Regional Director’s Report – March 8, 2021 – Regional Executive Meeting
Home of the PIPSC’s Legacy Cup!
Period: January 11, 2021 to March 8, 2021
The “P” in PIPSC stands for POTENTIAL
Over the past 100 years, as outlined in Leading Progress: The Professional institute of the Public Service of Canada 1920-2020, we have been told that the “P” stands for “Professional”.
However, I think in this case the history books are wrong. The “P” actually stands for POTENTIAL. Seldom has there been an organizations so capable, so respected and so well positioned to make a difference, than our Union.
“po·ten·tial” is defined as: having latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.
That surely describes our past 100 years and clears suggests a vision for the future.
Unfortunately the biggest factor that holds us back from reaching our full potential – is you and me.
Lost opportunity is usually characterized by focusing inwards, rather than outwards; missing chances with big aspirational ideas and allowing small “p” politics to distract and discourage. Like any large organization we have so many good elements; however, we need to actively manage those factors that hamper us reaching this potential.
So let’s focus more on the external. Let’s build allies, relationships and contribute to the greater labour community. As an organization, we have been most successful when we have reached outside our union to inspire and galvanize our relationship with Canadians. This was seen during the 2015 Federal Election. So, doesn’t it seem strange we spend so much time and effort at our AGMs focusing on small internal and petty issues instead of the big, important and critical needs of our members?
Let’s give big aspirational ideas a chance. I will say it again, we dropped the ball on Professionals Canada. While I respect the decision of the AGM, we lost a great opportunity to grow the labour movement in the gig economy and build our external influences. Our future, and the future of the labour movement, has not been about how to close ranks and look after our own, but rather in our ability to grow and expand our community. This is our future.
Listen carefully to those who want to lead you and your union. Be wary of those who want to distract and discourage. These individuals have no vision and are unable to lead us into the future.
So, the challenge now is for the 4900 members of this Region, and the other 55,100 members in the rest of The POTENTIAL Institute of the Public Service of Canada, to reach and fully realize this potential.
It would simply be a shame if we didn’t…
Region
The BC/Yukon Region continues to be a leader in implementing virtual programming during this pandemic! In-person meetings/events continue to be suspended until at least May 31st.
The following online virtual sessions are currently scheduled. Information can be found at: https://pipsc.ca/regions/bc-yukon
- Advanced Training (current stewards)
- Virtual Basic Steward Training (new stewards)
- Regional Council – Saturday, May 29, 2021 (council delegates)
Programming for June to December 2021 will be updated online and in my May report!
National
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 continues to make great progress on its BOD approved work plan. The committee will be presenting the results of the Triennial Review for the COO&ES, Chiefs and Excluded Employees in March / April. Work continues on the other components of the plan.
- Innovation / Building Trust / Life Insurance Trust: The Life Insurance Trust is hoping to launch a new initiative this spring which will make it easier for subscribers to apply for insurance. 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 by the President / CEO. The Board mandates are on the PIPSC website.
Events Attended
- Regional Meetings / Events / Calls:
- Regional Executive Meeting – Jan. 12
- Reg. Office Meeting – Jan. 19; Feb. 23
- BCFED 2020 Virtual Convention Debrief – Feb. 24
- Board Meetings / National Events / Calls:
- Board of Directors – Jan. 21
- ECC – Jan. 12; Jan 19 & Feb. 16
- NextGen Information Session – Jan. 26
- Briefing: Protecting Canada Launch – Jan. 24
- Life Insurance Trust – Feb. 23
- Building Trust – Feb. 25
- CSAE Trillium Winter Summit– Mar. 3-5
I hope all members in the BC/Yukon Region, their friends and family continue to stay safe, be healthy and look after those around you. Let’s hope we are able to meet in person real soon and the worst of the pandemic is behind everyone!
As always, I encourage all members to regularly check out our PIPSC website (www.pipsc.ca). This site constantly has key information / updates on such matters as COVID and 699 Leave; Phoenix; and, your union.
It is officially spring yard work season, so I am looking for excuses/distractions! If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact me at 236-888-8739 or robertmacdonald@pipsc.ca .
In Solidarity,
Rob
Robert K. MacDonald, B.A., MRM
Steward
Director, BC/Yukon Region