Fraser Valley Branch Executive Meeting Minutes - October 6 2025

October 6 2025
5:00 PM PST
Meeting location: S + L Kitchen and Bar, 2070 Sumas Way #200, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C7
Zoom link: https://pipsc.zoom.us/j/93460709133?pwd=66EEbMb2XKWlRnTiy9YehZX6QOhNMM.1

MINUTES

Meeting called to order at 5:05 PM

1. Roll Call (members of the Branch Executive)
   • Terri, Alicia (Virtual), Brandon, Christine, Stephan (5:25pm), Febin (Virtual 5:35pm)
2. Approval of the Agenda (M/S/C)
   • No amendments
3. Report of the President

I wanted to start off by thanking a member that served on our executive since the 2023 AGM, but had to step down for various reasons, Ravipal Kochar. Thank you for stepping up to volunteer for a position with the Fraser Valley Branch at our 2023 AGM and for all your help, support, and contributions to the Branch and to the executive. I would also like to thank our Secretary, Alicia Lunz, for taking on the dual Secretary/Treasurer role in the interim until our next election.

This summer, we had 2 fun-filled days at Otter Co-op Waterpark/The Outdoor Experience that were well attended by members and their families. Thank you to the BC-Yukon Regional Executive for providing us with visibility items to give out to members during the event.

As your Branch President, BC-Y Regional Executive, BC-Y Young Professionals’ Executive, and BC-Y representative on the National Science Advisory Council, I have been steadily busy since our last meeting with many events and meetings. I am looking forward to attending the 2025 Steward Council in Whistler from October 17-18 and checking in with our Fraser Valley stewards.

We are looking forward to our Fall at the Farm event on October 20^th where we already have over 50 attendees registered, and of course, the 2025 AGM where we will be running elections once again! As the President role is up for election and I do not intend on running again, I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to all of the executive members that I have worked with since 2023, and my appreciation for all of the members who have attended our various events and AGMs that I have gotten to know while in this role. I wish the 2025 executive and those carrying on with their role for another year the best of luck and a bright future for the Fraser Valley Branch.

Thanks,
Terri D'Souza
Fraser Valley Branch President
BC-Y Regional Executive
BC-Y Representative on the National Science Advisory Committee
BC-Y Young Professionals Committee Executive

PIPSC Steward
CFIA S&A Member

4. Financial Report (M/S/C)
   • Spending and budget reviewed; no amendments made.
5. New Business
   • Past events
     • July/Aug Otter Co-Op waterpark
       • Both events were successful - but had lower registration and attendance than previous year due factors such as timing and weather conditions
       • We should continue this event every year as it is very cost effective for the number of participants
   • Upcoming events
     • Fall at the Farm
       • Terri booked the event for Monday Oct 20 at 4 PM
       • So far, 59 participants are registered to attend
     • NAFR event for RMG/regular members near retirement
       • The FV RMG has 12 retired members
       • We should target events that will help our soon-to-retire and newly retired members
       • The National Association of Federal Retirees (NAFR) hosts general meetings and other events in the Fraser Valley that we can share with our membership
       • Terri reached out to the FV RMG President to discuss opportunities to connect with NAFR and attend their events
         1. ACTION ITEM: Terri to reach out to NAFR to get more details on the event and send out details via PIPSC Comms
       • Any other events should be proposed and planned by our RMG, noting that funds come from the FVB budget, but that we do not have the capacity to take on planning Branch events and RMG events
   • Update on Langley proposal
     • Terri submitted the proposal to have Langley (including Aldergrove) become a part of the FVB to PIPSC’ Executive Committee for decision. The EC will meet on Oct 10th to review the proposal and provide us with a decision
   • 2025 AGM + elections
     • Trading Post (FVB’s 2024 AGM venue) is offering a buffet only this year for the same room we booked last year, with the same minimum $2500 spend
     • Executive agreed to move forward with the same venue as positive feedback was received from the 2024 AGM and the venue offers a fully private space along with A/V equipment to be able to run the meeting.
     • Reviewed the menus options and prices and potential dates, keeping in mind the Dec 5 deadline for the annual allowance
       • ACTION ITEM: Terri to contact Trading Post to reserve a 2025 AGM date at the end of November on a weekday evening (Tues, Wed, Thurs)
     • Reviewed FVB Bylaws and positions that are up for election this year
       • Will need to stagger terms given our new bylaw amendment and various members stepping down from roles (1 year term for President, Treasurer and the MAL positions from the 2023 AGM. 2-year term for VP, Secretary)
       • The Branch will need at minimum a President, VP, and a Secretary/Treasurer to keep the Branch going.
6. Upcoming General PIPSC Events and Meetings
   • BC/Y Steward Council – Oct 17-18
   • BC/Y Basic Steward Training – Nov 20-22
   • BC/Y OSH Training – Dec 5
   • 2025 PIPSC AGM – Dec 12-13
7. Next Fraser Valley Branch Executive Meeting
   • To be determined after next President is elected at the 2025 AGM
8. Roundtable
   • Stephan - Raised concerns of difficulty for healthcare workers to get off work and get kids to the pumpkin patch event for 4 PM.
     • Terri noted the concern, however 4 PM was the latest available time slot and nearly 60 participants are registered to attend already. For future events, the Executive can consider holding the event on a weekend date
   • Terri - Expressed her thanks to the Executive members, past and present, for the last 2 years of fun and hard work to revitalize the Branch and its activities.
9. Adjournment (M/S/C)

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM