MEETING PRAIRIE/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES REGIONAL EXECUTIVE (“PRE”) MEETING
HELD AT Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan START TIME 9:00 AM END TIME 5:00 PM DATE February 10, 2018
PERSONS PRESENT
Nancy McCune, Regional Director
Sharon Losinski, Regional Vice-Chair and Edmonton Branch Representative, by teleconference
Stuart Kidd, Secretary-Treasurer
Bonnie Pratt, Calgary Branch representative
Bobby Eiswirth, Regina Branch Representative
Jay Krishnan, Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba Branch Representative
Nancy Shalay, Small Branch Representative
Robert Trudeau, Saskatoon Branch Representative
Stephanie Turner, Small Branch Representative
CALL TO ORDER
Nancy McCune called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM. Nancy M welcomed Stephanie Turner from the Prince Albert Branch as acting small branch representative for this meeting. Ira Hill of the Suffield Branch will be acting small branch representative for our next meeting. The position will be up for election at the Prairie & NWT Regional Council. Nancy M then mentioned that Sharon Losinski will be joining the meeting by teleconference call.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approval of Amended Agenda. Motion to approve by Bonnie, seconded by Nancy S, carried. Nancy S. will maintain speakers list for meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 9, 2017 & SPECIAL MEETING FROM JANUARY 4, 2018
2.1 Minutes from December 9, 2017 needed correction for Item 9. Saskatoon Branch held AGM in October 2017, not November 2017. Approval of amended minutes – December 9, 2017. Moved by Robert, seconded by Nancy S., carried.
Approval of minutes - special meeting held January 4, 2018. Moved by Robert, seconded by Nancy S, carried.
2.2 Business arising from minutes – Nancy M updated the January 4, 2018 minutes with actual selections made by Board of Directors in January 2018. The selections are:
Election Appeals: Barrie Wickware
Information Technology Services & Projects: Todd McCoy
Elections: Patrick Provost
Science Advisory: Elizabeth Ptasznik & Patrick Cherneski
Human Rights & Diversity: Samah Henein
By-Laws & Policy: Christine Freeman
Finance: Sharon Losinski
Professional Recognition & Qualifications: Stewart Wong
Training & Education: Bobby Eiswirth, Chair of the Prairie/NWT Regional Training Committee
Various alternatives and friends may be selected by Committee chairs later.
3. DIRECTOR’S BOARD REPORT FOR JANUARY 2018 - SUBMITTED BY NANCY MCCUNE
Director’s Report to the Regional Executive in February 2018
Nancy McCune discussed several issues at Board of Directors meeting. These included:
Board of Director planning sessions were held at January meeting. AGM resolutions referred to the board were discussed. A task force was appointed to deal with these resolutions. The selection process for committees of the board was held. The idea of standing committees and working groups was raised. The question of whether all committees should be chaired by a board member was discussed. Operational plans for the union were discussed. PIPSC provides money to Canadian Labour Congress, Broadbent Institute Canadians for Tax Fairness and the Canadian Institute of Policy Alternatives. Do these groups align with PIPSC expectations? Steward retention and recruitment was discussed. Nancy M provided male and female breakdown for 1,509 PIPSC stewards. Nancy M also provided a breakdown of numbers by age groups of under 30 years, 30 to 39 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years and 60 years and over. The largest number of stewards were in the 50 to 59 years age group. Phoenix pay issues were discussed. The board set up a union policy review committee. Sean O’Reilly was elected acting vice president as Shannon Bittman is on extended sick leave. The task force on official languages will continue in 2018.
PIPSC board elections will be in November 2018 with an option to have candidate bios by video. The decision not to provide English or French translation as necessary will be reviewed. The PIPSC building is still only occupied by the union and an agent is advertising to rent the majority of the building.
4. REGIONAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Stuart Kidd presented the Prairie & NWT region financial statements for the period January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. The report detailed revenues of $XXX and expenses of $XXX. The beginning bank balance of January 1, 2017 was $XXX with a bank balance of $XXX with uncashed cheques of $XX to equal a book balance of $XXX at December 31, 2017. A listing of the region inventory as of December 31, 2017 was presented to the executive. A motion was made by Nancy S., seconded by Jay - to provide T-shirts and hoodies to basic steward training to be held in March 2018 in Edmonton. Motion carried. A second motion was made by Robert, seconded by Bonnie - asking branches to purchase hoodies (if twelve are ordered), carried.
Stuart presented a draft 2018 budget. The payment to PIPSC HQ for 4 region observers at 2017 AGM should ensure a full allotment in 2018 for the Prairie & NWT region. Cheques included $XX for Bonnie for bases for the regional flags plus the steward of the year nomination award to a member.
A discussion of a motion at Prairie & NWT Regional Council to add 2 executive members took place. The number of the regional executive would increase from 9 to 11. Nancy M. presented a worksheet that estimated additional cost of $XXX to $XXX per meeting (or $XXX to $XXX for 6 meetings).
Motion to accept financial report by Stuart, seconded by Robert, carried.
5. REGIONAL TRAINING REPORT
Bobby Eiswirth presented his report. A regional training meeting was held on February 9 preceding the Regional Executive Meeting. The attendees were Nancy M, Robert, Nancy S and Bobby. The next national training meeting will be on February 23. Basic Training for spring 2018 is scheduled for March 15 -17. It is expected that the Edmonton Branch will plan a social event on March 15 for the new stewards. Basic Training planned for the fall 2018. Two dates have been selected: (i) October 18–20 or (ii) October 25-27. Final dates are to be determined after discussion with Ernie McLean. Labour School to be held May 9, 10, 11. This training will be held at the Matrix Hotel, Edmonton. Cut-off for registration is March 16. A maximum of 50 stewards may attend with 25 in each one of the two learning streams. The Labour School notice is posted on the web site. The decision to allocate spots will be made during the week of March 19 to 23, 2018. No hospitality suite is planned as the hotel hosts a wine and cheese event each evening.
The year 2019 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 there were discussions about having an event in Winnipeg in order to participate in the centennial celebrations. The 2019 Labour School is proposed for Winnipeg with possible dates of May 9 to 11, 2019. Youth committee attendance at the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour / Canadian Labour Congress spring school was discussed. Bobby will follow up to see which members would like to attend. Bobby mentioned that he will approve submitted lunch & learn events per PIPSC guidelines.
Motion to accept regional training report made by Nancy S, seconded by Stephanie, carried.
6. REGIONAL COUNCIL 2018, EDMONTON, MATRIX HOTEL, JUNE 1 and 2
Friday Afternoon & Evening Events
Ernie McLean (PIPSC Regional Manager) is planning a ½ day session for delegates on Friday afternoon. Friday evening events were discussed. Sharon mentioned plans to bring delegates to Fort Edmonton Park. The cost to transport delegates to and from hotel plus dinner and various park activities took place. An alternative could be a baseball game event or visit to Telus centre (IMAX). Fort Edmonton requested a minimum of $XX in food purchase. The rental for Telus is $XX. Nancy M asked for more details on expected costs. Sharon will call the manager of Fort Edmonton Park. The number of attendees could be up to 90 delegates and guests and Sharon will use that number for estimate. A tour of the park will be included in the estimate.
Nancy M. mentioned that a meeting of branch presidents will be scheduled for the morning of June 1, 2018.
PIPSC Guests
Nancy M discussed plans for a speaker at the PRC. Nancy M proposed to invite the PIPSC president with an alternative vice president. The alternative would be proficient with Phoenix pay issues.
Delegate Promotional Item
Discussion of promo items for 2018 PRC delegates took place. Robert presented a listing of polo shirts with various styles and prices. The choice narrowed to a shirt with pockets and a lesser expensive shirt without any pockets. The matter needs be decided by April deadline to allow PRC delegates to select their size.
8. STEWARD COUNCIL 2018, WINNIPEG, FAIRMOUNT HOTEL, SEPTEMBER 28 & 29
Friday Evening Dinner
Ernie McLean made the suggestion to Nancy M. regarding a mobilization speaker for 2018 Steward Council. The discussion on whether to hold a dinner or other event on Friday evening was held. The training committee suggested various activities for stewards for September 28. The 2019 Winnipeg general strike event was mentioned. Winnipeg & Southern Manitoba Branch will be contacted regarding events in Winnipeg for Steward Council.
Group Meetings
Groups are allowed a meeting room at SC hotel for a meeting. Robert mentioned that the previous procedure of group meetings after the afternoon session was not satisfactory. The timing of group meetings is to be determined.
Steward Training
Training committee is proposing café style presentation for Steward Council. Ernie McLean will ask PIPSC staff to prepare additional training for Friday afternoon and Saturday.
9. ROUND TABLE
Due to time constraints (some PRE members needed to leave for Saturday night travel), Nancy M asked for only pressing issues to be raised during round table.
Regina branch – none.
Calgary branch - Bonnie mentioned branch AGM to be held February 15, 2018 with PIPSC president and Prairie & NWT director as guests.
Winnipeg & Southern Manitoba branch – none.
Denwood branch – none.
Edmonton branch – Sharon mentioned branch AGM to be held in March 2018.
Prince Albert branch – none.
Saskatoon branch – none.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
AGM Youth Committee Meeting
Bobby discussed regional youth committee meetings to be held. A stand alone meeting is to be scheduled. Bobby stated that four yearly youth committee meetings are planned. Meetings are planned for the Prairie & NWT Regional Council, Steward Council and national AGM with one further meeting to be determined.
Update on Executive Selection Motion for 2018 PRC
Bobby provided an update to the executive. A summary was sent to all branch presidents. Whether a resolution to change the selection procedure for the PRE will be made at the PRC, is not known?
Broadbent Summit
The Broadbent Summit in Edmonton is planned for the Art Gallery of Alberta for Thursday night, April 19 and the University of Alberta on Friday, April 20. The plan is to have 8 full time executive members attend. Each region was given three seats that will be paid for by national. The NCR executive may give us their seats but we will not know until next week. The region will pick up the expenses of 2 to 5 executives.
Motion for the region to pay the expenses for up to five executive members to attend the summit in Edmonton, made by Robert, seconded by Bonnie, carried.
Canadian Labour Congress
Unifor left CLC due to a dispute over a CLC by-law that prohibits raiding of members of other affiliates of the CLC. The issue is about proper representation. The PIPSC president attended a CLC meeting to discuss the Unifor withdrawal and what the implications might be.
Special General Meeting – March 1, 2018
Special general meeting to remove an NCR director is to be held on March 1, 2018. Robert will be the parliamentarian at the meeting.
Visibility Package
Nancy M reminded branch presidents to order the visibility package from National PIPSC office.
11. NEXT MEETING, APRIL 21, 2018
PRE meeting will be held at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton on Saturday, April 21, 2018. PRE will be responsible to book hotel rooms.
Nancy M advised that the notice for PRC will go out during the period of February 16 to February 20, 2018 to comply with region by-laws.
12. ADJOURNMENT of MEETING
Nancy M moved to adjourn at 5:15 PM. Carried.