Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Québec City Chapter of the Retired Members Guild, Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, held Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at Le Rascal restaurant, 5050 Hamel Boulevard, Québec City, Quebec G2E 5X5.
1.0 Call to order
After verifying quorum, Jean-Pierre Morency, President of the Québec City Chapter of the Retired Members Guild (RMG), called the meeting to order at 11:09 a.m. He welcomed all participants. Jean-Pierre then introduced the Chapter’s Executive.
2.0 Review and Approval of the Agenda
The President read the agenda. André Cantin suggested the following additions to item 12 (New Business):
a) Censure motion against PIPSC for the mess created in the election for the Quebec representative to serve on the RMG’s National Executive
b)Table de concertation des personnes aînées de la région de Québec
c) Newsletter
Jimmy Royer proposed adding the following to item 12:
d) Problems with Phoenix
Michel Bédard, seconded by Roch Carrier, moved that the agenda be approved as amended.
Carried unanimously.
3.0 Review and Approval of the October 10, 2017 AGM minutes
Élie Ahad, seconded by Gédéon Drouin, moved that the minutes of the AGM of October 10, 2017 be approved.
Carried unanimously.
4.0 Business Arising from the Minutes
Item 11.0. Michel Bédard, minute-taker at the 2017 AGM, emailed the slideshow presented by Jean-Pierre Morency highlighting Bill C-27.
Action completed
5.0 Report by Jean-Pierre Morency, President
2018 was a year of many new developments within PIPSC and the RMG. First of all, the Chapter’s Executive met three times to discuss various topics of interest affecting retired professionals. Externally, the main issue was the contentious Bill C-27 on amending pension plan benefits. Following various interventions, it seems that the current government does not want to move forward with ratifying it, at least not in its current form. It is very likely that it will be left to die on the order paper. Yet we must remain vigilant, because with politicians it is better to be on the safe side.
The National Joint Council (NJC) has continued to discuss the health and dental care plans. A new agreement has been signed by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), but the details are not available at this time. PIPSC and the RMG requested an increase in the amount granted when a retired public service employee dies ($20,000 instead of the current $10,000), because the supplementary death benefit plan had a surplus of more than $2.6 billion in 2014 and that amount is obviously higher today. According to the information available, it is around $3 billion.
The same goes for Sun Life’s disability plan. It has a surplus of about $380 million, which is why the employer decided to give itself a three-month contribution holiday, worth approximately $75 million. However, we need to recognize that the employer assumes 85% of the related costs.
On a side note, your local Executive is participating in some of the groups and associations involved. More specifically, we have an excellent relationship with PIPSC’s Québec City Branch and participate in its AGM. Some of us also attend the meetings and the AGM of the Québec City Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees (NAFR). We are also active members of the Table de concertation des personnes aînées de la Capitale nationale, an organization devoted to improving living conditions for seniors in the Québec City / Charlevoix / Portneuf region.
Several other issues particularly affecting regular members have occupied PIPSC leaders. They include the infamous Phoenix pay system, collective bargaining and implementation, staggered and improper retroactive payments resulting from the pay system problems, the protection of our gains, job security, to name a few.
Internally, one of the topics of interest for retirees is ServicePlus. Its travel insurance has particularly drawn the attention of members of regions similar to ours, because a number of other services are concentrated in the National Capital Region instead. An important item was the extension of travel insurance coverage to people over 70, who are covered until their 80th birthday. I believe this is a crucial asset in the recruitment and retention of retired members in the RMG.
Regional and national elections are under way and members will need to elect a new Quebec Regional Representative to serve on the RMG’s National Executive. Two people are interested in the position and have submitted a nomination form. Therefore, we will be choosing from among those candidates through a regional election. As for the national election, a number of people have put their names forward for the various positions open on the Board of Directors.
Given PIPSC’s internal problems, the number of candidates has reached a record high and we will have to choose those who seem the best qualified. In order to do so, both regular and retired members can read the candidates’ election platforms so that they can vote intelligently.
It will affect the future, and even the organization, which according to our sources is at a crossroads. So I hope you have voted, because you can make a difference between the status quo and a direction that will secure the future of our organization.
In that regard, I would like to remind you that we will be having some planning sessions to prepare for the 100th anniversary of PIPSC, which was founded on February 6, 1920. The first planning session will take place at the 2019 AGM and the last will be at the 2020 AGM.
Some members of the Executive and Terry Sing, President of the RMG, met for an information meeting on May 4, 2018. It was an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of the existence, and above all the future, of the RMG. Terry listened to our demands and ensured us that they would be brought to the National Executive. Unfortunately, we have not yet gotten feedback, as expected. It seems that communication is one-sided and that we often have to deal with the National Executive’s inaction. The big question remains: What can we do to shake up this institutional lethargy demonstrated not only by the Executive but also by retired members?
Another problem facing the RMG is the fact that many constituent bodies, both Groups and Branches, want retirees to no longer be able to fill executive and administrative positions. This is understandable for positions such as Stewards, because they have to be in the workplace to defend the interests of regular members. However, systematically excluding retired members from all official positions in the organization leaves room for concern about the democratic process in its operations. I think that retired members are sufficiently aware of the situation to understand perfectly well that PIPSC is first and foremost a union that stands up for the rights of its members. Nonetheless, we must keep in mind that retirees are also full-fledged members and that they were once regular members. Their experience can certainly help the professionals who are still working.
Several “political positions” can be effectively and efficiently filled by retirees, especially since they have spent their working years in a federal government environment. But, in the end, this is an excellent example of the “generation gap”!
It seems that a new side of the organization is being developed. In a way, we are returning to our roots, the days before collective bargaining. PIPSC has initiated a project to create a new entity that will bring together unionized professionals and self-employed workers. This extremely ambitious plan could provide them with an association and services they don’t currently have. A detailed plan will be submitted at the 2018 AGM. Will the plan be feasible and meet their needs? Time will tell.
In conclusion, I would like to add that a number of internal problems are currently tearing our organization apart. Action must be taken quickly to address the situation, because it is about the future of PIPSC. Let us hope that the national election will result in a positive direction and that the newly elected officials will restore a friendly, cooperative entente between the various Board members. If not, and I certainly hope not, we will witness the breakup of PIPSC rather than its centenary celebration.
Comment by Mr. Brodeur:
I am frustrated when I leave AGMs where they talk about excluding retired members.
Comment by Jacques Racine:
There are no clear answers to our questions about Bill C 27.
Jean-Pierre Morency replied that the PIPSC National Executive will be focusing on Phoenix issues and not Bill C‑27, but some submissions are being prepared in conjunction with other unions. He suggested doing some lobbying.
Michel Audet suggested reacting more quickly if we want to present another bill concerning pension funds.
Denis Arsenault said that legal action has been taken against the New Brunswick government regarding the transfer of their defined benefit pension plan to a target benefit plan. That is why Bill C‑27 is not moving forward at the moment. We are waiting for the results of the legal action.
Benoît Racine moved that we obtain the President’s report. Seconded by Louise Martineau.
Carried unanimously.
6.0 Report by Madeleine Lapointe, Treasurer
Madeleine Lapointe presented the report on the sources and use of the Québec City Chapter’s funds for the period from September 30, 2017 to September 30, 2018.
Johanne Tremblay moved that the report be approved. Seconded by Jacques Racine.
Carried unanimously.
7.0 Lunch
Since the above items took more time than anticipated, we took a break for lunch.
8.0 Report by Élie Ahad, Quebec Regional Representative
Élie announced that he would not be running for the position of RMG Regional Representative for Quebec. The Election Committee received two nominations, one for Richard East and the other for Luc Carrière.
The nomination papers for Luc Carrière got lost, which is why Richard East was elected by acclamation. Following a complaint by Luc Carrière, Mr. East’s appointment was cancelled and the election process began. In addition, the bio of one of the candidates for the Quebec Regional Representative position was not available in French on the PIPSC website. Therefore, Richard East filed an official complaint and requested that a new election be held, because the Quebec members are mostly French-speaking and did not have access to his bio. The Election Committee decided that instead of holding another election, they would send a message to members of the Quebec Region indicating that those who would like to vote again could contact Paul Tomka at ptomka@pipsc.ca by November 16, 2018.
The meetings of the Vision Committee and National RMG Executive took place in Ottawa on September 12 and 13, 2018, respectively. Steve Hindle (PIPSC Vice-President) attended the Executive meeting. The main subjects discussed are outlined below.
a) RMG elections in three regions:
Prairies: Charlotte Strandlund elected by acclamation.
NCR: There were 4 candidates (Richard Rice, Lynn Morris, Margaret Bigras and Allan Shusterman) for 2 positions. The results will be announced on November 1 at the RMG’s AGM.
Québec City: 2 candidates (Richard East and Luc Carrière) for 1 position. The results of the Québec election will be announced in mid-November. The election period was extended because Luc Carrière’s nomination papers were lost.
b) Funding of the RMG Chapters will be discussed at the National Executive meeting in January 2019. An increase in the annual allocation will be considered.
c) Following some complaints from some of the RMG Chapters, the National Executive will reconsider whether to post its minutes at the National Executive meeting in January 2019.
d) A motion was passed to delete the link on the RMG website to the NAFR site.
e) The NAFR offers retirement courses in conjunction with TRADEX: a two-day course for $50, including meals, materials and a one-year membership in the NAFR.
f) PIPSC National Election
All Board positions are up for election this fall for a three-year term and the results will be announced on November 3 at the PIPSC AGM.
The next National Executive meeting and RMG AGM will take place in Gatineau on November 1, 2018, morning and afternoon, respectively.
Jean-Pierre Morency highlighted the excellent job done by Élie as Quebec Representative on the RMG’s National Executive for the past 10 years. He thanked him on behalf of all members.
9.0 News from Yvon Brodeur, Quebec Regional Director
Yvon Brodeur told us that things are not going well at the present time on the PIPSC Board of Directors. As an example, he said that people felt uncomfortable and sometimes harassed when they voted by raising their hand. Therefore, there is no longer any voting by a show of hands. Rather it is done electronically. Board members often bring up topics at the last minute. Some members filed harassment complaints with the Court against other Board members. The matter was settled out of court. These are only a few examples of the problems faced by the Board, and all of these problems delay the settlement of issues. There is an upcoming election for a fresh new Board. It will be very important for the future of PIPSC.
In Quebec, PIPSC has joined forces with the Fédération des travailleurs du Québec (FTQ). This alliance has several benefits for us, e.g. Steward training, information sessions on violence and harassment, safety, political action and lobbying. The problem is that it conflicts with the work of PIPSC’s labour relations staff.
On the topic of lobbying, the Board members met with an MP from each of the political parties to discuss various issues affecting them.
There is currently a science capsule on YouTube showing the importance of scientists in the federal public service.
A national communications committee was established so that the same information is shared across Canada. When Board members receive information from the Group/Branch Presidents prior to a Board meeting, the meeting goes more quickly.
Once a year, members of the Quebec Regional Council meet with the Quebec Federal Council. The Quebec Federal Council is a mini Treasury Board for Quebec. Topics such as mental health, violence in the workplace, recognition of the role of Stewards in all federal departments and agencies are discussed. Since they have the same clientele and the same purpose (the well-being of federal employees), the Federal Council asked if they could work together.
10.0 Report by the Québec City Branch Representatives
Denis Arsenault, member-at-large of the Québec City Branch Executive (the Branch), said that five Branch meetings had been held this year and that they plan to have a sixth in December.
A family event took place at Maria-Goretti Park in June.
The Branch AGM was held on October 11 at the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations (Wendake). The meeting went well. They were disappointed that Stéphane Aubry, PIPSC Vice-President, was not at the meeting as expected, especially since he did not give a reason.
Daniel Brouillette, Branch Treasurer, said that a Branch is a group of professionals from all federal departments in Quebec.
He administers a budget of $X. The contribution to the Québec City Chapter of the RMG was $150 this year.
This year’s Branch AGM was attended by 125 people. They were satisfied with the turnout.
The new President is Denis Caissy. He is replacing Réjean Michaud, who is no longer a union member because of his recent promotion.
Last year’s Branch AGM was held at the Manoir Montmorency. On that occasion, a new Executive including several women was formed. They are happy with the new team.
Michel Bédard raised the issue of the Branch’s minutes not being posted on the PIPSC website. Denis Arsenault will ask the Branch Secretary, Pierre Girard, why they are not being posted.
Action: Denis Arsenault
Johanne Tremblay said that, as a member of the RMG, she is entitled to attend the Branch AGM. She mentioned that they often have interesting guest speakers at the AGM and that it gives her the opportunity to talk to regular members.
11.0 Presentation on PIPSC’s New ServicePlus Travel Insurance
Denis Arsenault explained that the first $500,000 of medical costs anywhere in the world is covered by our medical insurance through our former employer.
PIPSC is offering a medical and trip cancellation insurance (SRMRM) through ServicePlus. This insurance covers multiple areas of risk.
For an annual family rate of $119.79, including taxes, for trips of 40 days or less, this insurance covers medical costs from $500,000 to $5,000,000, trip cancellation, loss of luggage, loss of documents, etc.
Here is a comparison of PIPSC’s ServicePlus travel insurance and the MEDOC insurance provided by the NAFR for trips of up to 40 days:
The rate does not change with age, contrary to the MEDOC rate.
The family rate is the same up to the age of 80, regardless of the spouse’s age, and it includes children under the age of 23. MEDOC considers your age and that of your spouse in determining the family rate.
Spouses and children are not required to be PIPSC members to be covered. All family members must be members of the NAFR to get the MEDOC family rate.
The ServicePlus family rate is an annual fee, regardless of the time of year the insurance is taken. The MEDOC cost covers the period from September 1 to August 31. If you are planning to go on a trip in March, for example, you can call in February to sign up for the insurance. The cost will be prorated based on the number of months remaining before August 31.
In order to get ServicePlus insurance, you need to phone and speak to a representative each year. MEDOC offers to withdraw your annual fee automatically from your banking institution. For those who do a lot of travelling, this is an advantage because they don’t have to think about it.
For risks other than medical costs, MEDOC is more generous. For example, for loss of baggage, the maximum covered by ServicePlus is $1,000, as opposed to the $2,000 provided by MEDOC. For loss of documents, the maximum insured with ServicePlus is $200, versus $500 with MEDOC.
If you have a medical issue within six months preceding a trip, ServicePlus requires that you fill out a medical form, while MEDOC does not.
For trips longer than 40 days, MEDOC has a better rate.
Denis Arsenault concluded that in the majority of cases, the ServicePlus travel insurance is better in terms of quality/price compared to the MEDOC insurance. But it is better to shop for travel insurance based on your situation to get the best insurance policy.
The Quebec ServicePlus representative for travel insurance is Ian Tougas. He can be reached at 1-877-385-2177.
You can get information on the MEDOC travel insurance by calling Ian Vaillant or Antonin at 1-866-606-3362.
Daniel Brouillette emphasized that if you have a motor vehicle accident during a trip of up to 180 days, the costs incurred are covered by the SAAQ.
Denis Arsenault will send us the information he has on the topic.
Action: Denis Arsenault
12.0 Other Business
a) Censure motion
Following the mix-up during the election for the RMG’s Quebec Regional Representative for the next three years (see item 8), Jean-Pierre Morency introduced a censure motion against the RMG Election Committee for its lack of professionalism in running the election. André Cantin seconded the motion.
Carried unanimously.
Action: Jean-Pierre Morency
b) Table de concertation pour les personnes aînées de la région de Québec
During a meeting of the Table de concertation, André Cantin complained about its website, as it is out of date and lacks content, among other things. In response to his complaint, a committee was formed at the meeting to redo the site, and André is part of that committee.
Following the election of the Liberal government, government subsidies have been substantially reduced. They are starting to increase again.
The next meeting of the Table de concertation is planned for October 26 at 1 p.m.
c) Newsletter
No newsletters were sent out in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. André Cantin offered to do the newsletter for the current year.
Action: André Cantin
d) Phoenix
Jimmy Royer explained that there are several problems with the Phoenix system. When he was working for the government, he was able to monitor the situation. However, since he has retired, he has been unable to get any information.
He asked if the RMG could help.
Élie Ahad asked him to submit some grievances in that regard. A committee has been formed to take care of non-unionized individuals (e.g. students, employees declared surplus, retired members) who are having problems with their pay.
If push comes to shove, we can inform Marie Lemay, Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Deputy Receiver General for Canada, of our problem.
Jimmy Royer asked that we take a stand by providing information on the website. Jean-Pierre Morency offered to communicate with the national office to let them know about these concerns and see what they can do.
Action: Jean-Pierre Morency
Adjournment
Michel Bédard, seconded by André Cantin, moved that the meeting be adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Carried unanimously.
Madeleine Lapointe
Secretary-Treasurer
Québec City Chapter, Retired Members Guild
November 4, 2018
Jean-Pierre Morency
President’s Signature
Madeleine Lapointe
Secretary-Treasurer’s Signature