Training and Education Committee
Meeting Minutes
May 16 & 17, 2022
Hybrid
(Original submitted in English)
In attendance: Samah Henein, Chair
Peter MacDougall, BC / Yukon Region
Pam Kubicz, Prairies / NWT Region
Sherry Oake, NCR Region
Karine Régimbald, Quebec Region
Carolyn Hynes, Atlantic Region
Nancy Lamarche, Director, Regional Labour Relations
Richard Gaboton, Education Officer
Joanna Simpson, Education Officer
Dominique Andre, Staff Resource
Tom Zaharopoulos, Ontario Region
1. Call to Order
S.Henein called the meeting to order at 9:12 a.m. PIPSC, 250 Tremblay Road, Ottawa, ON , with some participants participating via Zoom.
The agenda was approved by Karine Régimbald, seconded by Peter MacDougall – all in favour.
S. Henein read the Land recognition
2. Staff Reports
R. Gaboton advised that we received Anti-Racism training from an external consultant, which will be offered to members based on the AGM resolution. It is unclear as to who the targeted groups are. We will be begin with Stewards, Consultation Teams, and Executives. The training will be offered via the online platform, Canvas. Members will be invited to participate, and a registration list will be created. The training should be launched by the end of June. The course will be mandatory. It will be rolled out voluntarily unless it is a recommendation by the President.
There was an inquiry regarding the training being shortened if online. R Gaboton advised that it cannot, or it would risk being removed.
J. Simpson advised that she will be adding the Executive Training to the TEAM drive.
She also shared that Education is working on revamping the Education website, and will be including the course list and descriptions.
There is a need to align Mobilization and Education on certain topics, to avoid duplication.
It was suggested that a list of active stewards be provided for each TEAM meeting.
Action: S. Henein recommended that the invitation be resent, and it should come directly from President Carr. R. Gaboton to request that it be sent out again, but under President Carr’s signature.
Action: J.Simpson to add the executive training to the TEAM drive.
3. Regional Reports
Atlantic
The revamped Basic Steward Training was offered, and the feedback was quite positive.
The Atlantic Regional Council is scheduled on May 28 & 29, 2022. There will be a mock resolution meeting in advance of it.
The Steward Council is scheduled in late October 2022. The Executive is currently seeking a speaker to discuss the challenges of working from home for steward council.
Quebec
The Quebec Labour School ended on April 3, 2022. There were 43 participants, 6 facilitators and 1 observer.
Regional Council is scheduled on May 27 & 28th, followed by Basic Steward on June 9 – 11, 2022.
The Region is also hosting monthly meetings with new stewards
NCR
Steward Council was poorly attended. There were approximately 150 members.
Ontario
The Ontario Basic Steward Training went well, participants were pleased to be attending in person.
There are currently 99 members registered for the Regional Council.
There was a great interest for a Labour school, however, some were not comfortable participating without masks.
Steward council in scheduled in Sept 2022.
Prairies/N.W.T.
The registration process for the Prairies Labour School was a great success. The Prairies Regional Council is scheduled in June, followed by Steward Council in September 2022.
The region sent one member to the Atlantic, and some to BC/Yukon for training.
Basic Steward Training is scheduled in October, which will be held in Winnipeg. Leadership Training is to be offered in early October.
BC/Yukon
The BC/Yukon Labour School had 46 participants, and all were happy to attend in person. There is a Basic Steward Training scheduled in the Fall, and Steward Council in October 2022.
4. Peer-to-Peer Facilitator Training
There was a discussion regarding building Peer to Peer Facilitator Training in house, including selection criteria. It was recommended that that the 3 day training be extended to five to allow time for practice. The Education Officers advised that the training can be ready in a month or two.
It was suggested that those who are interested in participating, and facilitating be available for a minimum of two years, for one course a year. The facilitators should include workers of color, equity groups, 2SLGBTQ, young workers, etc.
The goal is to teach people how to facilitate for later training. The Education section was asked that a separate drive be created for instructors. There will be a facilitator and co-facilitator attending each course when offered. They will only be trained on how to facilitate. The Regional Training chairs, and another member of their respective training committee will be the first to attend the Peer to Peer Facilitator training.
Action: R. Gaboton and J. Simpson to provide an update on the status of the training.
5. Lunch & Learn Presentation
Candace Jazvac provided an overview of the Lunch and Learn Presentations. She explained that the goal is to engage members early, as the survey showed that it takes five years for a member to get involved.
The Lunch and Learn Presentations consist of basic information, education, campaigns, strategic planning, and bargaining. They do not involve steward training.
The Chair requested that the survey on Mental Health that was sent to EROs be shared with her.
Communications is available to assist anyone who may wish to deliver a Lunch and Learn presentation.
C. Jazvac also shared that there will be a telephone town hall held during National Service Week to introduce President Carr, and discuss the return to the workplace, as well as the strategic budget.
Action: C. Jazvac to provide S. Henein with a copy of the Mental Health survey that was sent to EROs.
6. Steward Framework
VP Henshaw joined the meeting virtually to provide an update on the Steward Framework.
A Call of Interest for the National Steward Officers is to be sent out in the next few months. The Board of Directors will be aware of the action plan, and the next steps. The position will be announced during the AGM, and the individual(s) will begin in January 2023.
Action: C. Poirier will prepare a summary of the issues and solutions, and will share the document with B. Jolin by the end of May 2022.
7. Mental Health – AGM Resolution
The committee had a lengthy discussion regarding the Mental Health AGM Resolution. The TEAM felt that it is best to provide Stewards with readiness training, and how to be comfortable when a member in crisis requires assistance. Stewards are not going to diagnose members, but be a listening ear, and provide the member with solutions. The members need to feel safe and understood.
It was agreed that a course can be developed by the Education Officers. The Education Officers agreed to develop a course (3 hrs – similar to CUPE) in time for the Steward Councils.
J. Simpson will reach out to CUPE to obtain permission to share the Mental Health and Psychological Health Workplace course.
It was recommended that a trained professional be invited to attend the training, should anyone require immediate assistance.
8. Next Meeting
The next meeting is to be confirmed.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4 p.m. on May 17, 2022.
***The minutes were approved on October 3rd, pending the suggested amendments.***