Confederation Heights Sub-Group Plus AGM – November 20th, 2024
Attendees:
Members of the Executive
Bryan Van Wilgenburg (MT)-president
George Karaganis (MT)-vice president
Amanda Prysizney (MT)-secretary
Christopher Rinaldo (CH)-treasurer
Matt Baker (MT)-member at large
Kevin Tatryn (MT)-member at large
Jyoti Gupta (PC)-member at large
Other
Kara Pul (MT), Jessie Cluett (MT), Paul Sylvestro (MT), Gabe Reitz (MT), Matthew MacLeod (RE) guest speaker, Katie Francis (BI) invitee newly elected PIPSC VP
Opening of meeting:
Meeting called to order at 6:22pm
Agenda:
1) Roll Call (members of the Sub-Group Executive) and introductions.
2) Approval of Agenda
3) Approval of Minutes from 2023 AGM
4) Report of the President
5) Annual Financial Report
6) Elections
7) Guest Speaker - Matthew MacLeod (Candidate for NCR Regional Director)
8) New Business
1) Roundtable introductions took place.
2) Kara motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by George-approved.
3) Approved minutes from 2023 AGM.
4) Bryan provided a president’s report:
· SP Confederation Heights Plus Subgroup activities:
o Delivered food and drinks for essential services in Tilley at Christmas
o 1 executive meeting on
o 1 lunch and learn at Tilley building on the SP collective agreement
o Subgroup president’s meeting in YVR (Bryan was there as SP group president and George represented our Subgroup)
· Still working on finding a connection in the Wildlife Bldg. at Carleton University, will contact the SBO next, still want to set up an ‘info booth’ there with coffee and donuts and SP swag
· Planning on doing more presentations at the worksites
· SP Group will be focusing on two issues (presentations provided by PIPSC):
o Impact of different governments on labor (a non-partisan presentation)
o WFA (work force adjustment)-most members feel they didn’t receive adequate support from PIPSC last time
o Matthew MacLeod commented that last time stewards were well trained and there seems to be a disconnect between perception of members and reality.
· Tupper building is within our subgroup’s geographical region, with it’s closing those members will be moving to another site outside of our region. They can still be a part of our subgroup if they choose. We can also look at expanding our subgroup region.
· SP AGM will be in Montreal on April 5th, 2025, 2-3 delegates from our subgroup can attend.
· SP Group will be taking a larger role in the SBC (strategic bargaining committee). To ensure a central bargaining table happens, we are getting started on it sooner.
· To improve communication within the SP group, we’ve developed a google chat. We use Deepl for translation since it is instantaneous (purchased something for this?)
· SP group has begun to map out our membership as well as building content to deliver to the membership to rally and mobilize the membership.
· PIPSC updates:
o Dues increase was passed at this year’s AGM, Bryan explained the importance of this.
o Election was held
o RTO activities continue
o PIPSC AGM will be in Toronto again in 2025 (2-year contract with hotel)
· Broader public service:
o WFA coming, has already begun in some departments.
o Pension fund changes.
5) Christopher presented the annual financial report. Kara moved the budget, Matt B seconded it, budget passed.
6) Elections:
· 3 positions up for election:
President-2-year term
Treasurer-2-year term
3 members at large-2-year terms
· Bryan volunteered to continue as president, no other nominations, Bryan voted in
· Christopher volunteered to remain as treasurer, no other nominations, Christopher voted in
· Jyoti Gupta, Jessie Cluett, Paul Sylvestro and Matthew Baker put their hands up to be members at large. Only 3 positions are available, so an election was held. Matthew MacLeod and Katie Francis counted the ballots; Jyoti, Jessie and Paul were elected. Kara and Jessie put forward a motion to destroy the ballots.
7) Guest speaker Matthew MacLeod presented on scientific integrity. Spoke about the broader support within the public service for science. Even though scientists are no longer being muzzled, research budgets went down when compared to inflation. Scientists must choose between fieldwork and conferences even though conferences are very important for scientists to develop the necessary peer connections to validate work. PIPSC’s acting president wrote a letter to the president of Treasury Board and received no reply.
8) New Business:
· Need more stewards in our workplaces. Christopher knows of one part-time person in his building who he will reach out to.
Motion to adjourn – Kara, George seconded.
Meeting adjourned at 7:56pm