Date: October 7, 2025
Location: Hennessy’s Restaurant, Miramichi NB
Meeting called to order at 1915 by Gilles Comeau, President
Attendance as follows: Gilles Comeau, Jolene Underhill, Ann Tozer-Johnson, Sara Hallihan, Amy Hamilton, Emma Durham, Jody Knowles, Laura Kidd, Pascale Robichaud-Lebreton, Mario Doucet , Remi Parent , Cecille Bastarache, Darren Brown, Katelin Hogan, Mark Bellefleur (RD)
1. Welcome: Gilles welcomed those present and advised that translation services were requested but not able to be provided for this evening. Gilles polled the members present on how to proceed with the meeting. The choices were English only, French only or in both English and French. It was decided by those present to continue the meeting in English.
2. Gilles welcomed the Atlantic Regional Director, Mark Bellefleur to the meeting as the special guest.
3. Review of 2024 minutes: The 2024 AGM minutes were sent to members previously and Gilles asked if any questions or concerns related to same. None noted. Motion to approve the 2024 minutes by Gilles and seconded by Laura. All in agreement, motion adopted
4. Review of 2025 agenda. Gilles proposed to change the order on the agenda to move Mark’s presentation to the beginning of the meeting. Motion to approve agenda by Gilles and seconded by Laura. All in agreement, motion adopted.
5. Guest speaker: Mark Bellefleur, Atlantic RD introduced himself and provided updates and information to those present on a variety of topics.
1. Bargaining update: Most groups are gearing up for bargaining. IT is first up. Bargaining teams started training last week.
2. New steward portal and website coming. Will include a private and a public side and include more steward details related to specific strengths or areas of interest of that steward.
3. New COO hired.
4. Workforce adjustment discussion. Reminded those present that if a member receives notice of workforce adjustment, they should be contacting their consultation president as their first call. The regional director and PIPSC president also get notice of the workforce adjustment.
5. PIPSC AGM size. Short discussion that the AGM numbers have ballooned causing increase in costs as well as limiting potential event spaces. Mark advised that there will be a motion to decrease the AGM size at this year’s AGM. If it is not passed, they may have to look at alternative measures, ie virtual AGM. Finally, Mark encouraged the members present to become stewards to get more informed and that members can find his contact details on the PIPSC website. Gilles thanked Mark for speaking to the members.
6. President’s report: Gilles provided a report of the branch activities over the last year. The branch held 6 executive meetings last year and one branch activity (hockey game/arcade family activity attended by 5 members and family members). He advised members that the IT subgroup in Bathurst and the Atlantic Institution SH subgroup are planning Christmas socials and inviting branch members to attend in an effort to bring more members together. The SH subgroup also had their AGM this evening in tandem with the branch as a cost saving measure. Motion to approve the report by Gilles and second by Laura. All in agreement, motion carried.
7. Treasurer’s report: Gilles presented the treasurer’s report as the prior treasurer had resigned during the past year. He reviewed the report which was available to members to review. He advised that 2025 funding was recently applied for but not received yet. No questions from members. Motion to adopt by Gilles and seconded by Laura. All in agreement, motion carried.
8. Election Report: Gilles stepped down prior to elections with Jolene presiding over the election proceedings. The following positions are up for election: 5 member at large positions, secretary, treasurer and president . No previous correspondence received related to open positions. Nominations were opened to the floor.
• President ( 2 year term):
Laura nominated Remi, he declined
Remi nominated Gilles, he accepted and was acclaimed as no other names put forward • Secretary ( 2 year term)
Laura nominated Jody, she accepted and was acclaimed as no other names put forward • Treasurer ( 1 year term)
Jody nominated Laura. She accepted and was acclaimed as no other names were put forward. • Members at large (6 positions in total )
The following members put their names forward Remi, Pascale, Amy, Mario, Emma, Sara. No other names were put forward. All were acclaimed for the 6 empty MAL positions. • Gilles advised that a executive meeting would be held after the AGM.
9. Upcoming activities: Gilles discussed upcoming activities. Dec 5 in Bathurst with the IT subgroup and on a date to be determined in Miramichi with the SH subgroup.
10. Door Prizes given out to each attendee.
11. Motion to adjourn by Gilles and seconded by Laura. All present in agreement and meeting adjourned at 2020.