 (NEW) The Board of Directors may prohibit or restrict the use of funds of the Institute for the use of cannabis or alcohol without exceeding the maximum budgetary limits established pursuant to Article 14.1.11 d)

RSC: No Comment

Legal comment: 

Here are the key legal requirements for a non-profit organization like PIPSC to acquire and distribute cannabis products:

Mandatory License

Acquiring and distributing cannabis requires obtaining a specific license from Health Canada. Relevant license types might include:

– Non-medical sales license

– Research license (for certain limited uses)

Obtaining such a license involves complying with strict requirements for security, record-keeping, and reporting.

Distribution Restrictions

Cannabis distribution is subject to strict rules:

– Prohibition on selling or providing cannabis to individuals under 18 (or the higher provincial/territorial legal age).

– Limit of 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) for public possession by an adult.

– Prohibition on distribution in places primarily frequented by youth.

Packaging and Labeling

Cannabis products must meet strict standards:

– Plain, opaque packaging

– Standardized cannabis symbol

– Mandatory health warnings

– Specific product information (e.g., THC/CBD content)

Limited Promotion

Cannabis promotion is highly restricted:

– Prohibition on advertising appealing to youth

– Restrictions on the use of branding elements

– Promotion allowed only in limited circumstances where youth cannot see it

Traceability

A cannabis tracking system from production to sale is required to prevent diversion to the illicit market.

Conclusion

Acquiring and distributing cannabis by an organization like PIPSC would require obtaining specific licenses and complying with a complex regulatory framework. This would represent a significant logistical and administrative challenge, far removed from the primary mission of a professional union.

Financial Comment: 

Unable to quantify financial impact.

Sponsored by Frank Wong & Dimitry Gorodnichy (members)

Whereas dues from our members are entrusted to the Institute for operating efficiently and effectively to service the needs of our members, and

Whereas some members do not believe our Institute is using their dues for the efficient and effective operations of our Institute, and

Whereas our members expect leaders of our Institute to be reasonable, responsible, and accountable when claiming expenses and utilizing discretionary use allocations, and

Whereas it is good practice for the Institute to operate in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner, and

Whereas advance notification of the implementation of this new bylaw should be provided, and

Be it resolved that the following new bylaw be adopted starting March 1, 2025:

NEW BYLAW:

14.5 Reporting of Expenditures

14.5.1 Claims for travel expenses (excluding per diem), hospitality, and discretionary use allocations of members of the Board of Directors, National Group Executives, Regional Executives, and National Consultation Team Executives will be made available for review at the PIPSC Annual General Meeting before being posted on the PIPSC secure portal.

14.5.2 Where travel arrangements are made by the Institute’s supplier and the cost is not known, the travel claim will include a boarding pass for the trip taken in lieu of an itemized receipt from a vendor.

14.5.3 Reporting of expenditures for travel expenses (excluding per diem), hospitality, and discretionary use allocations will include:

a) The PIPSC TRAVEL EXPENSE CLAIM – DEMANDE D’INDEMNITÉ DE DÉPLACEMENT Excel workbook, with each claim made included in a separate worksheet

b) Itemized receipts from vendors for each claim

c) Boarding pass(es), if applicable, for each claim

RSC Comment: In article 14.5.2, the cost is always known so this article may never be enacted. Further, boarding passes do not normally include financial information.

Financial Comment: Pending

Sponsored by Waheed Khan (member)

Whereas to ensure sustained efforts to advance the promotion of standards of our Professional and Regulated Professionals within PIPSC, the length of the term for members of the Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee (PRQC) must be extended beyond one year;

Be it resolved that members of the Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee (PRQC)  be appointed for a three year term, to maintain continuity and to allow for the advancement of issues and mandates. The Board shall re-appoint 4 current members for a two(2) year term starting 2024-2026, and new members for the subsequent terms, beginning January 2025 for three (3) years

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Frank Wong (member)

Whereas bylaw 13.3.1 allows Special General Meetings to be called by delegates to the last General Meeting who submit a written requisition to the Board, but, not by members of the Institute who were not delegates to the last General Meeting, and

Whereas Bylaw 167(1) of the Canada Not-For-Profit Act states that “the members of the corporation who hold the prescribed percentage of votes that may be cast at a meeting of members sought to be held, or a lower percentage that is set out in the by-laws, may requisition the directors to call the meeting for the purposes stated in the requisition”, and

Whereas the Board has to be accountable and responsive to all members of the Institute at all times,

Be it resolved that Bylaw 13 be amended as follows:

13.3.1 Calling of Special General Meeting A Special General Meeting shall be called by the Board at the written requisition of not less than five (5%) percent of the delegates to the last General Meeting or five (5%) percent of the membership of the Institute. Such requisition shall include the information necessary for the Institute to confirm membership of the requestors, including their name, group and employer in a prescribed form or a format used by the Institute such as for nominations in Institute Elections.  Such requisition shall be sent to each director and to the registered office of the corporation.

13.3.1.1 A requisition to hold a Special General Meeting pursuant to Bylaw 13.3.1.1 shall state the business to be transacted at the meeting and contain the proposed resolution or by-law amendment.

13.3.1.2 The Board may, on its own initiative, call a Special General Meeting.

13.3.2 Order of Business Only the matter(s) for which a Special General Meeting was called shall appear on the agenda.

13.3.3 Notice of Meeting A Special General Meeting shall will be held not less than four (4) weeks and not more than thirteen (13) seven (7) weeks following receipt of the request or decision by the Board.

13.3.3.1 Alternate Notice of Meeting If the Board does not hold a meeting within seven (7) weeks following receipt of the written requisition under Bylaw 13.3.1, for clarity and to conform with the Canada Not For Profit Act Bylaw 167(4):

a) The Board shall provide the requestor(s) of the Special General Meeting within seven (7) weeks calendar days following receipt of the written request the information necessary to contact the delegates to the last General Meeting to invite them to the Special General Meeting, and

b) The Board will advance reasonable costs (up to $200,000 in total costs) to the requestor(s) to hold the Special General Meeting in a format of the requestors’ choice

c) For the purpose of Bylaw 13.3.1 and for further clarity, this meeting will be deemed to have been called by the Board

13.3.4 Quorum The quorum for the holding of a Special General Meeting called pursuant to paragraph 13.3.1.1 above, shall be three hundred (300) delegates. Quorum shall be required throughout the Special General Meeting.

13.3.5 Delegates The delegates of a Special General Meeting shall be selected in accordance with Bylaw 13.2.6.

13.3.6 Meeting by Electronic Means Any delegate may participate in a Special General Meeting by means of a telephonic, an electronic or other communication facility in accordance with the Act.

RSC: No Comment

Legal Comment: out of order 

CNFPA, 154(3) (4) (5) provides organization with authority to established voting rights, voting class and category of members entitled to vote

Bylaw 13.2.5 and 13.2.6 provides for accredited delegates and not members at all.

See also BL 15.2.3

Finance Comment: Current cost estimated at $2,400,000 prior to delegate amendment.  Post resolution, delegate cost would be estimated $1,600,000 which represents a potential $800,000 reduction.

Sponsored by Fred Jamieson (member)

WHEREAS the purpose of a constituent body Annual General Meeting is to govern that constituent body; and

WHEREAS there are significant costs to holding a Group AGM, which are increased with the number of chosen delegates; and

WHEREAS the majority of the current AGM delegate count is based on each group’s membership count or regional membership count divided by 200.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT for the PIPSC AGM, each recognized group will be allowed a minimum of three delegates, however, the maximum number of a Group’s delegates will be based each group’s membership count divided by 300, further, the total number of Regional delegates will be based each region’s membership count divided by 450.

RSC Comment: Out of order per Institute bylaw 13.1.4.1 as there are unaddressed impacts to bylaw 13.2.6.2 and 13.2.6.3

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Be it resolved that the 2024 AGM receive the Institute audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Be it resolved that BDO be appointed as auditors of the Institute for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and its related entities, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Be it resolved that the 2024 AGM approve the budget for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by the Board of Directors

Be it resolved that the member fees be increased by $17.50 per month per regular member effective January 1, 2025.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Advisory Council

Whereas inflation is an ongoing concern in budgetary considerations for the Institute; and

Whereas PIPSC has a history of approving dues increases on an infrequent basis causing a detrimental impact on the services provided to members; and

Whereas the last dues increase resulted in seven years of inflation impacting the ability of PIPSC to provide services to its members; and

Whereas an inflationary based dues increase would resolve these concerns;

Be it resolved that PIPSC membership dues be indexed to CPI inflation annually, starting in 2026, with an indexing cap of 3.0% per year.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: 

Based on current dues, for active members, this would represent a maximum increase of $2.18 per month in the first year

Sponsored by Atlantic Region

WHEREAS it has been identified that the NB Groups and members require a local PIPSC human resource and,

WHEREAS the 2015 AGM passed a resolution to provide a PIPSC staffed satellite office in Fredericton, New Brunswick and,

WHEREAS there was a local resource put in place by PIPSC from 2016 to 2021 and,

WHEREAS the provincial groups and members still require this resource,

Therefore, be it resolved that PIPSC provide a resource to support NB Groups located within 120km of Fredericton.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment:

The cost to establish a dedicated HR Business Partner to support NB Groups, headcount expense (salary, fringe etc.) would cost between $150,000 to $190,000.

Sponsored by Atlantic Region

Whereas costs for accommodations, meals, and meeting space to host events have increased rather significantly in the last few years and;

Whereas the Institute while looking at cost saving measures internally is still running a deficit and;

Whereas with the increased membership and increased demand for services there is a dire need to hire more labour relations staff and;

Whereas there has not been a dues increase since 2016;

Be it resolved that a dues increase of $15 a month per regular member beginning on July 1, 2025;

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Atlantic Region

Whereas Employment Relations Officer and Labour Relations Officers provide representational services to Institute members and;

Whereas as Institute membership continues to grow while the number of Employment Relations Officers and Labour Relations Officers has not kept up with the growth of membership and;

Whereas representational services is one of the key functions of a union;

Be it resolved that additional Employment Relations Officer/Labour Relations Officer positions be created in each region to have a ratio of a maximum of 1,100 regular members per labour relations staff resource based on the membership count;

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: The motion would result in an additional 25 EROs/LRO’s  and would range, inclusive of salaries and benefits between $3,200,000 and $4,600,000

Sponsored by RE Group

WHEREAS the purpose of a constituent body Annual General Meeting is to govern that constituent body; and

WHEREAS regular members of group should be able to meaningfully influence and modify the direction of the Group Executive and outvote the Group Executive as necessary; and

WHEREAS there are significant fixed costs to holding a Group AGM, regardless of delegate cost; and

WHEREAS Group Executive size is based on the need to represent regional and departmental diversity, which also applies to Group AGM delegates,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT for Group AGM meetings made up of delegates, the number of accredited delegates funded from PIPSC general funds will be the members of the Group Executive plus either: one delegate per two hundred (200) members of the Group, or, one greater than the size of the Group Executive as calculated in By Law 10.1.5, whichever is greater.

RSC: Recommend Out of Order – Contravenes existing policy.

Sponsored by RE Group

Whereas PIPSC is a labour union comprised of members earning a wide range of salaries as well as ones who are retired,

Whereas fixed nominal dues for Regular and Rand members represent a varying fraction of members’ income and their buying power erodes, sometimes rapidly, with inflation, and the impact of nominal dues increases falls disproportionately on members with lower incomes who tend to be younger,

Whereas fixed nominal dues also result in long periods of frozen dues followed by significant increases,

Whereas the current system requires the Institute AGM to engage in periodic debates to merely keep up with rising costs associated with inflation,

Whereas many of our fellow unionists have successfully implemented dues as a function of income in a variety of pay systems including those of the Government of Canada,

Whereas the last dues increase, in 2017, set fixed dues at a level that was approximately 0.95% of the salary of the average member (calculated from 2021 salary mass and pattern salary increases between 2018 and 2021),

Be it resolved that PIPSC change its dues as of July 1, 2026 to 0.95% of the maximum salary at the member’s group and level, pro-rated for part-time workers and discounted for affiliate and retired members as before. Where a member is not currently an employee in a PIPSC group, that the current salary grid for their last group and level be used to calculate dues. Members whose group no longer exists or who never had a group and level shall pay dues at the 2017 rate, adjusted annually and retroactively to 2018, in the same manner as the Canada Pension Plan, discounted for affiliate and retired members as before.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: Due to the complexity of this resolution, Finance is unable to provide a financial estimate of the impact of this resolution on the budget or of the cost of its implementation and maintenance.

Sponsored by Sherry Oake (member)

Whereas the purpose of the Institute is the representation of members with employers, and

Whereas it is in the interest of the membership for the Institute to remain financially solvent, and

Whereas the current budget is in a significant deficit circumstance, and

Whereas the Board of Directors has not adequately addressed this financial circumstance, and

Whereas travel expenses for Constituent Bodies and Committees of the Board are discretionary expenditures, and

Whereas Annual General Meetings are required to be held,

Be It Resolved that for any fiscal year where a deficit is projected, that emergency cost-cutting measures shall be imposed on the Constituent Bodies (Regions, Branches, Groups and Sub-Groups, and Consultation Teams) and Committees of the Board for the entire year as follows:

a. Executive meetings shall be conducted at no cost reimbursement for travel, with the expectation that locally-held and/or virtual meetings will be used to conduct the business of that body;

b. Travel costs associated with the Annual General Meeting of each body may be conducted as usual, with one executive meeting that is held during the same period;

c. Sub-Group Presidents and Branch Presidents meetings are also restricted travel reimbursement costs;

d. Travel for the purposes of representation of members shall not be affected;

e. Travel for the purpose of active bargaining with the employer shall not be affected.=

RSC: Missing RMG and Consultation Teams are not constituent bodies.

Also, in conflict with Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation – per diem for meals if virtual meeting over 90 minutes. 

Sponsored by Sherry Oake (member)

Whereas the President and Vice Presidents require certain expenses to be reimbursed for duties and tasks required by their positions that are to the credit and benefit of the Institute, and

Whereas there had been long-standing practices for reimbursement of expenses for appearance and clothing for the President and claims for reimbursement of expenses were made in good faith, based on these long-standing practices, and

Whereas there now exists direction for these reimbursements in the Terms of Service for Presidents and Vice Presidents that is effective as of 1 January 2025,

Be It Resolved that the Expense limits for Presidents and Vice Presidents as of 1 January 2025 be made retroactive ten years to 1 January 2015. This provides a firm reference with fixed limits of expenses that are transparent and fair to previous incumbents, while protecting the Institute and members from excessive payments made under unclear long-standing practice.

Reference: Service Agreement of President, effective 1 January 2025

4. Expenses

a. Travel expenses for the President will be provided as set out in the Policy on the Institute’s Board of Directors Article 8. The President may travel Business Class if desired.

b. Hospitality expenses for the President are described in the Policy on the Institute’s Board of Directors Article 9.

c. The President will receive a Personal Allowance which covers travel, parking and taxis in the headquarters area (16 km radius).   The ECC will review the amount of the Personal Allowance on an annual basis to determine if changes are necessary. This allowance is a taxable benefit.

d. Office related expenses that are not defined in the policies are limited to a maximum of $250 per claim and will require a completed expense claims with receipts submitted on a monthly basis to the Finance Section.

e. Parking will be provided as a taxable benefit.

f. Professional image expenses up to $5,000 annually for considerations such as personal grooming, clothing, image consultant, etc.

g. No direct payment of personal credit cards will be made.

h. Expense accounts are subject to the review of the Finance Committee, under the authority of the Board.

RSC: Recommend Out of Order – Cannot change a signed contract (Service Agreement) retroactively.

Sponsored by Sherry Oake (member)

Whereas the purpose of the Institute is the representation of members with employers, and

Whereas it is in the interest of the membership for the Institute to remain financially solvent, and

Whereas the current budget is in a significant deficit circumstance, and

Whereas the Board of Directors has not adequately addressed this financial circumstance, and

Whereas hospitality expenses for members of the Board of Directors are discretionary expenditures,

Be It Resolved that for any fiscal year where a deficit is projected, that the hospitality limits for Board members shall be reduced by 70% of the previous year.  Should the deficit extend to a second year, the hospitality limit shall be reduced by 50% again.  This leaves 15% of the original hospitality expenses should the deficit extend two years.

RSC: No Comment 

Finance comment: 

Hospitality Expenses budgeted at $9,000 per Board member plus $40,000 for President.

Sponsored by Atlantic Region

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night of the meeting if that member cannot arrive home by 8pm (meeting location time zone). This applies whether the member is driving or flying from the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner including a one-hour meal stop; and

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night before the meeting if that member cannot arrive at the meeting location on time without leaving their home before 7 am. This applies whether the member is driving or flying to the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner without a meal stop; and

Whereas the distance travelling to the meeting location is the same as the distance travelling from the event; and

Whereas there is an unbalanced importance put on the evening accommodation and meal entitlements; and

Whereas some members may have strict meal requirements that would cause undue hardship to attend the event;

Be it resolved that the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation be amended to include a meal stop when travelling to the meeting as follows:

 Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation Effective Date:

1. Accommodations The Institute shall establish a per-night city maximum for hotel stays and provide members with preferred rates where available.

Members attending a meeting will be entitled to accommodations the night before the meeting if that member cannot arrive at the meeting location on time without leaving their home before 7 am. This applies whether the member is driving or flying to the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner without a meal stop. including a one-hour meal stop.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment: 

Unable to quantify financial Impact, number of occurrences undeterminable. However, if an overnight stay is required, the cost would be up to $300 hotel stay, $17.50 incidentals, $61.85 dinner per diem and potentially additional salary replacement.

Sponsored by Atlantic Region

WHEREAS PIPSC has decided not to print and distribute calendars as was the practice in the past and,

WHEREAS PIPSC Calendars are high visibility low-cost items used in the workplace, and

WHEREAS PIPSC Calendars are highly valued by PIPSC members and,

WHEREAS most constituent bodies do not have the staff and financial resources to print and distribute PIPSC calendars themselves and,

WHEREAS PIPSC is providing funding through “Better Together” for constituent bodies to cover the costs of printing their own calendars and,

WHEREAS the cost of a single mass production order made by PIPSC would be more cost effective than all constituent bodies producing Calendars independently and,

Therefore, be it resolved that PIPSC resume the printing and distribution of Calendars to all constituent bodies that request them as PIPSC has demonstrated that it has ample funds and resources available to cover the expenditure.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment:

Cost to resume printing and distribution of calendars would cost between $220,000 and $240,000

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Whereas human activity, mainly through the emission of greenhouse gases, has unequivocally caused the current global warming of 1.1°C above the 1850-1900 level between 2011 and 2020.

Whereas climate change is already having an impact on living conditions across the globe, including through extreme weather events.

Whereas several major financial institutions (e.g., BMO, CDPQ, Desjardins) are adopting policies to reduce their investments in carbon-producing sectors.

Be it resolved that the AGM 2025 receive a detailed report on its investments in fossil fuels.

Be it further resolved that the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada hold no investments in the fossil fuel sector after 2030.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment: Report Cost?

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Whereas the renewal, recruitment, and rejuvenation of PIPSC’s steward workforce is a crucial issue that requires serious attention,

Whereas the workload varies from one steward to another depending on the mandates held (e.g. group/regional executives, consultation/negotiation teams, committees, etc.),

Whereas some members have professional obligations that require a replacement for each period of absence from work,

Whereas the employer sometimes uses professional obligations to prevent union leave,

Whereas the Institute has no policy on granting union leave, and

Whereas the uniformity and equitability application of union leave will benefit all our stewards,

Whereas that report has not been made public at this time,

It is proposed that a national ad-hoc committee on union leave be set up, with a mandate that respects the following guidelines:

●     The duration of the ad-hoc committee’s mandate will be 1 year.

●     The ad-hoc committee will be made up of:

○     One (1) steward per region,

○     The National Chief Steward,

○     One PIPSC staff member to act as support to committee members,

○     And a Board of Directors liaison.

●     The Board of Directors will determine the committee’s composition after establishing clear criteria in a call to all PIPSC stewards, ensuring equitable representation of the most affected steward, i.e. youth and women.

●     The working group will have to assess the needs of stewards in terms of union leave by consulting them through a survey. The working group will have to develop this survey, circulate it, then collect and analyze the responses.

●     The working group will have to provide possible solutions to the pitfalls identified by stewards concerning their union leave.

●     The working group undertakes to produce the following results:

○     a report on its activities and actions presented to the Board of Directors, and

○     If necessary, a policy on union leave.

RSC: PIPSC does not grant Union leave, that is the employer’s responsibility

Financial Comment: Cost of a committee is $104,380

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Whereas our members are geographically dispersed, sometimes isolated;

Whereas we are unable to reach all our members adequately;

Whereas many members are not registered with the proper constituent bodies;

Whereas avoiding abuse in expense reimbursements with these disparities should be a priority;

Whereas having members in the right constituent bodies will increase the sense of belonging;

Whereas rectifying the situation will increase participation in union activities;

Be it resolved that the Institute modify its membership registration/modification form as soon as possible to take into account the changing realities of remote work as follows:

– member’s home address;

– when the member must physically return to work, the address of the physical workplace;

– an indication of whether the member is 100% teleworking.

Be it further resolved that PIPSC send an email once a year, starting January 2025, indicating to members their current work and personal coordinates inviting members to update their contact details, or to indicate that they have not changed.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment: Pending

Sponsored by Région du Québec

Whereas delegates come to the national AGM first and foremost to ensure democratic management of the Institute’s affairs;

Whereas, in recent years, the assembly has never been able to discuss all the motions put forward by members;

Whereas the AGM organizers place great emphasis on the peripheral aspects of the AGM (training, conferences, workshops, etc.).

Be it resolved that resolutions be given absolute priority over training, conferences and other workshops on the PIPSC AGM agenda.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment: Pending

Sponsored by SP Group

Whereas collective bargaining is a central pillar of PIPSC; and

Whereas communication with members can be time sensitive during active negotiations; and

Whereas PIPSC staff resources prioritize duties related to the PIPSC annual general meeting in the time leading up to the event; Be it resolved that PIPSC allocate staff resources in a manner that prioritizes bargaining communications for groups engaged in active negotiations at same priority level as duties related to the PIPSC annual general meeting.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by SP Group

Whereas members of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) are currently appointed for 1 year terms;

Whereas it requires several meetings for committee members to familiarize themselves with the work of the committee;

Whereas having committee members serving only 1 year terms can result in significant turnover of committee membership and can limit progress on longer term initiatives;

Be it resolved that the Policy on Committees of the Board be modified to increase the maximum number of years of consecutive service to 6 to allow for two consecutive 3-year terms:

5. Selection Criteria

Committee Chair shall normally use these selection criteria:

● Renew 1/3 of the Committee each year;

● Members and Chairs should only be on one national committee, with the exception of the Executive Compensation Committee. The membership (including the Chair) of a Committee of the Board will not normally consist of more than two members of the Board, and will normally include members from at least three (3) different Groups;

● The length of service on a Committee of the Board shall be no more than five six consecutive years;

● Due consideration should be given by the Regional Executive and Committee Chair to recommend the inclusion of at least two (2) new activists (i.e.: those that are not on Group or Regional Executives already) each year.

● Members of a committee shall include regional representation pursuant to By-law 17.1.3.

RSC: If B-13 Fails, then this resolution is Out of Order

Sponsored by SP Group

Whereas PIPSC strives to limit its carbon footprint by reducing travel;

Whereas travel can be a barrier to participation in union activities for some members and virtual meetings help promote more balance between union activity and family life;

Be it resolved that the Policy on Accessing PIPSC General funds be amended to include a recommendation that Executive Meetings for Groups and Regions that do not coincide with other meetings be held virtually when feasible:

Appendix A to the Policy on Accessing PIPSC General Funds:

Parameters for PIPSC Funding
of Meetings outside of Constituent Body Allocations

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: virtual meetings sometimes increase the costs due to AV and SI especially when accommodating time zones.

Sponsored by SH Group Executive

Whereas the current 641 leave policy creates an inequity for shift workers attending branch and subgroup meetings and events. For example, at an AGM, this is when voting occurs. This puts shift workers at a disadvantage, forcing them to choose between using vacation leave or personal leave to attend an event that other members can attend no problem outside of their hours of work. To add further to this problem there is typically only a set number of leave spots allowed per worksite and once these are filled the member has no other option. The number of shift workers within PIPSC is low and thus the financial impact would be minimal, however the impact on morale and engagement within these small pockets of shift workers would be huge.

Be it resolved that the current 641 leave policy be amended to allow shift workers to access 641 leave to attend branch and subgroup events and meetings that fall on their days of work thus addressing the issues of inequality in ability to attend branch and subgroup events among PIPSC members.

RSC: Recommend being ruled Out of Order since this should be defined in a Collective Agreement
Note: PIPSC does not have a 641 Leave Policy

Sponsored by RE Group

WHEREAS the release of Canada’s Changing Climate Report presents overwhelming evidence for the need to reduce carbon, which implies a shift away from a continued focus on the primacy of single occupancy vehicles – except in exceptional cases; and

WHEREAS a decade of advocacy and work by PIPSC has built a strong case around the errors of muzzling scientists and their work,

WHEREAS not all members have access to or use of personal transportation and require sufficient public transportation access to the workplace,

WHEREAS members showed during the pandemic that much of our work can be done effectively without necessarily commuting into work, and the current hybrid work model has made carpooling at best more complicated to arrange,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT that the Institute encourage its members to spread the word in their workplace about the conclusions of this report and to advocate for related changes, notably for employers to provide better options to encourage a shift away from commuting in single occupancy vehicles, to include working from home where the member prefers and there is no clear purpose to be at a government worksite.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Institute, through its consultation teams and other discussions with the employer, advocate for related changes, notably for employers to provide better options to encourage a shift away from commuting in single occupancy vehicles (including, but not limited to, ensuring adequate public transport, including childcare spaces within the workplace, supporting work from home arrangements where desirable, and choosing centrally located buildings for occupation).

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by BC-Yukon Region

Whereas article 11 unnecessarily limits the Board’s ability to do the business of the institute, and

Whereas the idea of “new initiatives” is vague and could be worked around making article 11 meaningless, and

Whereas the board is elected by the membership and should have the ability to do what is necessary for the institute and would need to justify/speak to these expenditures at the AGM,

Be it resolved that the Policy on the Board of Directors be modified to remove Article 11.

11. Significant PIPSC Expenditures on New Initiatives

Expenditures of more than $500K on new initiatives shall be approved by the PIPSC Annual General Meeting.

Subsequent renumbering…

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by IT Group

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night of the meeting if that member cannot arrive home by 8pm (meeting location time zone). This applies whether the member is driving or flying from

the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner including a one-hour meal stop; and

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night before the meeting if that member cannot arrive at the meeting location on time without leaving their home before 7 am. This applies whether

the member is driving or flying to the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner without a meal stop; and

Whereas the distance travelling to the meeting location is the same as the distance travelling from the event; and

Whereas there is an unbalanced importance put on the evening accommodation and meal entitlements; and

Whereas some members may have strict meal requirements that would cause undue hardship to attend the event; and

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides entitlement for breakfast if they leave home before 8:00 a.m but does not allow any time to consume that meal;

Be it resolved that the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation be amended to include a meal stop when travelling to the meeting as follows:

 Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation

1. Accommodations

The Institute shall establish a per-night city maximum for hotel stays and provide members with preferred rates where available.

Members attending a meeting will be entitled to accommodations the night before the meeting if that member cannot arrive at the meeting location on time without leaving their home before 7 am. This applies whether the member is driving, or flying or using another type of transportation to the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner without a meal stop. including a one-hour meal stop.

Members attending a meeting occurring on two (2) or more consecutive days are entitled to accommodations, upon request, on the nights between the meeting days.

Members attending a meeting will be entitled to accommodations the night of the meeting if that member cannot arrive home by 8pm (meeting location time zone). This applies whether the member is driving or flying from the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner including a one-hour meal stop.

Delegates attending the PIPSC AGM or a Group AGM are entitled to accommodations on the night prior to the start of the AGM, upon request.

RSC: No Comment

Financial Comment: 

Unable to quantify financial Impact, number of occurrences undeterminable. However, if an overnight stay is required, the cost would be up to $300 hotel stay, $17.50 incidentals, $61.85 dinner per diem and potentially, additional salary replacement.

Sponsored by Norma Domey (member)

Whereas the oil and gas sector are among the worst-performing sectors on the global stock market (See Graph in Appendix below:  Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis [August 2023]; and

Whereas emerging green technologies are progressively rendering certain carbon-intensive industries more and more obsolete and/or unprofitable; and

Whereas had the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) excluded oil and gas from its public equity portfolio ten years ago, the pension plan would have seen significantly higher returns (See Table in Appendix below); and

Whereas the Public Service Pension Plan has a deficient climate strategy that is inconsistent with the Paris agreement goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5˚C and is working to undermine Canada’s domestic and international climate

commitments; and

Whereas many large, benchmarked Canadian and international defined benefit pension funds have already integrated financially prudent fossil fuel exclusion policies with no statistically significant impact on the plan’s performance; and

Whereas independent consultants have identified alternative investment opportunities which would minimize the financial impact of excluding fossil fuel companies; and

Whereas PIPSC is taking measures to reduce our environmental footprint (e.g. no longer using plastic water bottles).

Be it resolved  that PIPSC will send an open letter to the Public Service Pension Investment Board calling on them to investigate environmentally sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel investments and to make the findings public within two years.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Norma Domey (member)

Whereas the oil and gas sector are among the worst-performing sectors on the global stock market (See Graph in Appendix below:  Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis [August 2023]; and

Whereas emerging green technologies are progressively rendering certain carbon-intensive industries more and more obsolete and/or unprofitable; and

Whereas had the Public Service Pension Plan excluded oil and gas from its public equity portfolio ten years ago, the pension plan would have seen significantly higher returns (See Table in Appendix below); and

Whereas the Public Service Pension Plan has a deficient climate strategy that is inconsistent with the Paris agreement goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5˚C and is working to undermine Canada’s domestic and international climate

commitments; and

Whereas many large, benchmarked Canadian and international defined benefit pension funds have already integrated financially prudent fossil fuel exclusion policies with no statistically significant impact on the plan’s performance; and

Whereas independent consultants have identified alternative investment opportunities which would minimize the financial impact of excluding fossil fuel companies; and

Whereas PIPSC is taking measures to reduce our environmental footprint (e.g. no longer using plastic water bottles).

Be it resolved that a media release requesting the Public Service Pension Investment Board develop credible science-based transition plans for all carbon-intensive assets, adopt a carbon emissions reduction target of 50 percent by 2030, and commit the pension portfolio to carbon neutrality by 2040, including an accompanying plan to ensure the financially prudent decarbonization of the portfolio that will be posted on the PIPSC website.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Sherry Oake (member)

WHEREAS The purpose of the Board of Directors between elections is to govern the Institute, while recognizing that the AGM is the supreme governing body, and

WHEREAS there exist Committees of the Board, whose purpose is to advise the Board, and

WHEREAS the participation of more members of the Institute in Committee activity is seen as being beneficial for member engagement,

Be it resolved that, to prevent the conflict of interest or perception of conflict of interest, no member of the Board of Directors shall be a member of any Committee of the Board. No member of the Board of Directors shall be a Chair of any Committee of the Board.

RSC: out of order per Institute bylaw 13.1.4.1. Institute bylaw 17.2.1 states in the composition of the bylaws and policies committee that one member shall be from the Board. Because the author failed to provide a bylaw amendment to 17.2.1 it is out of order.

Sponsored by Sherry Oake (member)

Whereas the purpose of a Special General Meeting is to address an issue of significant concern to the Institute and membership, and

Whereas the mechanism of holding a Special General Meeting may be used to remove an Elected Executive from office, and

Whereas principles of good governance, neutrality, and probity are necessary to maintain the reputation for fairness of the Institute,

Be it resolved that: 

1. A Special General Meeting cannot be delayed or denied by the Institute when the threshold for calling a Special General Meeting has been met, in compliance with the Canada Not For Profit Act Regulations.

2. Similar to quasi-judicial tribunals, the Chair of the Special General Meeting shall be appointed from a roster of persons that are in concurrence by the opposing parties. The goal is to achieve neutrality of the Chair, whose presence will bring credit to the fairness of the proceedings and allow for the designated membership delegates to make their decisions based on the merits of the case as presented by each party.

3. To achieve this:

a. each party may recommend up to five persons to serve as Chair. This may include members internal to PIPSC and persons external to PIPSC, including professional Chairs, including retired judicial and legal personnel. Where there is agreement from both sides, one of those shall be selected. Costs for payment of the Chair shall be borne by the Institute, as are all other costs of the Special General Meeting.

b. Where there is no agreement on the selection of a person to serve as Chair, each party shall submit the names of another five persons to serve as Chair, and where there is agreement, one of those shall be selected.

c. To prevent a procedural stand-off if there is no agreement, after ten names from each side have been submitted and rejected, then the names of the ten persons provided by the defending party shall be submitted into a random draw, and one of those shall be drawn by the Executive Director. This provides for procedural fairness in that there is no potential for continual delay, which is in the favor of the Institute, and is balanced by any potential bias of the selected Chair being in favour of the defending party.

RSC: Recommends ruled Out of Order – Restricts the Board’s ability to call an SGM without having a one-on-one conflict. The complaining “party” could also drag out the process.

Sponsored by Dawn Xiao (member)

Whereas medical privacy was a long standing right for employees seeking accommodations prior to the COVID-19 injection mandate.

Whereas the threat of employer-imposed leave without pay has led to death by suicide, loss of homes, separation of loved ones, and loss of careers.

Whereas employer-imposed leave without pay due to medical mandates have been recognized as contrary to conditions of employment (as per the results of the Power Workers Union policy grievance in autumn 2021, where the Electrical Safety Authority’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy was found to be unreasonable),

Whereas legitimate reasons for declining approved drugs can include medical and religious, and religious reasons do not need to be objectively recognized as valid by other members of the same religion.

Be it resolved that PIPSC start an information campaign within 3 months of the 2024 AGM ending, to remind members of the right to medical privacy, and right to decline medical treatment for reasons of conscience.

Be it also resolved that this campaign includes but is not limited to: information resources on the PIPSC website from 6 months of the 2024 AGM ending that remain on the PIPSC website permanently, as well as social media presence.

RSC: Questions the legitimacy of some of these claims but finds no reason to not allow this resolution.

Legal: Out of Order 

By-Laws specifies that under the authority of the pertinent labour legislation, the primary functions of the Institute are collective negotiations, individual representational services and consultation with the employers of the members. 

Organizations have the discretion to determine the most appropriate and feasible accommodation measures within the bounds of what is considered “reasonable.” The specific accommodation measures will depend on the unique circumstances and can be discussed with the affected individuals to find the most suitable solutions.

Members have no authority to decide on Institute staff working conditions.

Sponsored by Dawn Xiao (member)

Whereas PIPSC implemented a mandate throughout the PIPSC organization in 2021 to take 2 COVID-19 vaccination shots, or be on leave without pay (for PIPSC staff) or not be allowed to enter the PIPSC building or participate in PIPSC activities;

Whereas The PIPSC building and PIPSC activities are funded through all members’ dues;

Whereas PIPSC has an ethical and moral obligation for administrative fairness to all PIPSC members;

Whereas PIPSC as a large labour focused organization is well placed to show positive leadership by example; and

Whereas The PIPSC organization includes PIPSC staff and PIPSC members;

Be it resolved that PIPSC make whole those in the PIPSC organization who were negatively affected by the PIPSC COVID-19 vaccination shot mandate, rescind the PIPSC mandate (not just suspend), and share this update publicly on the PIPSC website.

a) For those in the PIPSC organization who were prevented from participation in PIPSC activities, issue a formal apology on the PIPSC website.

b) For those in the PIPSC organization who disclose to PIPSC that they took the COVID-19 vaccination shot due to the PIPSC COVID-19 mandate and were injured from the COVID-19 vaccination shot, any sick time off used for diagnosis and treatment of those injuries are to be reimbursed by PIPSC based on that individual’s salary at the time.

c) For PIPSC employees who were put on leave without pay (LWOP) due to this mandate, PIPSC to send them their back pay & replace their pension contributions for the time they were on LWOP, with interest (calculated for each weekday, using the prime rate of that day).

RSC: PIPSC has no mandate around Covid – we followed provincial & federal health authorities.

Legal: out of order

Against  BY-LAW 2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 The fundamental aim of the Institute is to serve its members by acting as their collective bargaining agent and by representing them in relation to their individual and collective employment situation.  

Members have no authority to decide on Institute staff working conditions.  

PIPSC, as a non-profit organization under the CNCA, is legally mandated to provide reasonable accommodations as required by human rights laws and to adhere to federal and provincial human rights legislation.

Sponsored by Dawn Xiao (member)

Whereas the employer implemented a mandate from in autumn 2021 to take 2 COVID-19 vaccination shots, or be on leave without pay;

Whereas PIPSC as a large labour focused organization is well placed to show positive leadership by example;

Whereas PIPSC has an ethical and moral obligation for administrative fairness to all PIPSC members;

Whereas PIPSC should operate in a fair & transparent & accountable manner in all of the decisions PIPSC makes, and PIPSC should ascertain the impacts to members from these decisions; and

Whereas there are still PIPSC members who have yet to be made whole;

Be it resolved that PIPSC surveys everyone who was a member at any time between September 2021 and the time of the survey related to the employer’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate (and shares the results with everyone who was surveyed), to find statistics (including Group, Region, Department, age range, as of the start of implementation of the vaccination mandate) on:

a) who felt coerced,

b) who got placed on LWOP,

c) who took early retirement,

d) who resigned, and

e) who had what type of injury.

RSC: No Comment 

Legal Comment: Not in order with PIPSC Policy on Privacy as cannot collect and disclose this type of personal information (paragraph 5 of Policy on Privacy)

Sponsored by Dean Corda (member)

Whereas problems have arisen in the past which have caused embarrassment to candidates and the Institute; and

Whereas there is no recognition that an individual can be remorseful, live out their penance, and no longer have to wear their mistake for all to see; and

Whereas this lack of natural justice goes against the values of our organization,

Be it resolved that the following changes be made to the Policy on Election of Officers and Directors of the Institute, specifically:

6. Ballots and Electronic Records

Distribution of Ballots

Not later than twenty-one (21) days before the day fixed for the return of ballots, distribution of ballots, together with the appropriate biographical sketches, all founded complaint offenses, the discipline taken and the offender’s name, shall begin to be sent to each member entitled to vote.  There will be no requirement to include information of a founded offense when a candidate has exited their disciplinary period.

RSC: No Comment 

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Whereas the current PIPSC Equity Statement, while addressing significant areas of discrimination, does not encompass all the diverse aspects that can affect our members. By expanding the statement to include more grounds of discrimination, we can better reflect the inclusive values of PIPSC and ensure all members feel represented and supported, in particular those who  experience discrimination on the grounds that are presently not listed in the Equity Statement.

Whereas current Union’s messaging related to the religious backgrounds allows exclusion of non-scriptural ways of spirituality such as First Nations ways of living, karmic laws followers, and other spiritual and conscience practices not connected to churches or religious leaders.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PIPSC updates the Equity Statement to make it more inclusive and representative of the diverse membership we serve by modifying the following clause as shown below:

Clause in its present form:

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic hurts and divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of disability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.
Proposed extended clause (new and modified terms are underlined)

Discriminatory speech or conduct that targets individuals based on race, sex, gender,  ethnic origin,  , language, age, cultural  and  educational backgrounds, religious and other enlightenment conscious practices,  medical treatment and prophylactic preferences harms and divides us.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PIPSC Revise Union’s messaging related to the religious backgrounds to include non-scriptural ways of spirituality such as First Nations ways of living, karmic laws followers, and other spiritual and conscience practices not connected to churches or religious leaders.

RSC: No Comment 

Legal: Recommend to be ruled out of order

PIPSC equity statement in adherence with legal requirement.  As a non-profit organization incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, PIPSC is required to comply with existing legislation regarding discrimination. The Institute does not have the discretionary power to alter the legal definition of discrimination or add grounds of discrimination that are not recognized by law. Any attempt to do so would contravene the organization’s legal obligations and would therefore be invalid. PIPSC must adhere to the grounds of discrimination defined by applicable legislation and cannot unilaterally adopt new ones through an internal resolution.

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Whereas Through Spring and Summer 2024, PIPSC used the image of a person in mask on its website frontpage which  can be perceived by certain PIPSC member demographics as promoting  mask mandates and particular political messages, which are not welcomed by all members,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PIPSC avoids using the images in its public communications that bring division among its members. This can be achieved by consulting members representing different (political, cultural, education) demographics.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Whereas PIPSC mandate is to provide the highest quality representation to members by “vigorously safeguarding and promoting professional standards”

Whereas PIPSC supports the largest number of professionals in Public Sector (over 70,000 members)

Whereas among all professionals that PIPSC supports there is a very small but very important group of professionals (estimated as less than 1000) who provide professional expert advice and recommendations for the medical products and policies that affect all Canadians (over 40 million people.

Whereas Canadians must be ensured that professionals who provide professional expert advice and recommendations for the medical products and policies that affect all Canadians work in environment that is free of political and industry interference, which according to PSES results and PHAC reports may not be the case.

Whereas Public Service Employment Survey (PSES) 2018, 2020, 2022 results show that the fear of reprisal in the units in the PHAC Center for Emergency Preparedness and Health Canada Marketed Health Products that develop policies related to health and life security of all Canadians is one of the highest in Public Service.

Let it be resolved that PIPSC examines the problem of very high fear of reprisal not correlated with discrimination in areas of the public service that regulate health-related products and develop health-related policies, as urgently as logistically possible, and publish its findings. This can be achieved using available resources and committees (Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee, Science Advisory Committee, Information Technology Services and Projects Committee) using the PSES results data and PIPSC membership data.

RSC: No Comment

Finance Comment: Pending

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Be it resolved that PIPSC provides minutes and all other available documents that show who and how decided to make a Statement, which was published on October 15, 2021, supporting Mandatory Vaccination Policy, including all sources and references that were used in making the decision.

Be it further resolved that PIPSC issues a new position statement with respect to the COVID-19 vaccines that is factual,  based on all available evidence related to safety, efficacy and necessity of COVID-19 vaccines as a COVID-19 infection prophylactic measure, taking into account that “evidence” obtained from the government sources may not be fully reliable as it could have been deliberately “fit” to predefined desired narrative.

RSC: No Comment

Legal: Comment Pending

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Whereas the resolution for 2023 PIPSC AGM P-12 – Election Transparency Improvement (E) Sponsored by Steve Anderson  proposed  a motion requiring a policy change that all constituent bodies divulge their full election results (total ballots cast, the vote tally of each candidate)

Be it resolved that PIPSC recommends that all Union Regions and all Groups update their policies to ensure that full election results (total ballots cast, the vote tally of each candidate) are made known for all held elections.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Be it resolved that PIPSC will NOT recommend against grievances that stem from members rights to informed consent, bodily autonomy and confidentiality of their health care information, and will challenge from the onset any further actions of the employer that infringe those rights.

Be it further resolved that PIPSC will recommend all groups to include adding the members’ right to informed consent, bodily autonomy and confidentiality of their health care information to their collective bargaining discussions.

RSC: No Comment

Legal Commment: Out of Order

While PIPSC is correct that it already has obligations to respect human rights legislation, the proposed resolution appears to go beyond general non-discrimination principles to specify particular actions. PIPSC already has existing practices and commitments, that show that it already takes its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code seriously and has integrated these principles into its operations.

Sponsored by Ontario Regional Council 

Whereas committees of the board meetings were reduced from six (6) to four (4) in person meetings.

Whereas there was no immediate budget impact to each committee.

Whereas the budget impact of a minimum audio visual cost of $4,300 – $6,200 per virtual meeting was not factored.

Whereas committee members span time zones from the Atlantic to British Columbia

Be it resolved that the Policy on Committees of the Board of Directors be amended as follows:

6. Meetings of Committees of the Board

The number, timing, and location of Committee meetings will be as per the budget approved by the AGM. Committee budgets will be calculated on the basis of six (6) in person meetings. A meeting will only be held if there is sufficient business to conduct. Committees can meet 4 times in person and have as many virtual meetings as their yearly budget allows. will meet a maximum of six (6) times during the year. Whenever feasible, Committee meetings should be held in Institute facilities.

In person Mmeetings will normally be 1 day and held on any of Fridays, Saturdays or Mondays and are normally held in the most cost-effective location. Virtual meetings can be held on any day of the week. To facilitate a balance between union activities and family life, the availability of the members of the Committee will be taken into consideration in addition to the Board’s schedule when scheduling Committee meetings. When and where feasible, Committees are encouraged to use electronic means (such as e-mail, teleconferences, and video-conferences) to conduct the business of the committee in order to reduce the burden of travel on Committee members, and to minimize cost.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member)

Whereas statements and actions of our Union that affect all members are issued by both elected Union Executives and non-elected Union staff. and

Whereas there may be pressures exerted by non-elected Union staff on elected Union Executives, such as from the General Counsel, Chief Operations Officer, etc.

Be it resolved that in order to increase transparency and scrutiny in the selection and oversight of non-elected Union staff, the following measures be implemented:

a) A committee of non Board members shall be established to oversee the selection of non-elected Union staff, particularly for those  positions with a total salary and compensation exceeding $140,000 per year. This committee will review the qualifications and backgrounds of candidates and provide recommendations to the Union. Biographies and resumes for all candidates of these positions shall be made available to the scrutinizing committee for recommendations.

b) Individuals who have worked for or campaigned in support of any political parties or lobbying organizations shall be ineligible for non-elected Union positions. However, those already employed in such positions may be grandfathered into their existing roles.

c) All communications issued by the Union, including private and confidential ones, must be signed by identifying the names and titles of all individuals who contributed to or approved the communication.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy

Whereas the full time Board of Directors and group executive plays a crucial role in the governance and decision-making of PIPSC; and

Whereas it is essential to ensure the Full time Board and Group Executive remains dynamic, diverse, and responsive to the evolving needs and challenges facing Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada; and

Whereas instituting term limits for Full Time Board members and Group Executives can promote fresh perspectives, foster leadership development, and enhance accountability within the Board; and

Whereas best governance practices often recommend implementing term limits for Board members as a means to prevent stagnation and promote the infusion of new talent and ideas; and

Whereas the current absence of term limits for Board members has the potential to hinder the achievement of these objectives;

Whereas this resolution was proposed last year for the discussion at the National AGM 2023 but was never discussed, and the issue remained;

Therefore, be it resolved: that the Full Time Board of Directors and Group Executives of PIPSC hereby approves the adoption of term limits for its Board members effective immediately;

Be it further resolved that the term limits shall be as follows:

●     Each Full Time Board member and Group Executive shall serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms;

●     Following the completion of two consecutive terms of service, a full time board member may be eligible for reappointment to the Board after a break in service of at least one (1) term;

●     Current Board members who have already served beyond the specified term limits shall be eligible to complete their current term but shall not be eligible for reappointment beyond that term; and

Be it further resolved that the Board of Directors and Group Executives shall establish a transition plan to implement these term limits, including a schedule for the phased introduction of these limits to ensure continuity and an orderly transition;

Be it further resolved that the Advisory Committee shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of term limits and shall be tasked with developing and maintaining a transparent process for Full Time Board members’ appointments and reappointments in compliance with these limits;

Be it further resolved that this resolution shall be communicated to all of the membership and incorporated into the Bylaws of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada as soon as practicable;

Be it further resolved that this resolution shall be reviewed periodically to assess its effectiveness and may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of the AGM;

Be it finally resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

RSC: No Comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy

Whereas some PIPSC constituent bodies do not divulge the results of their Executive elections, beyond naming those who were successfully elected;

Whereas PIPSC holds democracy and transparency as ideals to be strived towards;

Whereas an ever-increasing number of elections held within PIPSC are done so electronically;

Whereas it is increasingly easy to tabulate election results, such as how many ballots were cast in total, how many votes each candidate received, etc.;

Whereas some constituent bodies have decided that they won’t give out full election results because it may be embarrassing for the candidates who did not win, and it might discourage members from putting their names forward as candidates in the future;

Whereas this arguably paternalistic action can have the opposite effect when the same Executive members get elected repeatedly, year after year, and other candidates are left to wonder how relatively well they did in the election and how many more votes they needed to win a position;

Whereas some select PIPSC members somehow find out the approximate and relative vote totals of all or some of the candidates over time – but at least some of the candidates themselves can be left in the dark;

Whereas informal distribution of election results unnecessarily opens the door to doubt and mistrust in PIPSC elections;

Whereas the suggested remedy recommended by at least one constituent body is for a member to attempt to pass a motion to change the practice of announcing winners only, at that respective constituent body’s AGM the following year;

Whereas it will simplify and increase consistency and fairness across the Institute if the PIPSC AGM passes a motion requiring a policy change that all constituent bodies divulge their full election results (total ballots cast, the vote tally of each candidate) to all those present immediately after the election outcome is known;

Whereas this resolution was proposed last year for the discussion at the National AGM 2023 but was never discussed, and the issue remained;

Therefore, be it resolved that under the “PIPSC Policy on Structure and Function of Constituent Bodies”, Appendex A “Guidelines on Constituent Body Elections”, Point 3 “Procedures”, the sixth bullet be changed,

– From –

“The Elections Committee shall be responsible for the tabulation of all ballots (including verification) and will release results per the wishes of the relevant Constituent Body.”

– To –

“The Elections Committee shall be responsible for the tabulation of all ballots (including verification), and will announce, to all those present in the meeting, the number of ballots cast and the number of votes each candidate received.”

RSC: No comment

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy

Whereas recent legal precedents have highlighted the critical importance of upholding individual Charter freedoms, as demonstrated by the Alberta Court’s decision to strike down public health orders that violated these cherished rights

Whereas recent events within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) prompted a review of the CAF’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, revealing concerns about non consensual medical experimentation that impacts fundamental freedoms. These concerns center around the right to liberty and security of the person, protected under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This review resulted in the conclusion that the grievers’ rights protected under section 7 were infringed and that the disputed provisions of the CAF vaccination policy are unconstitutional and therefore invalid.

Whereas the integrity of ethical medical practices is paramount, exemplified by the withdrawal of professional misconduct accusations against a nurse who courageously disclosed instances of vaccination injuries stemming from mass Covid-19 vaccination clinics, including cases necessitating multiple ambulance responses;

Whereas serious medical conditions have been associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, including blood clotting disorders, cardiac emergencies, myocarditis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, autoimmune disease, spontaneous miscarriages, neurological system disorders and much more; (VAERS reports and Public Health Agency of Canada ATIP request available upon request)

Whereas it has been distressingly reported that at least one tragic suicide occurred due to a refusal for accommodation in the context of these mandates;

Whereas the principle of informed consent is fundamental to ethical medical practice and respects the autonomy of patients.  Transparency and informed decision-making are essential to safeguard public health, underscoring concerns arising from the revelation that the CDC acknowledged their vaccine’s limitations in preventing transmission, and Pfizer’s omission of comprehensive testing regarding transmission cessation, leading to critical information being withheld from the public, including known adverse events.

Whereas this resolution was proposed last year for the discussion at the National AGM 2023 but was never discussed, and the issue remained;

Therefore be it resolved that an Employee Medical Treatment and Ethical Refusal Protection Policy be promptly established within the framework of this union, aimed at robustly safeguarding the rights of unionized employees concerning medical treatments.

Be it further resolved that this Policy comprehensively safeguards the rights of unionized employees and vehemently prevents any form of discriminatory or punitive actions associated with the refusal of any medical treatments.

Be it also resolved that the primary and overarching objective of this Policy is to steadfastly prevent further harm inflicted by unethical mandates, ensuring the promotion of ethical medical practices and the preservation of individual autonomy.

And be it finally resolved that this resolution shall take immediate effect upon approval and shall be disseminated throughout the union, encompassing all members and stakeholders, as a clear commitment to the well-being and ethical principles of our workforce as defined by the union Mandate and Values.

Section I: Right to Refuse Medical Treatments

Every unionized employee has the unequivocal right to refuse any form of medical treatment, including vaccines and other medical procedures, without exception. This right shall be upheld without fear of reprisal, discrimination, suspension, termination, or any negative impact on employment status.

The union shall advocate for and protect the individual’s right to make decisions about medical treatments in accordance with their religious and ethical beliefs. The union shall stand firm against any attempts to coerce, pressure, or enforce medical treatments against an employee’s will.

Section II: Preventing Embarrassment and Punitive Actions

The union and the employer shall collaborate to establish mechanisms that ensure unionized employees are not subjected to uncomfortable or embarrassing situations due to their religious or ethical refusals of medical treatments. This may encompass maintaining confidentiality, providing alternative work arrangements, and facilitating open channels of communication.

The union shall actively intervene and oppose any punitive measures directed at unionized employees who choose to refuse medical treatments. The union shall engage in every effort to avert penalties, sanctions, or any adverse consequences arising from such refusals.

Section III: Communication and Education

The union and the employer shall jointly communicate and educate unionized employees about their unwavering rights to decline medical treatments, underscored by the safeguards provided under this Policy. This information shall be conveyed through accessible means and in both official languages.

The union shall undertake educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness among its members and leadership about the significance of respecting colleagues’ ethical refusals. The union shall strive to nurture an inclusive and empathetic work culture that reveres diverse beliefs and values.

Section IV: Union Support for Affected Employees

In the event that an employee faces adverse consequences or retaliation due to their refusal of medical treatments, the union shall provide unwavering support and advocacy. The union commits to utilizing its resources, expertise, and collective bargaining power to ensure the affected employee’s rights are upheld and their interests safeguarded.

This resolution shall take immediate effect upon approval and shall be disseminated throughout the union, encompassing all members and stakeholders. The primary aim of this Policy is to solidify the protection of religious and ethical refusals of medical treatments within the unionized workforce, promoting a harmonious and equitable workplace.

RSC: No Comment