Saint John AFS Subgroup Annual General Meeting - September 9, 2025

Saint John AFS Subgroup Annual General Meeting 

September 09, 2025 

Location: Riverside Country Club, 2524 Rothesay Road, Rothesay, NB 

Attendees: 

Aaron Everett, Andrea MacNeill, Brian Whelly, Chantal Landry, Christian Gallant, Dawn Brown, Deeksha Sighn, Gayle Armstrong, Janice Leahy, Jeffrey Wayow, Jennifer Sparks, Keighan Whelly, Kerrie Dollemont, Kristina Raymond, Larry Ruff, Lori Rowe, Michael Maxan, Mike Kane, Mike LeBlanc, Sabra Howe, Samantha Lawson, Suzanne Dionne, Suzanne Ouellette, Tiffany Fawcett 

(Attendee list was provided by L Rowe) 

Guest: 

Sean O’Reilly, President, The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada 

The meeting was presided by Lori Rowe, Saint John Subgroup President. 
 

1. Welcome and Introductions 

Lori Rowe welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. She noted that Chris Ryan, Saint John  Branch President, had delivered both the Equity Statement and the Indigenous Land  Acknowledgement Statement during the preceding Branch AGM. Lori called the meeting to  order at 8:00, extended a special welcome to Sean O’Reilly, and expressed appreciation to Chris  Ryan for his contributions to the Branch AGM. 
 

2. AGM Agenda  

Lori Rowe placed copies of the agenda on the tables and invited members to review the AFS 2025 Sub-group meeting Agenda: 

1) Approval of Agenda 

2) Approval of Minutes of September 10, 2024 AGM 

3) Business Arising from the Minutes 

4) Sub-Group Presidents Annual Report – Lori Rowe 

5) Annual Financial Report – Aaron Everett 

6) Approval of Budget

7) Nominating Committee’s Report 

8) Election of Executive positions 
 

i. President 

ii. Secretary 

iii. 1 Member at large 
 

9) Guest Speaker (Chris sends his regrets) 

10) New Business 

11) Adjournment 
 

After review and UPON MOTION duly made by Mike Kane, seconded by Brian Whelly, and unanimously carried, it was resolved the agenda of the meeting was verified and approved. 
 

3. Minutes of Last Year Subgroup AGM 

Copies of the September 10, 2024 AGM meeting minutes were placed on the tables by Sabra  Howe. It was noted that the date was incorrectly recorded as September 11th and should be  September 10th. Lori Rowe briefly reviewed the minutes. The members reviewed the minutes  and UPON MOTION duly made by Gayle Armstrong seconded by Mike Maxan and unanimously  carried, the minutes were approved.  
 

4. Business Arising from the Minutes 

Nil 
 

5. Saint John Sub-Group President’s Report 

Lori Rowe began her report by expressing gratitude to Sean O’Reilly for attending the Saint John  Branch and AFS Sub-group AGM, presenting updates, and addressing top issues including RTO,  WFAs, and benefits and pension. 
 

She briefly summarized the challenges faced over the past year, particularly within Audit, noting  that end-of-term and acting assignments led to staff losses and the filing of grievances.  Throughout the year, Lori attended many meetings with Fox and even filled in for Chris Roach.  She attended the 2024 National AGM and several other meetings. 
 

Lori highlighted the success of a spring lunch & learn organized by Jeffrey Waylow, where Sabra  Howe presented on the Collective Agreement; the event was well received. The Sub-group plans  to host another session in 2026. She also reminded members of the upcoming ice cream social  event on September 10th, jointly organized with PSAC on Canterbury Street, as a gesture of  appreciation and recognition for members’ dedication.
 

Lori extended thanks to the subgroup executive and stewards for their commitment during a  challenging year, emphasizing the challenging work of stewards and encouraging members to  acknowledge their dedication. 

• Mike Kane, Vice-President 

• Aaron Everett, Treasurer 

• Sabra Howe, Secretary 

• Mike Maxan 

• Jeffrey Waylow 

• Mike Melvin (On leave) 

• Gayle Armstrong 

• Brian Whelly 

• Jennifer Sparks 

• Dawn Brown 

Lori announced the addition of the newest Steward, Sam Lawson, and welcomed Sam to the  team. Lori encouraged members who are interested or have questions to reach out to herself,  the executive, or any steward for support. 
 

In closing, Lori reflected on the busy year, emphasizing her role as president in representing the  members of Saint John at both the local and national levels. She reaffirmed her commitment to  raising issues with both the employer and the union to ensure members’ voices are heard and  resolutions are sought. Lori invited members to contact the executive if there is anything  further, they can do to assist. 
 

The President’s Report was reviewed by the members and UPON MOTION duly made by Lori  Rowe, seconded by Mike Kane, and unanimously carried and approved.  
 

6. Treasurer’s 2024 Financial Report - presented by Aaron Everett 

The Budget and full Treasurer’s report was distributed prior to the meeting. Aaron explained in detail the receipts and expenditures for 2024.

 

Aaron Everett summarized the Treasurer’s report, highlighting key events and financial details.  In addition to the annual allotment, the subgroup received Better Together funds and a $XXX  contribution from Doug Mason, AFS National President, who also served as the 2024 Guest  Speaker. Doug Mason’s contribution helped offset the increased AGM costs, which were higher  than usual due to a record number of attendees—a direct result of recent layoffs and ongoing  Work Force adjustments. Major expenses for the year included the 2024 AGM, calendars, last  summer’s BBQ, and office supplies.  
 

The Financial Report was reviewed by the members and UPON MOTION duly made by Aaron  Evertt, seconded by Sabra Howe, and unanimously carried and approved. 
 

7. Financial Budget - 2026 

The Budget was distributed along with the Treasurer’s report. The annual allotment is  anticipated to be $XXX, with Better Together funds of $XXX, and expected expenditures  totaling $XXX. There is also an ice cream event scheduled for tomorrow. Aaron explained that executive meeting expenses are reimbursed, but some costs may not always be covered,  including for members who attend meetings but are not part of the executive. 

The Budget was reviewed by the members and UPON MOTION duly made by Aaron Everett,  seconded by Sabra Howe, and unanimously carried and approved. 
 

8. Nominating Committee’s Report – Sean O’Reilly 

Sean O’Reilly presented the Nominating Committee’s report. Sean reported the AGM President position is up for election (2 years) and the Secretary position is up for election (2 years).  
 

9. Election of Sub-Group Executive 

Election of Sub-Group Executive vacant positions 
 

• President – 2-year position. Lori Rowe has put her name forward. No other nomination.  Lori Rowe was acclaimed.

• Secretary – 2-year position. Sabra Howe has put her name forward. No other  nominations. Sabra Howe was acclaimed. 
 

No other nominations. 
 

Members at large (must be willing to be a Steward): 

• Sam Lawson 
 

10. Guest Speaker – Sean O’Reilly 

As previously noted, Sean O’Reilly presented during the Saint John Branch AGM, which was held  prior to the Sub-Group’s AGM. In summary, Mr. O’Reilly spoke about several key topics,  including: 

• Artificial Intelligence  

• Lobby Day 

Attendees asked questions regarding Lobby Day, the bilingualism policy, and the application of  the Official Languages Act, specifically Section 36. Section 36 became effective June 2025 and grants federal employees in bilingual regions the right to be supervised in their preferred official  language (English or French), requiring federal institutions to ensure all supervisors to be  bilingual.  
 

Finally, it was asked of Mr. O’Reilly to highlight the three main priorities for PIPSC:

• Work Force Adjustments 

• Return to Office  

• Pension / Benefits  
 

11. New Business  

Nil 
 

Lori Rowe moved to have the meeting adjourned @ 8:30. 

Prepared By: Sabra Howe