Report on the AFS Saguenay subgroup AGM held on November 30, 2024, at Boston Pizza, in Jonquière
Executive members in attendance:
Mr. François Gagnon (President)
Mr. Sébastien Chouinard (Vice-President)
Mr. Kaven Landry (Treasurer)
Mr. Jean-François Godin (Secretary)
1. Roll Call (members of the executive)
François Gagnon introduced the executive.
2. Opening Remarks
The president welcomed us and reminded us that the AGM agenda was sent by e-mail.
3. Approval of the agenda
François Gagnon read the agenda.
A motion to approve the agenda was moved by Anne-Julie Néron.
The motion was seconded by Stephan Bonneau.
4- Follow-up to AGM report of November 7, 2022, at Les 400 coups, in Jonquière
François Gagnon presented the highlights of the report. The report had previously been sent by e-mail to members to keep them updated.
A motion to approve the minutes was moved by Caroline Jean and seconded by Steeve Tremblay.
4.1. Matters arising from the November 7, 2023 meeting minutes
No questions were raised.
5. Report of the President
The President informed us that a division of tasks has been set up at executive level for matters concerning either auditing or IT. He mentioned the increase in union dues and the issues surrounding member representation vs. new governance.
6. Report of the Vice-President
Sébastien Chouinard talked to us about his meetings with the EQTSO director and the discussions concerning the three fixed days at the office.
7. Treasurer’s annual financial report (Kaven Landry)
Kaven Landry presented the 2023 financial report. The balance on December 31, 2023 was $1491.51. The March 2024 allocation of $1,517 was received. There was an available balance of nearly $3,000 for the 2024 AGM.
A budget for 2024 was presented. Given the lower attendance at the AGM, a balanced budget is considered.
The approval of the financial report was proposed by Alexandre LaBastille and seconded by Karen Hrynowiecki. The financial report was adopted unanimously by the members present at the meeting.
8. Presentation by Mr. Jean Couillard — Virtual (various subjects)
Jean talked about various topics, including his role and his contacts with presidents. He told us about his monthly meetings with management, which are one-way discussions. He informed members of the possibility of taking time off for professional appointments rather than taking sick leave.
According to his discussions with management, a second wave of cuts is possible due to budget restrictions. He also talked about job classification issues and the negotiations planned for October 2025. As such, Mr. Couillard reminds us to fill members’ bargaining survey, which should be sent out in January 2026. He also discussed the national AGM in Toronto in November, where members will be asked to vote on 66 motions, including the dues increase.
A few questions were asked by members and answered by Mr. Couillard.
9. Elections
Mr. Jean Couillard was nominated by Kaven Landry to be the Chair/Supervisor of the elections.
Vice-President (2-year term)
Kaven Landry nominated Sébastien Chouinard, who accepted.
Sébastien Chouinard was acclaimed.
Secretary (2-year term):
1st round:
Steeve Tremblay nominated Jean-François Godin, who declined.
Jean-François Godin nominated Karen Hrynowiecki, who declined.
Jean-François Godin nominated Anne-Julie Néron, who declined.
Sébastien Chouinard nominated Luc Villeneuve, who declined.
Jean-François Godin nominated Alexandre Labastille, who declined.
Jean-François Godin nominated Jérémy Tremblay, who declined.
Jean-François Godin nominated Jean-Sébastien Gilbert, who declined.
Faced with this impasse, Sébastien Chouinard bravely offered to take on the positions of Vice-President and Secretary.
11. Other Business
François Gagnon noted the retirement of Stephan Bonneau.
12. Adjournment
Kaven Landry moved that the meeting be adjourned.
The motion was seconded by Stephan Bonneau.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.