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