Kingston Branch Annual General Meeting - May 15, 2025
Meeting Welcoming and Opening Remarks
Move to Approve the Agenda: Viola Connor
Seconded by Dan Guthrie
Accepted
Move to Approve Minutes of last Annual General Meeting: Nicole Monk.
Seconded by Troy Saunders-Cartier
Accepted
Discussion of Finances and Treasurer’s Report: Leasha Fuller
Move to approve financials as of current known state Jess Whidden
Seconded Billy Timpson
Accepted
Branch President Presentation:
Gary Desbiens discussed the success of the Steward Appreciation Event and PIPSC member event. The family event was not as successful due to low interest and did not move forward. Call to members to provide suggestions for what they would like to see moving forward. Gary stepping down as Kingston Branch President after 12 years; promoting new leadership and new stewards within PIPSC. Advanced Training May 28-31, 2025; November 12-15; Steward Council Sept 12-13, 2025; Basic Training June 19-22, 2025, in Ottawa and in September 2025; 2 year waiting list for steward training; PIPSC AGM December 12-13, 2025. PIPSC members encouraged to get PIPSC email given employers’ email has a firewall and does not always allow emails from PIPSC.
Presentation of guest speaker Stephanie Frechette (National Vice President of PIPSC):
Stephanie Frechette discussed Basic Steward Training on June 19-21, 2025, in Ottawa. Go to John Purdie (Regional Director) if there is still space. She is employed by CFIA group for 3 years. PIPSC consists about 80,000 members with 2,000 retired members. She described the Board of Directors. Advisory Council has every group president and consultation president, one for each department, meet six times a year to discuss issues. The big issue now with Federal election, is with the Liberal minority government, we are still not expecting the public service to get bigger. With work force adjustment, if a PIPSC member is affected by this, the President of PIPSC will be informed (via letter) as well as the Vice President. Last time there were 40 members affected, which was less than other unions. There is a lot of information on the PIPSC website (FAQs) as well as a webinar on this. Return to office (3 days a week) PIPSC is still working on. VP clarified that if someone is affected by Work Force Adjustment (WFA), the employer is supposed to give a reasonable job offer; let PIPSC know so that we can be assigned to an ERO (Toronto office) so employee is not alone; check what employer is saying. Comment by PIPSC member: at IRCC, there is a WFA happening; medical officers and nursing group affected; a lot of processes are in effect. Another member commented on seniority given CSC does not adhere to this; Stephanie stated the first point of contact should be the Steward who would work with the ERO and a member of the National Policy Office (President notified first). If nobody takes a mandatory departure, it’s like the employee is reapplying for a job and competing, so employer can pick among anything, this brings concerns to members. PIPSC wants to ensure there is no discrimination. Of note, Sean O’Reilly was invited to this AGM but was unable to attend.
Dinner Break
Gary provided local update pre-elections. 220 positions at CSC that could be filled that are vacant; likely will be cut due to attrition; CSC needs to cut $32 million this year, but we’re not losing jobs; 2026-2027 not sure what’s going to happen. Work life balance is out the door with the employer; lots of problems with accommodations, compressed work week, etc. There’s a lot of emphasis on work culture; CSC is at the bottom (24/25) of the barrel as well as the Canadian Food Agency. Encouraged use of Stewards in meetings with management; ask for things in writing. Question about terms not being renewed in CSC (227 terms across Canada); none appear to have been removed, as of last quarter (April 31, 2025), statements given every quarter.
Call to Order for Elections by Billy Timpson; seconded by Kelley De Torres.
Nominations for Branch President: Leasha Fuller
was nominated by Jay Timpson, seconded by Dan Guthrie
Elected by acclamation
Leasha Fuller accepted the position of President
Elections for Secretary: Jennifer van de Ven
Nominated by Jess Whidden, seconded by Janet Roloson
Elected by acclamation
Jennifer van de Ven accepted the position of Secretary by acclamation
Elections for Treasurer: Billy Timpson
Nominated by Kelly De Torres, seconded by Jay Timpson
Elected by acclamation
Billy Timpson accepted the position of Treasurer.
Elections for Member at Large positions (3): Troy Saunders-Cartier, Dan St. Aubin, Janet Roloson.
Nominated were Jay Timpson, Gary Desbiens, Troy Saunders-Cartier, Janet Roloson, Nicole Monk.
Jay Timpson, Gary Desbiens, Troy Saunders-Cartier, Janet Roloson, & Nicole Monk all accepted nominations.
Elected were Gary Desbiens, Janet Roloson, & Nicole Monk.
Jennifer van de Ven made a motion to destroy ballots, seconded by Jay Timpson.
Question and answer opportunity with Stephanie Frechette and Gary Desbiens. No timeline for WFA, but this may change when we see the budget; they can do it whenever they want; she opines it will not be as bad for PIPSC compared to other Unions. Health Services: 3.8% and 2% are expected to be cut in new fiscal budget plus another 2% in total budget, will be repeated next year as well. Org chart publisher is available on the Hub for anyone who works in CSC to see funded positions.
Meeting Adjourned at 2008 hrs.