BC/Yukon Regional Director’s Report – May 11, 2021 – Regional Executive Meeting
Home of the PIPSC’s Legacy Cup! – Period: March 9, 2021 – May 11, 2021
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time”
After three terms and seven years, it is time to make room for new voices and new visions. As such, I will not be seeking re-election as Director for the BC/Yukon Region.
That said, I am looking forward to an ambitious agenda over the remaining seven months of this term. Also, I have many ideas and hope to stay involved in the Region and the organization well into the future because after all, there is always plenty of work.
Making such an announcement at this point will hopefully provide plenty of time for potential candidates out there to make arrangements and throw their hat into the ring.
Being Regional Director and sitting on the PIPSC Board of Directors is an honour. This position provides an incredible opportunity to affect positive change in the Region, to PIPSC as an organization and to the overall labour movement. Where else can you find such an opportunity?
Remember…
Winning and being successful are two different things in politics.
There are many ways to win an election (especially in a labour organization like PIPSC). However, being successful almost exclusively lies on building partnerships, allies and coalitions. It is only from a big tent, with room for everyone who wants to be there, can we tackle the many on-going challenges facing our members, labour, and our communities. Leaders must demonstrate they can build big tents, not just tear them down (or constantly complain and be critical).
As we move forward and build back from a new normal, we need to focus on those elements of our past that have made us successful and boldly and quickly adopt new innovations and ideas.
While it is important to have strong solidarity within our Consultation Teams, Groups and Regions, we must avoid the growing tendency to close ranks and align only with those who are like us. Such modern tribalism is dangerous to PIPSC and the labour movement. I would further suggest we should be extremely wary of those leaders who promote such divisions.
Your vote is important. Don’t just vote for someone because they are from the same Group, or the same Branch. Rather vote for the strongest candidate who demonstrates the values and vision that will best advance the entire organization and the overall labour movement.
The position is not easy, but sometimes that is the price one must pay to make a difference. Regardless of the outcome, any new Director will have my support to be successful!
Finally, in the immortal words of a Vancouver legend – the band Trooper – the following words seem to resonate at this time.
“We’re here for a good time, not a long time (not a long time). So have a good time, the sun can’t shine every day.”
“And every year has its share of tears. And every now and then it’s got to rain”
After all, being from this part of the Region “….the sun is shining, in this rainy city” as I write this report. Now just imagine me singing. Yikes! Wishing you all the best.
Region
In-person meetings/events continue to be suspended until at least September 7th, 2021. Plans for June to December 2021 programming will be updated over the summer months.
The BC/Yukon Region continues to be a leader in implementing virtual programming during this pandemic! Keep an eye on upcoming events at https://pipsc.ca/regions/bc-yukon.
National / Board Initiatives
Pursuant to the Board mandate letters and additional assignments, my national focus over this last period has included:
- Chair, Executive Compensation Committee (ECC): The ECC has completed all three elements of our Triennial Compensation Review (Elected Employees, Excluded Employees and COO&ES / Chief) on schedule! Work continues on the other components of its 2019-2021 work plan.
- Innovation / Building Trust / Life Insurance Trust: The spring initiative for the Life Insurance Trust is underway. Work on the Building Trust continues in conjunction with the redevelopment of the neighboring properties.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments on my Board appointments (elected) and the specific portfolios assigned to me by the President / CEO.
Events Attended
- Regional Meetings / Events / Calls:
- Regional Executive Meeting – Mar. 9
- BC Fed Executive Council – Mar. 25
- Reg. Office Meeting – Apr. 27
- Fraser Valley Branch AGM – Apr. 28
- Advance Labour School Chat – Apr. 29
- Board Meetings / National Events / Calls:
- Life Insurance Trust – Mar. 11
- Board of Directors – Mar. 18 & 19; Apr. 1; Apr. 22 & 23
- Board Governance Training – May 5
Hoping all members in the BC/Yukon Region, their friends and family continue to stay safe and healthy. With the optimistic roll out of vaccines, let’s hope we are able to meet in person real soon.
Our PIPSC website (www.pipsc.ca) has the most up to date information regarding your Union.
Please feel free to contact me at 236-888-8739 or at robertmacdonald@pipsc.ca if you have questions.
In solidarity,
Rob
Robert K. MacDonald, B.A., MRM
Steward
Director, BC/Yukon Region