HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 1, 2020
Zoom Videoconference
Present: Jennie Esnard, Chair
Tracy Thornton, BC - Yukon Region
Samah Henein, Prairies – NWT
Din Kamaldin, Ontario Region
Charlotte Young, NCR
Sonia Richard, Québec
Richard Gaboton, Education Officer
Shelby Woodman, Staff Support
Regrets: Dotty Kelland, Atlantic
1. Call to order/Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. via Zoom videoconference. J. Esnard thanked everyone for joining the meeting.
2. Approval of the Agenda
The agenda was approved as presented.
3. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes were approved as presented.
4. Board of Directors News
J. Esnard advised the committee that the Board of Directors approved the creation of the Women, LGBTQ+, Disabilities and Indigenous causes were approved. The Board was in great support of the initiative and some Directors were already reaching out to their contacts to inform them of the initiative.
As members have already been reaching out and putting their names forward for the caucuses, or to be associated with them, we must continue to engage the membership.
Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that T. Thornton would co-chair the Women’s caucus with D. Kelland.
The chair also advised that the current committees of the board will remain in effect until the end of 2021.
5. AGM 2020 Report
It was requested that all committee members provide the chair with a written report including milestones encountered this year. It was also suggested that we mention how we have worked through Covid-19, and our plan for the coming year.
J. Esnard will draft the AGM report, with the assistance of S. Woodman. The report will be shared with the committee prior to being submitted.
Action: S. Woodman to locate the 2019 HRDC AGM report and share it with the committee.
6. Caucuses
J. Esnard advised that budgets were not requested for the caucuses at this time as we are all currently working remotely, with no return date in sight. When business resumes as usual, budgets can be discussed.
It took quite a bit of resources to get the Anti-Black Racism webinar and the Caucus off the ground. The committee was encouraged to ask for help when needed. There was a call out sent to all PIPSC members across the country, inviting them to join the caucus, but also to be a part of the community. Over 100 responses were received, which are currently being reviewed.
The Chair emphasized that committee members are not limited to their respective causes, as they will eventually intertwine and it is important to be aware of what is going on and being connected. There will be members who will come forward, and be willing to work, it is important to delegate tasks, and not to take everything on yourselves.
There was a discussion in regards to staff resources for the caucuses. S. Woodman confirmed that she is happy to help with the Women’s caucus. It was mentioned that there may be other staff members interested in assisting the caucuses, but further discussions need to happen.
Following a discussion, it was agreed that the only way things are to change it to continue educating each other, and to have wholesome discussions.
J. Esnard advised that Jane Elliott will be addressing the staff at CNS on November 18, 2020. She is happy to share the virtual meeting information with the committee members.
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Action: J. Esnard to share the meeting information for Jane Elliott’s presentation on November 18, 2020.
7. Anti-Black Racism Seminars & Training
There was a discussion in regards to Anti-Black racism training that was given to the staff in the Toronto Regional Office. There was an inquiry as to whether this training would be given to all PIPSC staff. R. Gaboton confirmed that the training was delivered, as it was requested by the Regional Manager of the Toronto Office.
It was suggested that Anti-Racism training for members be discussed with the Chair of the Training & Education Committee. It was also mentioned that the Human Rights training at PIPSC is also on the list of modules to be revised.
The Human Rights training is best delivered in person. This gives the facilitator an opportunity to read the participants, feel the vibes and from the instructor providing the training you have to have that emotional attachment.
9. The Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award
The Chair asked the committee if anyone had any nominations for “The Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award”. As there were not any nominations, J. Esnard will ask the Board of Directors to make a nomination.
10. Roundtable
Chair
J. Esnard requested that committee members confirm whether or not they will be attending the AGM on December 5, 2020.
She also advised that the Education Officers will be piloting a Virtual Basic Steward Training to help with the backlog of stewards in waiting.
It was also confirmed that the template for the caucuses will be shared, as well as any other information that may be helpful.
Education
R. Gaboton advised that Communications will be posting the questions from the Anti Black Racism webinars, as well as the videos on the PIPSC website.
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11. Next Meeting Date
Action: S. Woodman to send a Doodle poll to confirm the next meeting date.
14. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
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