PIPSC WINNIPEG and SOUTHERN MANITOBA BRANCH
Annual General Meeting Minutes
May 11, 2023
Clarion Hotel, 1445 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB
- Introduction of the Members of the Branch Executive
The meeting was called to order by President, Cory Graham at 17:30
Cory Graham introduced the current Branch Executive Officers and members at large and thanked them for their contributions
Officers
President Cory Graham
Vice President Terri Gobeil
Secretary Kevin Jacobs
Treasurer Jason Caners
Members at Large
Christine Freeman
Pam Kubicz
David Hakes
Donna Johnston
Mohammad Khakbazan (could not attend)
Brent Maine
Pramesh Selliah
- Introduction of Guests
Cory Graham introduced Ceci O’Flaherty President of the Winnipeg and District Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees and Glen Schur, Director NAFR.
- Land Acknowledgment
Pam Kubicz performed the Land Acknowledgment
- Approval of the Agenda
Approval of agenda
Moved by Christine Freeman
Seconded Harald Larsen
Motion Carried
- Guest Speaker
Cory Graham introduced Ceci O’Flaherty President of the Winnipeg and District Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees.
Spoke about the role of the National Association of Federal Retirees. She provided information on the organization, comprising 78 branches, and over 100,000 members. Advocates for protecting pensions and other benefits for retirees. She highlighted some accomplishments including advocacy in the 1970’s for full indexing of pensions, representation on pension committees. In the 1990’s pension benefits for survivors, pensions for retirees that were married after retirement and pension splitting. They advocated with respect to the Public Service Dental Care Plan. In 2016 the government proposed changes in the pension plan from defined benefit to defined contribution. No provision for grandfathering existing public servants. Huge campaign fought this and legislation died on the table. Anyone can join that is working or will be entitled to a pension in the federal public service. Information is on website: https://www.federalretirees.ca/
Also offer travel Insurance, other discounts, car rentals, hotels, hearing aids, mobile phones, etc. Two prizes were drawn.
- Adoption of the 2022 AGM Minutes
Moved Pramesh Selliah
Seconded Terri Gobeil
Motion carried
- Business Arising from the Minutes
There was no business arising from the Minutes
- Report of the President
Cory Graham thanked the executive and past members. Cory provided an update on branch activities in the past year: steward appreciation event, member open house, APTN event. Cory discussed activities being planned for this year and asked for input or suggestions from members. Cory also asked members to get involved and be active in the union and support the union. Cory reminded the attendees that this was the twentieth anniversary of PIPSC Service Plus. In addition to new partners, there are contests going on. She encouraged everyone to check out the website.
Cory also thanked the Hotel for the service and food, Donna Johnston for arranging the event and Terri Gobeil for welcoming members at the event.
- Annual Financial Report
a) Approval of 2022 Branch Financial Statements
Jason Caners provided a thorough review and explanation of the larger individual line items in the financial statements and answered any questions posed to him
Jason Caners moved the acceptance of the 2022 Financial Statements
Seconded by Chris Freeman
Carried
b) Approval of the 2023 Branch Budget
Jason explained where the Budget numbers came from and answered any questions
Jason Caners moved the approval of 2023 Branch Budget
Seconded by David Hakes
Motion Carried
10. New Business
There was no new business.
11. Election of Branch Members-at-Large
a) Five two year terms
Kevin Jacobs, Elections Chair, announced that, as there were 6 candidates for 5 two year terms, there would be an election.
Candidates:
Blair English
Chris Freeman
Cory Graham
David Hakes
Pamela Kubicz
Terri Gobeil
All candidates indicated they were willing to stand for election. Candidates were invited to provide a 3 minute speech. Candidates unable to attend were provided an opportunity to have someone read a prepared statement on their behalf.
Ballots were distributed with instructions for members to select up to 5 candidates.
12. Report of the Elections Committee
The following candidates were elected.
Elected Candidates:
Blair English
Chris Freeman
Cory Graham
David Hakes
Terri Gobeil
Kevin Jacobs moved that the Election Report be approved.
Seconded by Chris Freeman
Motion carried
Pramesh Selliah moved that the ballots be destroyed.
Seconded Kevin Jacobs
Carried
13. Door Prizes
Tickets were drawn for door prizes for members in attendance.
14. Adjournment
David Hakes moved that the meeting be adjourned at 18:45
Seconded by Jennifer Cassin
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned.