PRAIRIE/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES REGIONAL EXECUTIVE (“PRE”) MEETING
Date: October 13, 2018 (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Delta Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba
In attendance:
Nancy McCune, Acting Part Time Vice President
Robert Trudeau, Acting Regional Director & Saskatoon Branch Representative
Sharon Losinski, Regional Vice-Chair and Edmonton Branch Representative
Stuart Kidd, Secretary-Treasurer
Samah Henein, Calgary Branch representative
Ryan Thiemann, Regina Branch Representative
Christine Freeman, Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba Branch Representative
Nancy Shalay, Small Branch Representative
Nazim Awan, Small Branch Representative
CALL TO ORDER
Robert Trudeau called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. A webcast was held with Eddie Gillis speaking on a resolution for Professional Canada to be presented at PIPSC AGM in November 2018. The resolution was passed by the PIPSC Board of Directors and Eddie Gillis asked AGM delegates to support the establishment of Professionals Canada. Eddie Gillis mentioned that the business plan, questions and answers plus budget for setting up Professionals Canada is on the PIPSC Finance Portal. He requested that Prairie & NWT executive members discuss the resolution with other Prairie & NWT delegates before the AGM begins.
Eddie Gillis stressed that Professionals Canada is a stand-alone organization and separate from PIPSC. PIPSC members will not be affected by new organization. Professionals Canada members will not attend the PIPSC AGM or constituent body meetings. Professionals Canada members will not vote in PIPSC elections. Professionals Canada members will not join any group or region and will have no negotiation or representation services from PIPSC staff.
Eddie Gillis stated that if AGM delegates voted yes for Professional Canada at the 2018 AGM, then PIPSC would prepare for the launch in 2019 in Ottawa area.
Robert made a motion to support the establishment of Professionals Canada, seconded by Ryan, carried.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approval of Amended Agenda. Motion to approve by Robert, seconded by Nancy M, carried. Sharon will maintain speakers list for meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 14, 2018 MEETING
2.1 Approval of Amended Minutes from July 14, 2018. Moved by Robert, seconded by Christine, carried.
2.2 Business arising from minutes – Spelling error to be corrected.
3. DIRECTOR’S BOARD REPORT FOR JULY & SEPTEMBER 2018 - SUBMITTED BY ROBERT TRUDEAU
Robert Trudeau discussed several issues at Board of Directors meeting. These included:
Members of the Board of Directors changed due to resignations. Acting part time Vice president is Nancy McCune. Acting regional directors include Robert Trudeau. The PIPSC website has the full slate of board of directors until December 31, 2018.
PIPSC board elections will be in December 2018 to elect President, two Vice-Presidents, two part time Vice-Presidents & nine regional directors. The election material will be sent to members in October 2018. The Prairie & NWT director is Nancy McCune for a three year term starting January 1, 2019.
PIPSC IT infrastructure will be improved with expenditure of $XXX dollars. This spending will be needed to update PIPSC computer systems plus will enhance PIPSC ability to set up Professionals Canada (if approved by AGM).
PIPSC is moving to gender neutral wording in policies and bylaws as well as collective agreements. Constituent bodies are allowed to give gift cards for promotion items. The cards must not be redeemable for cash.
The Canadian Not for Profit Act allows any member to request a membership list for use in election process. Members may request to be placed on no contact list if they do not want election candidates sending them any communication.
The board approved $XX toward the Prairie & NWT participation in 2019 Winnipeg General Strike events. The region contribution of $XX allowed PIPSC to be a silver sponsor. That status allow PIPSC to display a float in the May 2019 parade.
Robert outlined details of the PIPSC Open House reception was held in June 2018 with proceeds going to the Legacy foundation.
The PIPSC building has three floors occupied by the union, two floors leased and two floors vacant. PIPSC expects to lease the top two floors soon once the Ottawa light rail transit is opened directly in front of the Tremblay street location.
4. REGIONAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Stuart Kidd presented the Prairie & NWT region financial statements for the period January 1, 2018 to September 30. 2018. The report detailed revenues of $XX and expenses of $XX. The beginning bank balance of January 1, 2018 was $XX with an ending bank balance of $XX on September 30, 2018.
A listing of the region inventory as of September 30, 2018 was presented to the executive. A discussion occurred on the purchase of Winnipeg General Strike promotional material by year end. Nancy M. will contact Winnipeg parade officials to determine the expenses to prepare a float for May 2018 parade. Nancy M. mentioned that a float was not mandatory and will enquire what other silver sponsors are doing for parade.
Motion to receive financial report by Stuart, seconded by Nancy S, carried.
5. REGIONAL TRAINING REPORT OF OCTOBER 12, 2018 MEETING
Bobby Eiswirth was unable to attend meeting and no training meeting was held on October 12, 2018.
Basic steward training is scheduled for October 25 to October 27, 2018 at Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg.
6. SUMMARY OF STEWARD COUNCIL 2018, WINNIPEG, FAIRMONT HOTEL, SEPTEMBER 28 & 29
Steward Responses to Friday Afternoon Session & Speech
Kind Canada charity speech well received by delegates.
Speaker Roger Haskett was well received by delegates. His use of a game show technique was popular with delegates.
Steward Responses to Saturday Café Style Session & Speech
Five topics are planned in a café style. The topics are off duty behaviour of PIPSC members, marijuana in the workplace, treatment of probation employees, employer duty to accommodate and discrimination on prohibited grounds. Stewards were assigned their afternoon sessions.
PRE members held a discussion of a policy to deal with stewards who did not attend the full one and a half day event. If illness or other circumstances prevent full attendance, then the director should be advised. Illness was not the issue for all the absences noted.
Steward Responses to No Promotion Item
Some stewards were unhappy that no promotion item was available this year. Others felt that the hospitality suite was too small for all the delegates.
Survey to be sent to Stewards after council is finished. Ryan mentioned that he and Bobby Eiswirth will draft survey with five questions to stewards about the 2018 Council.
7. REGIONAL COUNCIL 2019
The 2019 Regional Council 2019 will be held at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg on May 24 & 25. The council will be a full day on Friday, May 24 and a half day on Saturday May 25. Saturday afternoon will be reserved for delegate participation in union parade. The PIPSC board of directors approved participation in Winnipeg strike events. Nancy M stated that she expects all delegates will be available to march in the parade. The 2019 regional council will be held in Winnipeg due to 100th anniversary of 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. The traditional rotation will be resumed in 2020 when the regional council will be held in Calgary. The idea of a parade float will be followed up by Nancy M. Delegates will be reminded that parade is mandatory.
8. STEWARD COUNCIL 2019
The 2019 Steward Council will be in Edmonton. The dates are to be determined and expected to be around the end of September.
The hotel anticipated to be Fantasyland Hotel in the West Edmonton Mall. September 20 & 21, 2019. Steward award to be revised to allow nominees understand how award process works.
9. REVIEW OF STEWARD AWARDS
Nancy M mentioned a committee is needed to review nominations for 2018 Steward Awards. Retired members had assisted the region in electing steward awards in the past. The goal of committee will be to make timely selections well before 2018 Steward Council. Motion to buy $X Amazon card for those who nominated stewards. Robert motion, Sharon seconded. Carried.
10. ROUND TABLE
Calgary branch – Samah presented her report of upcoming events for Calgary Branch. Movie for family, Calgary Hitman junior hockey game plus Christmas social event. The branch executive volunteered on two occasions to serve breakfast at Calgary charity facility - Inn from the Cold.
Winnipeg & Southern Manitoba branch – Labour Day march held. Some executives participated. Annual open house to be held in December.
Regina Branch - Children’ Christmas party to be organized. Labour Day event also held.
NWT branch - summer was quiet, better together training is planned before end of December, pan for community outreach.
Denwood branch – plan to hold lunch & learn on retirement or new wellness program, Christmas party planned with UNED union.
Edmonton branch – Sharon discussed employee wellness support program (ESWP), steward appreciation event was delayed to 2019, meet & greet social is planned, retirement session is planned.
Saskatoon branch – AGM was held with PIPSC president in attendance, branch president met with civilian RCMP members in Saskatoon and Regina.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
Youth Committee Meeting
The Youth Committee will have a meeting before steward council on Friday morning. Youth Symposium will not be attached to the 2018 PIPSC AGM. Ryan will coordinate meeting symposium after AGM with a planner from each region attending.
Selection of Prairie / NWT Vice President
Samah Henein was acclaimed as vice chair for the 2019 year.
Selection of 2019 Prairie / NWT Training Committee
Robert, Sharon, Samah & Bobby were selected on training committee. Robert will be chair of training committee.
Citation Certificate Approvals: Winnipeg & Southern Manitoba Branch
PIPSC citation awards are available on line process for approval. Regular & retired members may be nominated. Robert made a motion to support awards for Brent Maine, Ron Goldberg, Pam Kubicz and Glen Schur. Seconded by Nazim, carried.
100th Year Anniversary Winnipeg General Strike: Promotional Items
The 100th year anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike will be part of 2019 Regional Council, Promotional items worth $XX will be purchased from catalogue. A motion to approve was made by Nancy McCune, seconded by Rob Trudeau, carried.
Update on Regional Policy for Determining PIPSC AGM Delegates & Observers
Nancy & Robert to present the policy to national Bylaw & Policy Committee for review.
Financial Forum Telephone Call @ noon CDT
The financial forum webcast was viewed during the PRE meeting,
Survey Monkey
Ryan mentioned that a $XX fee per year will allow constituent bodies to use survey monkey. Robert made motion to pay $X a month to purchase Advantage plan ($XX) Samah seconded. Carried.
PIPSC Board Elections 2018 & “I Voted Prizes”
Message to win prizes - IPad mini and Fit Bit will be available, Robert motion to increase prize amount from previous $XX to $XX. Seconded by Christine, carried,
Legacy Foundation
PIPSC AGM will provide $XX in prizes for legacy foundation donation. Ideas are two baskets with food, food, pad folios and sign from Yellowknife. PRE members to provide additional ideas to Nancy M.
PIPSC AGM
Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018. Discussion of resolutions including Professionals Canada will be scheduled subject to time available.
Invitation to John Staric to present pension lunch and learn sessions
Need to set up lunch & learns for more than one branch for affordability. Nancy M. recommended using the training budget. Robert mentioned two travel days and three lunch & learns for one week would be the possible scenario for John in the Prairie & NWT region.
Dental Plan of PSAC
A discussion took place about the PSAC dental plan. Since PSAC is not part of National Joint Council that union has a different dental plan than PIPSC.
Kind Canada
Nancy M will follow up for further information on charity.
Civilian RCMP members
Nancy M. mentioned that if new civilian RCMP members approach PIPSC stewards to call Sean Kimball before responding.
12. NEXT MEETING & ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting
PRE meeting will be held December 1, 2018 in Edmonton at Courtyard by Marriott. The Edmonton staff Xmas dinner will be held November 30. A training committee meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of November 30, 2018. PRE members need to book their own hotel rooms.
Adjournment of Meeting
Robert moved to adjourn at 4:55 PM. Carried.