80th Atlantic Regional Council Meeting Minutes

Location: Rodd Hotel & Resorts, Charlottetown, PEI

CHAIRPERSON:

Manny Costain, Regional Director CRA-AFS

EXECUTIVE:

Mike Pauley, Vice President DTI-NBEN

Gerald Hill, Treasurer SSC/CS

Christine LeDrew, Secretary ESDC/CS

Jennifer Cantwell DND/SH

Carolyn Hynes ESDC/SH

Kimberley Keats DFO/SP

Scott McConaghy NRCAN-CS

Yvonne O’Keefe CRA/AFS

Lori Rowe CRA/AFS

Tony Chubbs DND/SP

TRAINING COMMITTEE:

Carolyn Hynes, Chairperson ESDC/SH

Manny Costain CRA/AFS

Gerald Hill SSC/CS

Christine LeDrew ESDC/CS

Kimberly Keats DFO/SP

Lori Rowe CRA/AFS

GUESTS:
Eva Henshaw, Acting President

Chris Roach, Advisory Council Director

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Scott McConaghy

STAFF:
Cheryl Owens-Carr Manager, Atlantic Region

Donna Davis Office Administrator

CONSTITUENT DELEGATE BODY REPRESENTED DEPT/GROUP

Laura Hogan Cape Breton, NS CRA/AFS

Devon Reddick Cape Breton, NS CRA/AFS

Bruce Boyd Fredericton, NB NB-DOT/NB-EN

Jean-Marc Comeau Fredericton, NB SSC/CS

Delbert Jenkins Fredericton, NB DND/CS

Caleb Kingsland Fredericton, NB DND/CS

Glen MacDonald Fredericton, NB NB-DOT/NB-EN

Laura Lee C. Mullin Fredericton, NB DND/SH

Dominic Richard Fredericton, NB DND/NR

John Rousselle Fredericton, NB DND/CS

Denyelle Theriault Fredericton, NB SSC/CS

John P. White Fredericton, NB NB-DOT/NB-EN

Daniel Jubainville Gander, NFLD ECCC/SP

Daniel MacKenzie Gander, NFLD DND/SP

Marcel Journeay Greenwood, NS DND/CS

Chad Lacoste Greenwood, NS DND/CS

Darlene Desbarres Halifax, DND, NS DND/SH

Don Eldershaw Halifax, DND, NS DND/CS

Terri Perrier Halifax, DND, NS DND/SH

Joseph Rossiter Halifax, DND, NS DND/NR

Everett Scott Halifax, DND, NS DND/CS

Hashem Abou-Shahla Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

David Chu Halifax, NS ACOA/CP

Christopher Coghlin Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Tamara Critch Halifax, NS SSC/CS

Michael Forbes Halifax, NS ECCC/SP

Coralie Gallant Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Steven Halliday Halifax, NS ECCC/CS

Catherine Hebert Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Paul Hubley Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Erika Isenor Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Nicholas Isenor Halifax, NS ESDC/CS

Vicki MacKenzie Halifax, NS VAC/SH

Ashlee Mcleod Halifax, NS VAC/SH

Melanie Park Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Timothy Patton Halifax, NS SSC/CS

Alexandra Payne Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

David Taylor Halifax, NS DFO/CS

Lori Thistle Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Jacklyn Winters Halifax, NS CRA/AFS

Mahammadu Olandu Abudulai Kentville, NS CFIA/CFIA-VM

Colin O’Brien Lake Melville, NFLD ACOA/CP

Mark Bellefleur Moncton, NB ISC/NR

Maureen Cormier Moncton, NB CRA/AFS

Michael Dixon Moncton, NB CSD/CS

Tamara Dunn Moncton, NB CRA/AFS

Taha Khan Moncton, NB CRA/AFS

Ginette LeBlanc Moncton, NB CRA/AFS

Kelly MacKinnon Moncton, NB CRA/AFS

Francis Poirier Moncton, NB SSC/CS

Richard Rheaume Moncton, NB CSD/CS

Gerry Saunders Moncton, NB CSC/SH

Brooke Casey Northern New Brunswick CSC/SH

Gilles Comeau Northern New Brunswick CRA/AFS

Chantal Ricard Northern New Brunswick CSC/SH

Craig Bradley Prince Edward Island SSC/CS

Bonnie Chandler Prince Edward Island CRA/AFS

Leslie Hill Prince Edward Island CRA/AFS

Craig MacEwen Prince Edward Island SSC/CS

Carl Morgan Prince Edward Island CRA/AFS

Lisa Richard Prince Edward Island CRA/AFS

Gayle Armstrong Saint John, NB CRA/AFS

Michael Maxan Saint John, NB CRA/AFS

Christopher Ryan Saint John, NB OAG/NBCP

Lisa Johnson St. Andrews, NB DFO/SP

Taryn Minch St. Andrews, NB DFO/SP

Rhonda Bridger St. John's, NFLD ESDC/SH

Ellen Careen St. John's, NFLD DFO/CP

Carolyn Coady St. John's, NFLD ESDC/SH

Vicki Hartery St. John's, NFLD DFO/CP

Christopher Hendry St. John's, NFLD DFO/CP

Lori Ann Kennedy St. John’s, NFLD ACOA/CP

Jeremy Korchoski St. John’s, NFLD SSC/CS

Bonnie O'Rourke St. John's, NFLD ACOA/CP

Lucille Shears St. John's, NFLD DFO/CS

James Vey St. John's, NFLD SSC/CS

Kelly Weir St. John's, NFLD VAC/SH

Nancy Wheaton St. John’s, NFLD VAC/SH

Richard Beauregard-Long NBEN NB-DOT/NB-EN

April Carter AYPC VAC/SH

Lee Everett NBEN NB-DOT/NB-EN

Duncan Fraser NBAG NB-AG

Pierre-Luc Thibodeau NBEN NB-DOT/NB-EN

Christopher Titus NB Crown Prosecutors OAG/NBCP

Friday, May 24, 2024

Welcome and Introductions & Indigenous Opening

Manny Costain introduces himself as Atlantic Regional Director and welcomed everyone to the 80^th Atlantic Regional Council in Charlottetown, PEI.

In place of the land acknowledgement, we will be doing an Indigenous opening. Julie Pellissier-Lush is an actress, and bestselling author, the past Poet Laureate for PEI, recipient of the Queens jubilee medal in 2013, the Meritorious Service Medal recipient in 2017, and the Senators 150 medal in April 2019. She grew up all over Eastern Canada and spent a number of years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before coming back home. Julie is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg in 2000 with a double major in Psychology and Human Resource Management. She works as a Knowledge Keeper for L’nuey. She writes, acts, and does photography to preserve the history and culture of the Mi’kmaq for future generations. Julie lives in PEI with her husband Rick, her five children, and her two Grandchildren

Equity Statement

Manny called on Scott McConaghy to read the equity statement.

First time Attendees

Manny asked those who are attending their first Atlantic Regional Council to please stand.

Manny introduced the Atlantic Regional Executive and guests.

Vice-chair - Scott McConaghy

Secretary and member of the Training Committee – Christine LeDrew

Treasurer and member of the Training Committee – Gerald Hill

Member-at-large and Chair of the Training Committee – Carolyn Hynes.

Member-at-large and member of the Training Committee – Lori Rowe

Member-at-large and member of the training committee – Kim Keats

Member-at-large – Yvonne O’Keefe

Member-at-large – Tony Chubbs

Member-at-large – Jennifer Cantwell

Member-at-large – Mike Pauley

Manny introduce the Regional Staff here this weekend.

Regional Manager – Cheryl Owens-Carr

Office Administrator – Donna Davis

While not guests I would like to recognize fellow members of the Board from the Atlantic Region who are in attendance here today.

Advisory Council Director – Chris Roach

Acting President – Eva Henshaw

And finally, our guest Colby Briggs, Manager Compensation Services.

Elections

Christine LeDrew - Elections Committee – Went over the Elections Procedures for the Atlantic Regional Executive Elections. There are five (5) Members at Large up for election for 2-year terms.

Nominations for Atlantic Regional Executive.

James Vey (St. John’s Branch) nominated Kimberley Keats, who accepted.
Kelly MacKinnon (Moncton Branch) nominated Mark Bellefleur, who accepted.
Laura Lee Mullin (Fredericton Branch) nominated Carolyn Hynes, who accepted.
Chris Coghlin (Halifax Branch) nominated Tamara Critch, who accepted.
Mike Pauley (Fredericton Branch) nominated Gerald Hill, who accepted.
Hashem Abou-Shahla (Halifax Branch) nominated Cathy Hebert, who accepted.
Terry Perrier (Halifax Branch) nominated Jennifer Cantwell, who accepted.
Chris Coghlin (Halifax Branch) nominated Paul Hubley, who accepted.
Gerald Hill (Atlantic Regional Executive) nominated Lisa Richard, who accepted.

Breakout Sessions

This afternoon we will be hosting two separate sessions. The first will be an update on the public service health care plan, the public service dental plan, along with other items of interest of our federal members. The second will be a session with Acting President Eva Henshaw for delegates who work for the province of New Brunswick to discuss issues and concerns within the provincial public sector.

Executive of the Year

Jennifer Cantwell, Chair of the Awards Committee presented the Executive of the Year Award. Every year the Atlantic Regional Executive has the privilege of presenting the Atlantic Executive of the year Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize the outstanding contributions of an Atlantic Region PIPSC member who is active as an executive member of a constituent body within the Region. Nominations come from you, the Atlantic Membership and the annual recipient’s name is engraved on the Region’s perpetual plaque. It is my great pleasure to present the 2024 Atlantic Regional Executive of the Year award to Selena Glover, who was absent and accepting by phone.

Regional Executive Candidates’ Address

Each Member who was nominated will be given three (3) minutes to present their speech in the order in which they were nominated

Guest Speaker – Patrick Ledwell

Patrick’s quick-witted comedy has brought him national recognition with multiple appearances on CBC Radio’s “The Debaters.” He’s a popular host and comedian at events across Canada, from the Royal Visit to Charlottetown to a recent performance in Inuvik, above the Arctic Circle.

His first book “I Am an Islander” is a Canadian bestseller, and his new book An Islander Strikes Back just was released in May 2023. During the summer season, he performs with Mark Haines in the hit PEI show “The Island Summer Review.” Patrick lives on a hobby farm outside Charlottetown, with his wife Tara and his 6-year-old son Nate. Please Welcome Patrick Ledwell.

The first day of the Atlantic Regional Council was recessed at 4:30 pm.

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Approval of Agenda

Motion 1 - The agenda was approved as presented. Moved by Mark Bellefleur, Moncton Branch and seconded by Marcel Journeay, Greenwood Branch CARRIED

Approval of 79^th ARC Minutes

Motion 2 – The minutes were approved as presented. Moved by Chad Lacoste, Greenwood Branch and Seconded by Cathy Hebert, Halifax Branch. CARRIED

Roll Call

Roll call was taken by Manny and Donna of the Atlantic Regional Council meeting delegates.

Regional Director’s Report

I’d like to thank the Atlantic Regional Executive for their hard work and support as I transition into the role of Regional Director. Scott McConaghy, Mike Pauley, Christine Ledrew, Gerald Hill, Carolyn Hynes, Yvonne O’Keefe, Jennifer Cantwell, Tony Chubbs, Kim Keats and Lori Rowe you all bring value to every meeting.

Special thanks to the staff of the Halifax Regional Office. Cheryl Owens-Carr, Regional Office Manager, Max Way and Elissa McCarron, Employment Relations Officers, Simon Davenport, Labour Relations Officer, Donna Davis, Office Administrator and Natasha Caron, Administrative Assistant. We are very fortunate in the Atlantic Region to have you all.

Steward Check Ins

I hosted steward check in July, September, November of 2023 and January, March and May of 2024.

These check ins continue to be very popular with an average of 50 stewards signing up for each session. It is a great way to network with other stewards. The topics vary from event to event with no set agenda. It is an open forum where stewards can discuss various issues and/or concerns that they have. In previous sessions we discussed return to the office, pay issues, duty to accommodate and many other topics.

Branch President Meetings

I hosted two virtual Branch President meetings in addition to the in-person meeting at the 2022 Atlantic Regional Council on October 3 and February 13. This provides a forum for the branch presidents to discuss issues and concerns and provides them with face-to-face time with the regional director that they may not normally have.

Regional Executive Meetings

Since the last Atlantic Regional Council.

September 11-12 in Halifax. This meeting included a half day planning meeting for 2023-2024.

October 19^th in Halifax in conjunction with the Atlantic Steward Council.

December 8^th in Halifax. Atlantic Region Seasonal Social was hosted on December 7^th.

January 27^th in Halifax

April 6^th in Fredericton. As part of the Fredericton meeting the Regional Executive with the Fredericton Branch hosted a meet and greet event.

May 23^rd in Charlottetown in conjunction with the Atlantic Regional Council.

Board Meeting Reports

I continue to prepare and share a Board meeting report with the Regional Executive and Branch Presidents after every Board meeting to keep them informed of various decisions and actions completed by the Board.

PIPSC Annual General Meeting

The 2024 PIPSC AGM will be November 8^th and 9^th at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. This year we are going back to the standard two-day AGM. An AGM Task Force and Planning Committee are working towards setting the agenda for the 2024 event. Registration email should be going out to the selected delegates in the late July early August timeframe. The Atlantic Region has 33 seats allocated this year.

Additional Items

In addition to what was submitted on my report I wanted to mention in capacity as chair of the By Laws and Policy Committee, with Advisory Council Director, Chris Roach and the Separate Employers Group Chair, Jonathan Fitzpatrick. A proposal from the Separate Employers Group was sent to me on Annual General Meeting’s for these groups. They are having issues with the finance section trying to get their Annual General Meeting’s funded and it is because of the way the Policy is written, where it caters to large groups. The Policy is written for access to PIPSC General Funds for a group Annual General Meeting, which must be held on a Friday, Saturday or Monday, one day in length and the breakdown is one (1) delegate pre two hundred (200) members. So, the New Brunswick Groups don’t go beyond two hundred (200) members. So, if they want to do an Annual General Meeting based on Policy the would only get one (1) delegate for their Annual General Meeting.

The Proposal from the Separate Employers Group as for them they are able to do an Annual General Meeting any night of the week, usually after work, not a full day event. They do not have guest speakers, and the membership is very localized in their area. The proposal was up to $1500 dollars for room rental, per diem for up to 100 members, and pay travel for up to two (2) members outside the localized area. This all works out to roughly $7500 dollars per group. The requirement is for them still to have to provide a budget but does not mean they can spend their whole group budget. This option can help them out with trying to have an Annual General Meeting. They usually get high participation at these events so why should we put barriers in their way.

They are amending the Policy, which at this point is in draft form. The By Laws and Policy Committee approved it provisionally at the April 29^th meeting. It has to go to the Finance Committee for review on May 13. I have not heard back from them yet and it may be on the agenda for the next Board Meeting. Stay tuned for the decision.

The other thing I wanted to talk about is the Regional Office. As it stands now our Employment Relations Officers (ERO’s) are maxed out work wise. We have several members we are trying to support, and it is the highest among any region, 1650 members per resource. The Employment Relations Officers are getting burned out. There will be a resolution this afternoon regarding this situation. I will be relinquishing as Chair to Scott McConaghy and moving and speaking on this resolution. In talks with Cheryl Owen-Carr and Nancy Lamarche and the feeling from Max Way is the ration should be one Employment Relations Officer per 1100 members. Now is the time to start doing something about this issue.

Motion 3 - Manny’s Director’s report was moved by James Vey, St. John’s Branch and seconded by Christine LeDrew, Atlantic Regional Executive. CARRIED

Regional Executive Financial Report

Gerald Hill thanked everyone for a successful Casino Night which was well attended with great prizes.

The order of business for today is to review the 2023 Budget. We will then vote on it and pass it. Then we will do the same thing with out 2025 budget, review and vote on it.

Motion 4 – 2023 Budget was moved by Gerald Hill, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by Tony Chubbs, Atlantic Regional Executive. CARRIED

Gerald mentioned that we have raised money for charities at our events by selling tickets on a prize and thanked the members for participating in this endeavor. Marcel Journeay, Greenwood Branch thanked everyone for supporting these charities as members.

The proposed budget for 2025 was discussed next.

Motion 5 – 2025 Proposed Budget was moved by Gerald Hill, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by Lori Rowe, Atlantic Regional Executive. CARRIED

Regional Training Committee Report

Training Committee Members: Christine LeDrew, Kimberly Keats, Lori Rowe, and Gerald Hill.

Regional Training Committee Chair: Carolyn Hynes

Regional Director: Emmanuel Costain

Staff Resource: Donna Davis

As I reflect on the past year, it is with great pride and optimism that I present the Training Committee’s annual report. This past year’s planning was no longer hindered by the threat of the Pandemic, which limited our events over the last few years. We can optimistically move forward in a post-pandemic state. This report serves as a testament to our collective triumph over adversity and our unwavering resolve to uphold excellence in training.

I welcome you to join us in celebrating the Atlantic Region’s training achievements of the last year. Together, we embrace our successes and reaffirm a commitment to empower our members through training excellence.

Training events since our May 2023 Council include:

Basic Steward Training: September 21-23, 2023, Delta Fredericton

Facilitated by Elissa and Cheryl.
18 stewards attended.
Training Committee representative: Lori Rowe welcomed new stewards and hosted a meet and greet at the hotel. Thank you, Lori.
Positive feedback was received for course content, facilitators, and social activities.

Steward Council: OCT 20-21, 2023. Theme: “Running on Empty”

129 Stewards attended. The agenda included:

Friday Oct 20, 2023:

Welcome & Introductions.
Case law and trends aligned with the Running on Empty Theme-Max Way.
Group Breakout sessions.
We hosted an Awards Dinner to acknowledge Service Awards and the Steward of the Year. Following dinner, we held a dance (DJ). Given the room size and layout, the event was less successful than we planned. We appreciate the event feedback. We will consider the feedback for future training events.

Saturday Oct 21, 2023:

Running on Empty -Elissa and Simon presented a newly developed module on Burnout Prevention. Stewards were offered tips and tricks to build their Burnout Prevention toolkit.
National Steward Officer (NSO), Judith Leblanc, gave an update on the Steward Framework. The Steward Portal was near completion; Stewards will receive an email to participate in portal testing. Judith advised she will be stepping down as NSO and encouraged stewards to apply. Sean O’Reilly-PIPSC VP: update on current happenings at PIPSCs. Discussion re: fiscal constraints, possible dues increase, and feedback on how to improve PIPSC spending resonated.
Professional Recognitions and Qualifications Committee presentation Mike Pauley.
Service Plus presentation-Andrew Gise.
Legacy Foundation Scholarship video presentation.
Chair Yoga and meditation sessions. Thank you to Jennifer Cantwell and Yvonne O’Keefe for providing us with valuable self-care tools we can integrate in our daily lives. Namaste .
Wrapped up on a positive note with Guest Speaker Judy Croon, who provided us with additional tools to prevent burnout albeit through a comedic lens.
Our raffle was successful, raising $1142.00 for Phoenix House, who provide youth with safe housing options and community resources. The lucky winner of the wireless headphones was Doreen Weatherbie.

Core Training for Constituent Body Executives, November 17-18, 2023:

Facilitated by Christine LeDrew, Gerald Hill, and Carolyn Hynes
38 applicants, 20 approved, and 17 participated, due to last-minute cancellations.
The newly redesigned course was hot off the press. We were the second region to deliver this course.
Member feedback was positive. Members suggested the course should be delivered every year, or more, given the turnover of Constituent Body executives.
As the demand for this training remains high, the training committee continues to seek options to provide an additional executive training session.
The facilitators provided Education with feedback for improvement. I met with Joanna Simpson, Education Officer, and Bridget Brawley, Ontario Training Committee Chair, to discuss the feedback. The Atlantic’s suggestions for improvement were welcomed and valued. Joanna advised that Education would update the module to incorporate our suggestions. The updated module release date was May 2024. The Atlantic once again is a trailblazer for this course content.

Basic Steward Training February 22-24, 2024

Simon and Elissa facilitated the course.
20 stewards participated.
I attended as the training committee chair. This was the first time I experienced to newly designed popular education module. The course was well balanced between content, group and individual activity and role play.
Manny and I hosted a meet and greet at “Your Father’s Moustache”, which was well attended.
Participant feedback evaluations were positive.

April 18-20, 2024, Regional Training School:

Indigenous Opening: Our guest, Melanie-Robinson Purdy, a Community Enhancement & Cultural Development Officer for Wasoqopa’q First Nation, led us in a traditional opening to offer respect to mother earth and the Mi’kmaw ancestors. Melanie has many roles within her Mi’kmaw communities and sharing her Mi’kmaw Language and Culture is one of her major priorities. This cultural stewardship is essential to learning about the traditions and languages of the ancestral land we occupy.

Stream 1:

Advanced Grievance Handling, April 18-19. Facilitated by Max and Simon.
Building Effective Consultation Teams, April 20. Facilitated by Max and Elissa.

Stream 2:

How Systemic Oppression & Racism Operate in my Workplace combined with Acting as an Ally for Equity and Inclusion. Facilitated by Richard Gaboton, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Advisor and Patricia Hung, Education Officer. Elissa McCarron and Cheryl Owens Carr participated in the course. Their participation and observation were key as the course will be delivered by regional staff moving forward.
Bystander Intervention Training for Stewards (1/2 day) and Constructive Conflict Resolution (1/2 day). Facilitated by Simon Davenport and Cheryl Owens-Carr. These courses built on the previous day’s courses enabling stewards to add additional tools to their toolkits.

Course feedback was positive. Members suggested that the Stream 2 courses should be offered at the 2025 ATS.

Social activity: Director’s Meet and Greet and Magician were well attended with positive feedback. The venue also received positive feedback. The only issue noted was, “We didn’t find the gold”.

We raised $822 for “The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund”, a charity established in 2022 to provide support, recreation, and physical activity opportunities for indigenous women and girls in Atlantic Canada. Paul Hubley was the lucky winner of the Bluetooth speaker.

Lunch and Learn: Lunch and Learn requests are on the rise. The role of the Training Committee Chair is to approve LNL and to provide support to members during the LNL process. I noted several common themes from member enquiries which led to the idea of developing a tool to assist members through the process. As such, I developed the Lunch and Learn Request and Expense Tool, which is posted on the Atlantic page under Quick Links. Member feedback on this tool has been positive. The tool has been shared at TEAM, with positive feedback advising they have adapted it to their region.

I would like to give a shout out to Cathy Hebert, the Atlantic Finance Committee representative, who volunteered several Saturdays to deliver a 1-hour Treasurer Training session for Atlantic Constituent Body treasures. The course was well received as were the suggestions to add example cases. Cathy has spent many additional hours answering members questions, reviewing, and providing feedback on the template data, and setting up a virtual meeting to go over the template, on request. Thank you, Cathy, your dedication to ensuring we understand our fiduciary obligations is appreciated.

Members continue to request canned presentations to use for lunch and learns. I continue to bring these requests forward at TEAM. TEAM and Education are committed to working with the Board Committees and Public Affairs and External Communications team to compile a list of currently available presentations and explore topics of interest to develop new presentations (e.g., IWD, PIPSC History, Truth and Reconciliation). Stay tuned.

TEAM:

TEAM’s priority this past year has been the Steward framework. Specifically:

Member Facilitation Education Program (MFEP) (previously known as Peer-to-Peer Facilitation): Completed presentation for Board Of Directors. We can happily report the plan was approved. The application process and selection criteria are completed. The first cohort is tentatively scheduled for September 16-20, 2024, at the PIPSC National office. Invitations are pending.
Mentorship Program: Developing and implementing a successful mentorship program requires input and collaboration from various stakeholders. TEAM, Advisory Council, Youth Committee, Retired Members Guild, and Committees of Board members and PIPSC staff had a very successful workshop. We are well on our way to developing and implementing a successful Mentorship program.

Given my health background and the Atlantic’s success in developing and providing feedback for Executive training, I was asked to participate in the following workshops:

PIPSC Mental Health Course. Reviewed content, brainstormed, and provided recommendations to assist in the development of this course. This course remains under construction.
New Delegate AGM Orientation Course. I am happy to report that Education developed the AGM orientation course using material the Atlantic developed for our 2019 Executive Training.

Promote the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Labour College:

Did you know the CLC has a labour studies and leadership program for labour leaders and active union members that supports critical thinking and collaborative learning in a flexible format that combines online and in-person learning over 14 months?
The application is robust, and once accepted members can submit a special training request to the Atlantic Executive, who will bring it to TEAM for consideration.

A final presentation that promotes PIPSC values is required.
You can find out more information at, https://canadianlabour.ca/who-we-are/labour-education/labour-college-of-canada/

In closing, I want to express gratitude and recognize the efforts of the Regional Staff, Training Committee and Regional Executive members, stewards, and members for their support and dedication to ensuring the Atlantic provides excellence in training. Our region’s successes are noticed by PIPSC and other regions. Our initiatives and course feedback are well received. We have a lot to be proud of, we are a fantastic team. Let’s continue to be trailblazers inspiring others!

In solidarity,

Carolyn Hynes

Atlantic Training Committee Chair

Motion 6 – Regional Training Committee Report was moved by Carolyn Hynes, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by Chad Lacoste, Greenwood Branch. CARRIED

Regional Manager’s Report

On behalf of the entire staff of the Atlantic Regional Office, thank you for the opportunity to submit this report.

Summary

2023 - 2024 was a very successful year, as the Atlantic Regional Office maintained a high pace of operations, in the process resolving a record number of grievances with both Federal and New Brunswick adjudicators.

2023 - 2024 was also a very difficult year for the Atlantic Regional Office. Once again, the same number of staff have tried to provide the same quality and timely support that members have come to expect from the Atlantic Regional Office to an ever-increasing number of Institute members in the Atlantic Region. The cumulative effect of such efforts –month after month, year after year– continues to negatively impact staff well-being. Burnout symptoms are now consistently observed.

This year, as every year for the past decade, the Institute’s membership in the Atlantic Region continued to grow.

Based on the December 2023 Membership Count, the Atlantic Regional Office now supports 6,405 Regular Members in the Atlantic Region.
To put these numbers in perspective: as of December 2013, the Atlantic Regional Office supported 4,213 Regular Members.
This represents membership growth in the Atlantic Region of over 50%.

Again, this year Atlantic Regional Office staffing levels did not increase. The Atlantic Regional Office still holds the following positions:

four (4) representational positions, consisting of:
- one (1) Labour Relations Officer position;
- two (2) Employment Relations Officer positions; and,
- one (1) Regional Manager position, which is assigned a full portfolio of case files in addition to its managerial role.
two (2) administrative positions, consisting of:
- one (1) Administrative Assistant; and,
- one (1) Office Administrator.
Up-to-date portfolio assignments can be found at: https://pipsc.ca/regions/atlantic/office.
There have been no changes in staff or portfolios since the last ARC.

In short: while Atlantic Regional membership has grown substantially, PIPSC investment in Atlantic Regional Office staff positions has not kept up with the sustained increase in the number of members supported by the Atlantic Regional Office.

These numbers also do not include RAND deductees (321 in the Atlantic Region as of December 2023). These numbers also do not include increasing numbers of Institute members who moved to the Atlantic Region during the COVID-19 pandemic, who continue to telework for another Region (most frequently the National Capital Region), and who did not contact PIPSC to update their Region/Branch designation. Such members are usually only discovered if they reach out to the Atlantic Regional Office for support, at which point the Atlantic Regional Office intervenes with PIPSC Membership Section to request a manual update to the Institute’s membership records.

Training and Mobilizing

Sustained and significant membership growth in the Atlantic Region should be good news for PIPSC as a whole, and for the Atlantic Region in particular. After all, increased member numbers in the Atlantic Region equate to larger dues revenues that could be invested into increased support for the Institute’s expanding membership in the Atlantic Region. Further, increased membership numbers equate to a broader pool of potential Stewards, Elected Officials, and Union mobilizers and advocates in workplaces across the Atlantic Region!

Unfortunately, efforts to mobilize and support this increased pool of potential active Union members are stymied by limited staff availability. With the increased representational demands on representational staff time, availability, and energy, the Atlantic Regional Office has been challenged to just keep up with providing training each year to forty (40) new Stewards and forty (40) experienced Stewards, via two (2) Basic Steward Training courses and two simultaneous training sessions at the Atlantic Regional Training School. While the Atlantic Regional Office has been able to continue to support bi-monthly Virtual Steward Check-ins, the Atlantic Regional Office has been forced to decline requests to provide additional training or mobilizing activities, as representational staff must prioritize working on cases.

The Atlantic Regional Office shares your frustrations with the workload constraints on staff availability for training and mobilization efforts. Each staff member enjoys opportunities to facilitate learning and develop skills and collegiality with the dedicated and passionate Stewards of the Atlantic Region. We would like to try and help the Institute’s Constituent Bodies and Consultation Teams grow PIPSC teams of Stewards: more trained and supported Stewards means a more resilient and effective network of support for PIPSC members in need of advice, guidance representation.

Unfortunately, Atlantic Regional Office staff are stretched to their limits managing the flood of incoming requests for representational assistance and trying to achieve positive results for Institute members in ongoing cases. Scheduled well in advance, the Atlantic Regional Office expects to be able to provide training opportunities mostly commensurate with the level of training that has been historically provided. Representational staff will continue to support Constituent Bodies, Consultation Teams, and local Stewards with mobilization activities as best they can, given their schedules. Absent increased resources, however, the Atlantic Regional Office will likely continue to reject a number of requests for additional training or other support activities in the coming year.

Steward Support

The Atlantic Regional Office is pleased that the Atlantic Region’s training of new Stewards and transfers in from other Regions exceeded the Atlantic Region’s Steward attrition this year. Presently, there are two-hundred forty-six (246) stewards in the Atlantic Region. This represents an increase of eleven (11) stewards over this time last year.

CRA:	64
DND:	26
DFO:	20
ESDC:	20
SSC:	20
DVA:	15
CSC:	12
ACOA:	11
ECCC:	10
AAFC:	7
CFIA:	4
NRC:	4
ISC:	2
PSPC:	2
NRCan:	2
INAC:	1
IRCC:	1
NEB:	1
TREASURY:	1

NB-EN:	11
NB-AG:	1
NB-VS:	1
NBCP:	5
NBCC:	1

NBLASC:	4

In addition, the following departments have no PIPSC Stewards in Atlantic Region:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
RCMP (TBS)
RCMP (Civilian Members)
Transport Canada (TC)
Statistics Canada (StatCan)

It should be noted that Steward coverage remains unequal across the Atlantic Region. Some Stewards / Subgroups / Branches / Consultation Teams have found success in efforts to organize resilient clusters of local Stewards. Other cities have few or no Stewards or lack Steward numbers proportionate to the size or challenges presented by local employers.

The above numbers have a significant impact on the Atlantic Regional Office’s ability to provide timely services to members, to pivot to meet changing needs, and to deliver the level of support that might be requested for activities that do not directly arise as part of grievance or other formal representation processes. The Atlantic Regional Office is also worried about the impacts of membership growth on the Atlantic Regional Steward network - many Atlantic Stewards have themselves reported that they sometimes are overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of cases that cross their desks as PIPSC front-line representatives. The Atlantic Regional Office endeavors whenever possible to support Stewards in broadening their experiences and deepening their skills by offering support and guidance to Stewards working the first level of the grievance process, as well as supporting Stewards who sit on union Management Committees.

Select Labour Relations Highlights

Phoenix Overpayment Grievances (FPSLREB Hearing) - In January of this year, the Atlantic Regional Office represented 22 grievors before the FPSLREB who were facing recovery efforts on chronic overpayments that were made to them from 2016 to 2020. PIPSC argued that it was unreasonable for the employer to recover the overpaid funds as the employer was fully aware of the overpayments yet took no steps to fix the system error and/ or prevent the overpayments from accruing over 4.5 years. The case will set important precedent for the federal public sector on overpayment recovery issues and matters of jurisdiction. A decision has yet to be rendered by the Board.

Scientific Integrity / Right to Speak - This year, the Atlantic Regional Office successfully challenged the employer in a situation where our research scientists were being prevented from communicating freely with the public on issues of science and their research. These cases set an important landmark for the interpretation and application of the relatively new Scientific Integrity Policy, in a situation with potential for significant media exposure.

Return to Office Issues - This year, the Atlantic Regional Office continued to advocate strongly for members requiring exemptions from the RTO mandate based on disability and other accommodation needs such as family status. We challenged the employer in situations where employees were being mandated back to the office based on arbitrary considerations and surface-level justifications, rather than operational requirements: in other words, pushing for an approach that favours “presence with purpose.” We found that in cases where members were able to provide strong medical documentation in support of the need for full-time telework, with the support of local managers, the employer has been willing to concede. Absent such documentation and local support, however, we continue to encounter intransigence from the employer on return-to-office issues.

Francophone Courthouse Closures (NB Crown Prosecutors) - In response to the closure of several Francophone courthouses in the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, the Atlantic Regional Office was able to defend the rights of members who had been laid off by ensuring GNB was applying the collective agreement correctly, and in a manner that was fair and equitable. Thanks to staff intervention, all laid-off members secured offers of suitable alternative employment, and those who were unable to accept such offers for personal reasons were granted the negotiated benefits under the collective agreement.

Harassment and Discrimination Issues - Unfortunately, the Atlantic Regional Office continues to handle a number of challenging harassment and discrimination issues that often engage issues of race, gender, and family status. These complex matters sometimes involve multiple members, which strains our capacity to provide individual representation due to a lack of staff resources (e.g. where 5 members require individual representation, whereas the office has 4 ERO / LRO staff resources). This year, we have been able to address these gaps by engaging experienced stewards from within and outside the Atlantic Region to assist in supporting our members.

Ultimately, however, additional staff are required in the Atlantic Regional Office to ensure we can continue to meet our obligation to provide excellent representational services on these pressing matters, which concern fundamental issues of civility and respect in the workplace, as well as the need to push for meaningful improvements in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Allegations of bullying and harassment would be at the top of the list, across all employers, with CSC being one of the leading employers in this area where members have concerns, short staffing along with denial of time off for union business and LWOP due to the employer citing "operational requirements" Certain employers, ISC for example, not proceeding with NOOs when member is off work, due to issues at work, which is a little bit like a catch-22 situation.

GNB - Discrimination and Harassment - Family Status, Sex

The Atlantic Regional Office resolved multiple linked grievances filed against GNB management for discrimination and harassment on the basis of Family Status and Sex, and against GNB management’s totally unhelpful and inappropriate responses to attempts to raise concerns at the local level. This matter was resolved on the first day of adjudication. As a result of the Institute’s sustained advocacy, the Employer issued a public and non-confidential written recognition and apology for the manager’s harassment and discrimination, which the Institute posted to workplace bulletin boards. Going forward, the Institute is confident that members and management alike now realize that the Institute can and will take all appropriate steps to support our members at GNB in enforcing the “no harassment” language in GNB Group Collective Agreements.

Discrimination - Family Status, Pregnancy, Sex

The Atlantic Regional Office supported a member with a grievance contesting discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy, and family status. The employer in this case behaved in a very challenging manner towards the Institute, and its behavior raised uncommon issues respecting the validity and finality of settlements. Ultimately, this grievance did not need to proceed to adjudication.

Termination and Severance Pay

The Atlantic Regional Office represented a member terminated by the employer for alleged incapacity in two (2) grievances referred to the FPSLREB. The Employer failed to pay severance pay to this member, as the Collective Agreement requires for terminations for incapacity. The issue of severance pay owing for non-medical terminations for incapacity was novel, as far as the Institute could determine. Ultimately, these matters did not proceed to hearing.

Job Content

The Atlantic Regional Office represented a member with a job content grievance referred to the FPSLREB. The Institute was required to advance novel arguments respecting timelines and an arbitrator’s jurisdiction. Stewards and members are reminded of the importance of filing a grievance within the appropriate time-frame provided in the applicable collective agreement.

Termination - Suspension - Disclosure and Privilege issues

The Atlantic Regional Office represented a member who was unjustly suspended without pay, then terminated after a fact-finding report found no wrongdoing on the part of the member. This case raised multiple novel issues before the FPSLREB, including questions as to whether spousal privilege extended to common-law partners in proceedings before the FPSLREB, and whether the FPSLREB has the power to review documents to determine if they are solicitor-client privileged. The Employer has already filed for Judicial Review of the Board’s interlocutory order for limited production, which the Institute vigorously contests. This case is likely to continue to consume significant resources for some time to come.

Termination - Disciplinary

The Atlantic Regional Office represented a member who was terminated for disciplinary reasons. This grievance was scheduled for a hearing before the FPSLREB. This case involved consideration of “double jeopardy” for professional standards sanctions. Stewards and members are reminded of the importance of members displaying understanding and remorse at the earliest stages of disciplinary proceedings.

Vaccination Policy - GNB

The Atlantic Regional Office supported a member held involuntarily out of service even after GNB repealed provincial vaccination policies and its own workplace masking and distancing policies. This issue prompted intense consultation efforts at the time, and has required the filing of a grievance. The grievance was referred to adjudication and set for hearing late this month.

National Joint Council Foreign Service Directives Committee

The Atlantic Regional Office continued to provide a staff resource as the Institute’s representative to the National Joint Council Foreign Service Directives Committee. In addition to monthly Committee meetings, where NJC FSD Grievances are heard by the Committee, this year marked the beginning of Cyclical Review for the FSDs. This process requires significant time, as it is the process by which the Bargaining Agents try to achieve positive changes to the language and entitlements of the FSDs through a quasi-bargaining process.

RCMP Civilian Member support – the Atlantic Regional Office continues to provide service and support for Civilian Members of the RCMP. Notably, PIPSC successfully represented a Civilian Member pursuing two (2) appeals of negative harassment complaint decisions. Successful outcomes through RCMP (Civilian Member) recourse channels are very rare, so the Atlantic Regional Office is quite pleased with these results. The public summaries of the decisions can be found: https://www.canada.ca/en/rcmp-external-review-committee/services/case-summaries/other-appeals/nc-157.html and https://www.canada.ca/en/rcmp-external-review-committee/services/case-summaries/other-appeals/nc-158.html .

Workload and Hours of Work (NB Crown Prosecutors) - Chronic understaffing in positions represented by the New Brunswick Crown Prosecutor Group continued to cause numerous issues this year. The Atlantic Regional Office continues to support Group Stewards in raising and resolving instances of concern, especially where the employer’s scheduling and workload practices lead to our members being unable to meet their professional obligations as counsel and as Crown prosecutors. The Atlantic Regional Office also continues to provide support to the NBCP Group Executive, the NBCP Group Negotiator, and the Institute’s Legal Section in connection with the NBCP Group’s bargaining and mobilization efforts.

Lunch and Learns

Successful meetings with SH group members at Dorchester, one in the fall of 2023 and another planned for spring/summer 2024. Good discussions on bargaining, members collective agreement rights and workplace issues.

Alleged Privacy Breaches

Alleged privacy breaches were another area where the Atlantic Regional Office provided significant support for members. The outcomes for members found to have committed privacy breaches can be quite severe. Employers seem to be taking these issues as a priority, and are taking steps to move through these investigations, but they can be lengthy, taking months rather than weeks to get to an outcome.

Workload and safe and healthy workplaces

Workload, working short and burnout issues are also becoming more and more common, especially with the nurses working for CSC. This issue is not confined to CSC, other departments such as PSPC are also faced with having to do more work with less and less resources which impacts members wellbeing. Grievances have been filed on specific workload issues and have cited OH&S provisions within the respective CBAs and applicable legislation. A number of these issues are still ongoing, some employers are more willing than others to address these issues without having members to file grievances and notices of occurrence.

Discrimination, Bullying, and Harassment Mediations

The Atlantic Regional Office successfully achieved a resolution through FPSLREB mediation for five (5) related grievances. These grievances alleged unfair treatment, protected grounds and bullying and harassment in the workplace. Significant extra support was required by the member, as a result of disability-related issues.

Mentoring of stewards

Atlantic Regional Office staff have tried to prioritize mentoring and supporting Atlantic Region stewards in gaining experience with a variety of workplace issues, such as workplace investigations, accommodations, acting pay issues, and bullying and harassment allegations. When possible, the Atlantic Regional Office staff have supported new stewards by encouraging them to be observers at a grievance hearing alongside a more experienced Steward or an ERO/LRO. Cheryl Owens-Carr, Atlantic Region – Manager

Motion 7 – Regional Manager’s Report was moved by Mark Bellefleur, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by James Vey, St. John’s Branch. CARRIED

Acting President’s Address – Eva Henshaw

Eva thanked everyone for having her at the Atlantic Regional Council, as Acting President, and as a delegate. She is proud to be part of the Atlantic Region and on the Board of Directors also as the acting president. Her role as Acting President happened very fast and there has not been enough time to learn about the role as president. Things keep happening so you must keep going with the movement. Currently and nationally, we have a lot on our plate and specifically we have issues that of course affect the Atlantic Region. Sometimes issue affect all member and sometimes they affect only certain groups, but it is very different when it affects a region. Some of the issue I want to talk about that our board and staff have been working on is because it has been in the news and is a hot topic is the return to office. PIPSC has been working diligently with other bargaining agents and the CLC in regard to how we will be moving forward dealing with Treasury Board regarding the Return to Office (RTO) Policy. We have been rallying; this is a great opportunity to speak with the media to get our voices heard. It is time for our public servants to have a voice. There was no consultation on RTO and their decision was not based on evidence.

PIPSC did put out a survey to Treasury Board members within PIPSC, one third of our membership responded. Results of the survey will be shared with the membership. We have things planned all through the summer months and we will continue. We have singed Policy grievances signed regarding the three-day RTO. We are asking our members to stand with us, when necessary, whether that be to show up at a rally, or within your office space. In many cases if a lot of people show up at their office spaces there is no room to accommodate them. This would be great point to show to the media. The workplaces and the buildings are not healthy. The public must be aware of our situation and that it is not just that it is just about returning to a desk. We are also asking for those members that have remained in the workplace throughout the pandemic to do their part also, having a understanding of the situation for those affected. A Hybrid working environment is important going forward, to recruit and retain the best public servants.

Bargaining is of course one of our issues, we have a lot of groups in bargaining. Although we have many groups that are still in bargaining. PIPSC will be standing up for our group in bargaining, letting the employer know we have had enough and standing up hard. The government has showed us that is not happening the way it should.

One of the other topics is the Public Service Health Care Plan. The move to Canada Life did not go smoothly. We are being kept up to date on how they are smoothing out the problems. Like a Pheonix fiasco all over again and that pattern needs to stop. We are pushing really hard with ensuring Canada Life steps up and meets the demands that they agreed to in their contract.

Our front-line Health Care Professionals is a huge topic that we are dealing with as well. Not just for our remote nurses that have a work environment that is unsafe, but we are seeing that Health and Safety issues are not being considered for our health professionals even in this region. This is one of the reasons I visited Fredericton where there was a serious incident. Workers should not be afraid to go to work and do their duty. We are going to push very hard on this topic. We have to take a stand now and change has to happen.

I can’t believe I am standing here today after all these years to talk again about Pheonix. The responsibility for the new system that is going to replace Pheonix is not under Treasury Board but is not under PSPC. The software is being tested right now but it is by no means ready, unfortunately. Other bargaining units besides PIPSC are requesting an extension to the damage agreements. The numbers of cases with Pheonix when it started until now are still high. Times will always get harder and harder, which puts a strain on our staff. During times with heavy cases, for example, with Pheonix it puts an enormous strain on our ERO’s. So, it is not all about the ideal case load of one ERO to 1100 members. It all depends on what is going on during a particular time frame.

We have had some changes in staff at the top level. We have a new financial Director, Tommy Barron, we are very pleased with the work he has done so far and what he has planned for our financial future. We also have a new Executive Director, Tanya Lafernier, who is also doing a great job. In a short time, she has been able to look at where PIPSC is and where PIPSC needs to go and where changes need to happen. One of the main topics is the staffing of the ERO’s. All of our ERO’s are feeling some type of burnout, and it is not fair to them. Eva supports the hiring of ERO’s, and she mentioned that a staffing action would be out for the Atlantic Region before the end of June.

Of course, contracting out is a huge issue. I have been able to speak in the House of Commons with committees twice now and give them a lot of facts they were unaware of. They had very detailed questions and they were very concerned.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness, this is one of the things in the last few years we have been trying to encompass in everything we do with PIPSC. I can see the difference and I hope you can as well. This is something that is ongoing and we do have a dedicated staff member who is the lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. There will be more differences to come so that everyone feels they are part of PIPSC and have equal opportunities within PIPSC, whether that be staff or one of our members.

Eva thanked everyone for this opportunity to speak.

Regional Executive Elections

Christine LeDrew went over the election procedures and the elections began. Voting shall be by secret paper ballot, only delegates to the Atlantic Regional Council will be allowed to vote. Present your voting care to Tony Chubbs or Lori Rowe and they will provide you with a ballot. When voting each delegate can vote for as little as one candidate or as many and the number of vacant positions up for election. In this case there are five (5) positions up for election. Any blank ballots or ballots that exceed the number of positions available will be considered spoiled ballots. The doors will be tiled during the voting, and if you leave your ballot will not be counted. The elections committee will be responsible for counting the ballots. The chair of the elections committee will announce the results by providing the name of each candidate and the number of votes received by that candidate. The chair of the elections committee will also announce the number of votes cast. If a recount is required, the chair will ask for three (3) volunteers from the Atlantic Regional Council delegates to perform a recount. Once the results have been announced the chair of the elections committee will then make a motion to destroy the ballots. The elections committee will provide, in writing, the elections results including vote counts which shall be recorded in the Atlantic Regional Council minutes.

The Atlantic Regional Council – Executive Elections took place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, for five (5) Members at Large. There were nine (9) nominations from the floor. There were 91 ballots with no spoiled ballots.

The five (5) members elected were:

Mark Bellefleur
Carolyn Hynes
Paul Hubley
Tamara Critch
Kimberley Keats

We would like to welcome the three (3) new members of the Atlantic Regional Executive and welcome back those who were re-elected.

The Atlantic Region wishes to thank Gerald Hill, Yvonne O’Keefe and Jennifer Cantwell for their service on the Atlantic Regional Executive this past term.

Motion 8 – The motion to destroy the ballots was moved by Chad Lacoste, Greenwood Branch and seconded by Lucille Shears, St. John’s Branch. CARRIED

Resolutions

We have four (4) resolutions. Scott went over the resolution requirements and procedures.

Manny relinquished as Chair to Scott McConaghy allowing him to present and speak on Resolution number one (1). Manny, Atlantic Regional Director moved resolution number one (1) and Christine LeDrew Atlantic Regional Executive.

Resolution Number one (1)

Be it resolved that the Atlantic Regional Executive bring the following resolution to the 2024 PIPSC AGM;

Whereas Employment Relations Officer and Labour Relations Officers provide representational services to Institute members and;

Whereas as Institute membership continues to grow while the number of Employment Relations Officers and Labour Relations Officers has not kept up with the growth of membership and;

Whereas representational services is one of the key functions of a union;

Be it resolved that a dues increase of $15 a month per regular member beginning on July 1, 2025 and;

Be it further resolved that from the dues increase the additional Employment Relations Officer positions be created in each region to have a ratio of a maximum of 1,100 regular members per labour relations staff resource based on the December 31, 2023, membership count;

Various members spoke on this resolution, and one mentioned this is the first time they have seen a dues increase resolution tied to hiring ERO’s.

Motion 9 - Chris Roach, Prince Edward Island Branch made a motion for amendment to strike the December 31, 2023, deadline, and was seconded by Craig Bradley, Prince Edward Island Branch.

CARRIED

Chris Titus, New Brunswick Crown Prosecutors felt this type of resolution would bog down the AGM if other regions were bringing a similar type of resolution to the AGM.

Motion 10 – Chad Lacoste, Greenwood Branch made a motion to split the resolution apart from the dues increase. CARRIED

Resolution 1a) Therefore be it resolve that dues increase of $15 a month per regular member beginning July 1, 2025. CARRIED

Marcel Journeay, Greenwood Branch made a motion to remove “that from the dues increase” from resolution 1b), seconded by Bonnie O’Rourke, St. John’s, NL Branch.

CARRIED

Chris Roach, Prince Edward Island Branch made an amendment by substitution of taking out “that additional” and “based on membership count’.

Resolution 1b) be it resolved Employment Relations Officer positions be created in each region to have a ratio of a maximum of 1,100 regular members per labour relations staff resource. CARRIED

Resolution Number two (2)

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night of the meeting if that member cannot arrive home by 8pm (meeting location time zone). This applies whether the member is driving or flying from the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner including a one-hour meal stop; and

Whereas the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation provides accommodations the night before the meeting if that member cannot arrive at the meeting location on time without leaving their home before 7 am. This applies whether the member is driving or flying to the meeting and is predicated on the member traveling in the most direct manner without a meal stop; and

Whereas the distance travelling to the meeting location is the same as the distance travelling from the event; and

Whereas there is an unbalanced importance put on the evening accommodation and meal entitlements; and

Whereas some members may have strict meal requirements that would cause undue hardship to attend the event; and

Be it resolved that the Policy on Financial Support for Member Participation be amended to include a meal stop when travelling to the meeting as follows:

Motion 11 – Resolution number two (2) was moved by Tamara Critch, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by Chris Coghlin, Halifax Branch. CARRIED

Resolution Number three (3)

ARC Resolution to go to the 2024 PIPSC AGM to provide a PIPSC staffed satellite office in Fredericton.

WHEREAS it has been identified that the NB Groups and members require a local PIPSC human resource and,

WHEREAS the 2015 AGM passed a resolution to provide a PIPSC resouce in Fredericton, New Brunswick and,

WHEREAS there was a local resource put in place by PIPSC from 2016 to 2021 and,

WHEREAS the provincial groups and members still require this resource,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Atlantic Region Executive bring the following resolution to the 2024 PIPSC AGM to provide a PIPSC resource to support NB Groups and located within 120km of Fredericton.

Motion 12 - Resolution number three (3) was moved by Mike Pauley, Atlantic Regional Executive and seconded by Lucille Shears, St. John’s Branch.

Motion 13 - Everett Scott, DND Halifax Branch proposed an amendment to change “staffed satellite office” to staff resource located in Fredericton, seconded by Bonnie O’Rourke, St. John’s Branch. CARRIED

Motion 14 – Bonnie O’Rourke, St. John’s Branch proposed an amendment to change “located in Fredericton” to “service NB Region and located within 120km of Fredericton”, seconded by Marcel Journeay, Greenwood Branch. CARRIED

Resolution Number four (4)

Resolution 1. PIPSC AGM to Resume printing and distributing Calendars for Constituent bodies

WHEREAS PIPSC has decided not to print and distribute calendars as was the practice in the past and,

WHEREAS PIPSC Calendars are high visibility low-cost items used in the workplace, and

WHEREAS PIPSC Calendars are highly valued by PIPSC members and,

WHEREAS most constituent bodies do not have the staff and financial resources to print and distribute PIPSC calendars themselves and,

WHEREAS PIPSC is providing funding through “Better Together” for constituent bodies to cover the costs of printing their own calendars and,

WHEREAS the cost of a single mass production order made by PIPSC would be more cost effective than all constituent bodies producing Calendars independently, and,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Atlantic Region Executive bring the following resolution to the 2024 PIPSC AGM to have PIPSC resume the printing and distribution of Calendars to all constituent bodies that request them as PIPSC has demonstrated that it has ample funds and resources available to cover the expenditure.

Motion 14 – Resolution number three (3) was moved by Tony Chubbs, Atlantic Regional Executive and moved by Lori Rowe, Atlantic Regional Executive. CARRIED

Atlantic Constituent Body Profile - Northern New Brunswick

The Northern New Brunswick Branch presented their presentation on their Branch.

Branch and Provincial Group Highlights

Tony Chubbs, Lake Melville Branch went over some of the Branch highlights, concerns and goals for the future that was discussed at the Branch & Provincial Group Meeting on Friday.

Glenn MacDonald, New Brunswick Engineers went over some of the Group highlights, concerns and goals for the future that was discussed at the Branch & Provincial Group Meeting on Friday.

New Business

Christine LeDrew, Atlantic Young Professionals Committee went over mandate and some of the highlights of their meeting held over the past year.

Adjournment

Manny Costain, Atlantic Regional Director thanked everyone for attending. Gerald Hill reminded everyone of the social event.

Christine LeDrew made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 pm. CARRIED