PIPSC Kingston Branch Executive Meeting # 1

February 19, 2026

Published | Last updated 4 hours ago

Attendees: Leasha Fuller, Dan Guthrie, Jennifer van de Ven, Jessica Whidden, Cynthia Gagnon, Nicole Monk, Billie Timpson, Rob Hammer, Janet Roloson

Regrets: Gary Desbiens

Cynthia Gagnon (Vice President) called meeting to order at 1745 hrs.

Agenda:

Pre Meeting

  1. Review what has been started as a Team Charter/rules of engagement for Meetings – add comments and thoughts
  2. Complete the survey if not already done
  3. Volunteering as a group was suggested. Great opportunity for the Kingston Branch     to give back, show some community spirit, and do something meaningful together outside our usual roles.

The Labour Day event happens every year and supports this initiative. Each Union provides something to hand out to the community. While there are Union members present, this takes place in a public park and people are not questioned—anyone can participate. I know for a fact this event was shared on Facebook groups, and families and individuals in need reached out to others for support. Children received school supplies, families accessed fresh fruits and vegetables, gift cards for groceries, bread, and much more. This is why attending this event as a Union is so important.

Everyone look into one volunteering idea that supports our local community. This could be anything from supporting a local organization, helping with a community event, or another creative way to make a positive impact.

Please bring your ideas to the meeting. We’ll vote at least two activities to take on this year in addition to the Labour Day Event.

New Business:

  1. Discussion re: Treasurer position and concerns (15 minutes)
    • While considering the Treasurer position, Jess Whidden realized that the bylaws have not been done since 2006; this was printed for the executive members to review.
    • The VP and Treasurer should be up for re-election at the same time this year as per the bylaws.
    • 6.6.1 and 6.6.2 of branch bylaws and 6.9.1 and 6.9.2 of regional bylaws were reviewed, which appear to be consistent.
    • Leasha will clarify with PIPSC the bylaws on length of term for putting someone into any position. – Clarification from PIPSC that we would post this position for Election again this year
  2. Budget review (5 minutes)
    • Budget remains balanced.
  3. Review of values, ethics and Executive positions and expectations (15 minutes)
    • Executive members reviewed policies and Executive member expectations.
    • No concerns raised. It was decided that we do not need a Team Charter.
  4. Survey went out to Executive members about ideas, how do they feel 2025 went – discuss results.
    • President makes decisions alone. This feedback was as a result of an event that the President became aware of with short notice and asked for member participation.
    • Agenda and financial statement being sent before the meetings would be beneficial.
  5. AGM (15 minutes)
  • There are two subgroups in Kingston: SH and IT. Questions will be prioritized to members who do not have a subgroup for guest speaker.
  • Set up (everyone please arrive 30-40 min prior to event)
  • Large white board or paper board to put names of Nominees or info during the event Nicole to bring 
  • It was decided we will not limit the attendance to the AGM.  If we surpass 50 RSVP – we will have a discussion on changes needed. 
  • QR code for survey – Volunteer to create the questions for the survey. Cindy to make a survey.
  • Treasurer to print and prepare budgets for the tables – copies of 2025 and 2026
  • Treasurer to present and motion approval of budgets – answer questions if member have them
  • Volunteer – To chair the event. Cindy will chair. Will need someone to do the elections.
  • Basket and lanes for bowling to raffle off or use as door prizes at the AGM.
  1. Splittsville discussion – Executive and stewards thought it was good.  Suggested that we do not do Splittsville but Raxx so there are other things to do not just bowling (Janet)
  2. Events and Engagement for 2026 (5 minutes)
    • Steward Appreciation event, Labour Day event, wellness events at work, Christmas party
  3. Year 1 – Newsletter Dates – suggested March, June, September, December (5 minutes)
  • Executive free to send me ideas on content. 
  • Recommended to do twice a year (June and December).
  1. Treasurer training may be offered during Steward Council training as per Cindy (2 minutes)
  2. Executive member training is limited to 20 people in the Ontario region (5 minutes)
  3. President Meeting updates (5 minutes)
    • Discussed Treasurer training.
    • Branches are all getting more money this year.
    • Emails: President will have access to members’ personal emails.
    • National Domestic Violence training from Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) – TBD
    • Advanced Steward training will be in May in Kingston area
  4. Hunder Cup Nomination Form
    • Reviewed by Executive. Approved to submit
  5. RAND members – Leasha emailed all the RAND members last week – 12 had emailed her and had signed up as regular members within a few days.
  1. Ontario Regional Council (ORC) (15 minutes)
    • A concern was raised by Cindy and Jessica about members attending ORC who do not belong to the Executive.  
    • It was suggested that spots should go to the Executive first and any leftover seats can go to all members with priority to those who come to Branch events, AGM, stewards, etc.
    • Concerns and suggestions will be considered by the President – Individuals will be selected by the President and will be representing the Branch.
    • Names to be submitted to PIPSC by February 27th.

Action Items:

  1. Everyone to send swag ideas
  2. Review Branch bylaws- Zoom meeting to discuss proposed changes March 2 7pm – then will be voted on at the AGM – 
  3. Potential need for a projector if Bylaws items are being presented
  4. Jess to investigate meeting space options as busy restaurants are too hard to hear.  She will be looking into places that offer private spaces.  

Next Meeting Agenda Items:

2026 Swag

Next in person meeting will be scheduled April 23rd0 at 1730 hrs (after the AGM, after ORC so we can provide updates, money should be allotted so we can finance plan, we can get going on the next engagement stuff)

Meeting adjourned at 1945 hrs.