74th Atlantic Regional Council - Minutes

74^th ATLANTIC REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown, PE

May 26^th -27^th, 2017

CHAIRPERSON: Kimberley Skanes Regional Director CRA-AU-AFS

EXECUTIVE:Emmanuel Costain Vice President CRA-CS-AFS

Phil Wilson Treasurer CRA-AU-AFS

Carolyn Hynes Secretary HRSDC-NU-SH

Barry Gerus CRA-CS-AFS

Cathy Hebert CRA-AU-AFS

Susan Harris CSD-NU-SH

Scott McConaghy NRCAN-CS

Mike Pauley SERVICE-NBEN

Gerry Saunders CSC-NU-SH

TRAINING COMMITTEE: Emmanuel Costain Chairperson CRA-CS-AFS

Kimberley Skanes Ex-Officio Member CRA-AU-AFS

Barry Gerus CRA-CS-AFS

Carolyn Hynes HRSDC-NU-SH

Mike Pauley SERVICE-NBEN

Phil Wilson CRA-AU-AFS

REGRETS: Michael Basque HRSDC-CS

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Scott McConaghy NRCAN-CS

GUEST: Debi Daviau President, PIPSC

Greg Scriver NCR Director

OBSERVERS: Stan Buday CS Group President CSD-CS

Lucille Shears CS Membership Officer DFO-CS

STAFF: Paul Hartigan Manager, Atlantic Region

Catherine Pinks Office Administrator, Halifax

Marion MacEachern New Brunswick Liaison

DELEGATE : CONSTITUENT BODY REPRESENTED : DEPT/CLASS/TABLE

Leslie Nasmith Youth Advisory Committee DFO/BI/SP

Wayne Johnston Cape Breton CRA/AU/AFS

Jennifer Cantwell DND Halifax DND/OP/SH

Donald Eldershaw DND Halifax Retired

Everett Scott DND Halifax DND/CS

Paul Smith DND Halifax DND/EN/NR

Mounah Zrein DND Halifax DND/NR

Melissa Cummings Fredericton DTI/NBEN

Joshua Fox Fredericton DTI/NBEN

Shane Heartz Fredericton NRCAN/BI/SP

Delbert Jenkins Fredericton DND/CS

Krista MacDonald Fredericton DTI/NBEN

Sheila MacLean Fredericton DTI/NBEN

Laura Lee Mullin Fredericton DND/OP/SH

Marcus Peck Fredericton ENVIROCAN/MT/SP

Herb Thoms Gander Retired

Marcel Journeay Greenwood DND/CS

Hashem Abou-Shahla Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Amanda Casella Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Tina Castro-Mackenzie Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

David Chu Halifax ACOA/CO/AV

Chris Coghlin Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Fay Cormier Halifax ESDC/NU EMA/SH

Coralie Gallant Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Jacquelynn Holley Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Azharul Hoque Halifax PSPC/EN/NR

Paul Hubley Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Dale Hudson Halifax PSPC/EN/NR

Nicholas Isenor Halifax ESDC/CS

Loren Itterman Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Bernadette Landry Halifax PSPC/EN/NR

Sabet Makhoul Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Cynthia O'Driscoll Halifax PSPC/PG/AV

Allison Williams Halifax CRA/AU/AFS

Muhammed Abudulai Kentville CFIA/VM

Tony Chubbs Lake Melville DND/BI/SP

Frederic Basque Moncton ACOA/CS/CS

Brian Belliveau Moncton SSC/CS

Michael Dixon Moncton ESDC/CS

Venitia Joseph Moncton DFO/BI/SP

Ginette LeBlanc Moncton Retired

Bill MacIntyre Moncton ESDC/CS

DELEGATE : CONSTITUENT BODY REPRESENTED : DEPT/CLASS/TABLE

Kelly MacKinnon Moncton CRA/AU/AFS

Calvin Martini Moncton SSC/CS

Francis Poirier Moncton SSC/CS

Thane Reeves Moncton DFO/CS

Brian MacDonald NBAG DAA/NBAG

Clémence Talbot NBCC OAG/NBCC

Christopher Titus NBCP OAG/NBCP

Glen MacDonald NBEN DTI/NBEN

John-Michael McPhee NBEN DTI/NBEN

Misty Matthews-Emery NBLA LAS/NBLA

Carl Dingee NBVM DAA/NBVM

Gilles Comeau Northern New Brunswick Retired

Guy Savoie Northern New Brunswick CRA/AU/AFS

Craig Bradley Prince Edward Island SSC/CS

Christopher Gilfoy Prince Edward Island CRA/CS/AFS

Gerald Hill Prince Edward Island SSC/CS

Anthony McAndrew Prince Edward Island VAC/CS

Justin Murphy Prince Edward Island CRA/CS/AFS

Lisa Richard Prince Edward Island CRA/CS/AFS

Doreen Weatherbie Prince Edward Island VAC/CS

Patrick Kinnear Retired Members Guild RMG

Gayle Armstrong Saint John CRA/AU/AFS

Tim McCullough Saint John CRA/AU/AFS

Patrick Wilbur Saint John OAG/NBCP

Rabindra Singh St. Andrews DFO/BI/SP

Marilyn Best St. John's CRA/AU/AFS

Stephen Dillon St. John's SSC/CS

Terry Fleet St. John's DFO/BI/SP

Mike Hefford St. John's CRA/CS/AFS

Travis Kendall St. John's CRA/AU/AFS

Brian MacPhee St. John's Retired

Christine Newhook St. John's ESDC/CS

Leslie White St. John's CRA/AU/AFS

Bonnie O'Rourke St. John's ACOA/CO/AV

Friday, May 26^th, 2017

Welcome and Introductions

Atlantic Regional Director, Kim Skanes called the meeting of the 74^th Atlantic Regional Council (ARC) to order at 1:05 pm. Housekeeping items were reviewed. Kim invited those who are attending the ARC for the first time to stand and be recognized.

Guests Debi Daviau, PIPSC President and CEO, Greg Scriver, NCR Director and Observers Stan Buday, CS President and Lucille Shears, CS Membership Officer were introduced.

The Regional Executive and Training Committee members came to the front of the room to be recognized: Manny Costain, Phil Wilson, Carolyn Hynes, Michael Basque, Barry Gerus, Susan Harris, Cathy Hebert, Scott McConaghy, Mike Pauley and Gerry Saunders.

Staff members Paul Hartigan, Manager, Atlantic Region, Catherine Pinks, Office Administrator and Marion MacEachern, New Brunswick Liaison were introduced to the delegates.

Carolyn Hynes read the Equality Statement.

Nominations for the Atlantic Regional Executive Committee

Kim introduced Election Sub Committee lead Manny Costain. Manny explained there are five (5) Members at Large, two year term positions up for election. Nominations will be made today and candidates’ addresses are scheduled for 4:30 pm with elections taking place Saturday prior to lunch. Candidates will be given three minutes for their address. Nominations commenced as follows:

• Everett Scott nominated Marcel Journeay - accepted
• Susan Harris nominated Phil Wilson - accepted
• Krista MacDonald nomintated Carolyn Hynes - accepted
• Craig Bradly nominated Gerald Hill - accepted
• Gilles Comeau nominated Michael Basque - accepted
• Justin Murphy nominated Chris Gilfoy - accepted
• Phil Wilson nominated Sue Harris - accepted
• Francis Poirier nominated Marilyn Best - accepted
• Hashem Abou Shahla nominated Barry Gerus - accepted

All nominees accepted the nomintations and nominations closed. Manny reminded delegates ARC voting cards will be required to obtain a ballot. Manny stated that as there are 9 nominations for 5 positions and elections will take place Saturday.

Resolution Workout

The Regional Executive lead a presentation, working group and mock meeting on Resolutions.

Executive of the Year Award

Kim presented the 2017 Executive of the Year Award to recipient Carolyn Hynes of the St. John’s Branch and St. John`s SH Sub Group.

Regional Executive Candidates’ Address

Manny introduced the candidates indicating they would have three minutes each to address the delegates. Candidates’ addresses followed.

Recess

The meeting recessed for the day at 4:30 pm.

Saturday, May 27^th, 2017

Welcome and Opening Remarks

The business meeting of the 74^th Atlantic Regional Council was called to order at 8:40 am by Kimberly Skanes, Atlantic Regional Director with Scott McConaghy as Parliamentarian and Catherine Pinks as Recording Secretary. Kim welcomed the delegates noting everyone seemed to enjoy themselves at last evenings Hospitality and Bowling Tournament at the Alley.

1. Approval of Agenda

The agenda for the 74^th Atlantic Regional Council was presented to the delegates for approval.

Motion #1

Doreen Weatherbie (Prince Edward Island) moved and Cathy Hebert (Atlantic Regional Executive) seconded that the 74^th Atlantic Regional Council Agenda be approved as presented.

Carried

2. Approval of 73^rd Atlantic Regional Council Minutes

It was pointed out that on Page 7, last paragraph a name was missing - Matt MacLeod should be added.

Motion #2

Anthony McAndrew (Prince Edward Island) moved and Marilyn Best (St. John`s) seconded that the minutes be accepted as amended. Carried

3. Roll Call

Catherine Pinks (Staff) and Kimberley Skanes (Atlantic Regional Director) completed a delegate roll call. All delegates as per the participants’ list contained in the minutes were present with the exception of Mounah Zrein who subsequently arrived.

4. Regional Director’s Report

Atlantic Regional Director, Kim Skanes, thanked the Regional Executive and regional office staff for their dedication and work in the region.

The Regional Executive set three goals for 2016: Establish a youth committee in the region; win the Legacy Cup and enhance member engagement in conjunction with the executive meetings.

With the exception of winning the cup, the Executive’s goals have been realized.

Kim reported she has spoke at various Branch and Group AGMs in the region. The opportunity to update the members on the activities and priorities within the region and PIPSC as a whole is appreciated.

She has attended all by one of the Board meetings during the past year. In January the Board participated in a session on governance and establish their strategic objectives. The objectives have three themes: Enhanced influence, value to members and becoming a model organization. The objectives will be built upon during the three year mandate of the Board.

Kim reported she has served as Chair of the Members Services Committee (MSC) and as temporary Chair of the Finance Committee. She has been selected again to chair the former MSC now the Training and Education Committee (TEC). TEC has taken on a major review of the membership training. In addition Kim reported she serves on the Pension Committee for PIPSC staff.

During the reporting period Kim attended the Broadbent Progress Summit and the CLC Triennial convention.

Motion #3

Kimberley Skanes (Atlantic Regional Director) moved and Carolyn Hynes (Atlantic Regional Executive) seconded that the Atlantic Regional Director’s report be accepted as presented.

Carried

5. Regional Executive Report

Carolyn Hynes (Atlantic Regional Executive) explained the sub committees of the Atlantic Executive include: Elections, Resolutions, Communications, Awards, Branch and NB Group Liaison and the Training Committee. Noted each Sub Committee has a defined mandate, roles and responsibilities.

Carolyn stated as elected officials the Executive is accountable to the Atlantic membership. As the voice of the membership, we endeavour to meet the region's needs through open dialogue, negotiation, and collaborating with members, Branches, Provincial Groups, and the Retired Member’s Guild to bring forward pertinent issues for action. We work to resolve issues within a timely manner and bring forward applicable resolutions to the National AGM. We encourage you, the membership, to forward any issues to your Executive either directly or through your Branches or/and Groups.

Carolyn reviewed the activities of the Executive during the reporting period and encouraged delegates to review the Executive’s minutes posted to the PIPSC Website and the ARC Virtual Binder. She encouraged delegates to bring forward issues and recommendations at any time.

Motion #4

Carolyn Hynes (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and Mike Pauley (Atlantic Regional

Executive) seconded that the Regional Executive Report be accepted as presented. Carried

6. Regional Executive Financial Report

Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) presented the Atlantic Regional Executive Financial Reports providing an explanation of the various line items. He elaborated on the budget and year to date actuals for 2017. Phil then addressed delegate’s questions.

Calvin Martini (Moncton) inquired what was covered under the Member Engagement line item of $3000. Phil responded that the Executive set a goal to engage the local membership in conjunction with our Executive meetings and therefore budgeted for 5 Meet and Greet events.

Chris Coghlin (Halifax) stated that the CLC Convention budget amount seems unreasonable. Phil explained that the region sent four delegates and agreed to pay the expenses for one. Debi Daviau indicated that the Region had committed to pay, but National did not have a full slate so we swapped in some Atlantic delegates so she understood the costs would be covered.

Terry Fleet (St. John’s) Inquired if there was a way for the Branches and Sub Groups to tap into the member engagement funds. Phil responded that Lunch and Learn money may be an option. Debi Daviau stated there are ways to find money for example Better Together funds are available through Stephan Aubrey. Branch or Sub Group it doesn’t matter, send a request to your Regional Director.

Marilyn Best (St. John’s) commented on the low attendance at the Executive’s member engagement event held in St. John’s suggesting perhaps the notice to the membership wasn’t distributed appropriately.

Scott McConaghy (Atlantic Regional Executive) commented the meet and greet held in Fredericton had a good turnout noting that in addition to emailing a notice of the event, in order for it to be successful it requires personal contact as well.

Gilles Comeau (Northern New Brunswick) inquired why the hospitality line item is lower than the previous year. Phil explained that hospitality expenditures are now reflected under the specific events.

Francis Porier (Moncton) asked if Phil could break the line items down further and show how much was spent for hospitality. Scott McConaghy stated that going forward the treasurer could provide the detailed breakdown for the ARC delegates.

Paul Smith (DND Halifax) noted that the surplus figures for 2017 are incorrect. Phil made the corrections.

Bonnie O’Rourke inquired where the Executive’s travel expenses appear in the documents. Phil explained that travel comes under another budget for constituent body meetings.

Motion #5

Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and seconded by Cathy Hebert (Atlantic Regional Executive) that the Atlantic Regional Executive Financial Reports be accepted as presented.

Carried

7. Regional Training Committee Report

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) stated he was honoured to be chosen to lead the Regional Training Committee and thanked the members of the committee and Halifax regional office staff.

Manny reported the following training sessions have been held during the past year:

• September 2016 Basic Steward Training in Fredericton, NB with 12 participants.
• October 2016 Atlantic Steward Council.
• November 2016 Occupational Health and Safety Training in Moncton, NB with 20 participants.
• February 2017 Constituent Body Training in Halifax, NS with 13 participants.
• April 2017 Regional Training School at White Point, NS with 50 participants.

Since the last ARC the region has trained 27 new stewards, with currently 213 stewards in the Atlantic Region.

Manny pointed out that in November there will be an OHS training session for members from the Province of New Brunswick. He thanked the regional office for pulling this course together.

The Training Committee also has some money in the training budget to help fund workplace Lunch and Learn sessions. Anyone wishing to host a Lunch and Learn should contact a member of the Training Committee for more information or consult the PIPSC webpage for details. Manny noted one of our Stewards, Dale Hudson (Halifax) was travelling in the region on business and with the permission of his employer was able to host Lunch and Learns in the cities where he had meetings.

Motion #6

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and seconded by Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) that the Regional Training Committee Report be accepted as presented. Carried

8. Regional Manager’s Report

Kim introduced Paul Hartigan, Manager Atlantic Region.

Paul thanked Phil for his finance presentation as it reminded him why he went into labour relations not accounting. Paul thanked his team in Halifax stating Catherine keeps me focused and the ERO’s work collaboratively. The collaborative approach is important for PIPSC as that is how we want to work with the members. Stewards are the ears and eyes on the ground for us and we applaud you for the work you do.

During the year Phoenix has moved to the forefront. We have been trying to help the members who are suffering – and they are suffering. As a former human resource officer, I know the one thing you don’t do is mess with peoples pay. We look at the issues, find out what is involved and ensure that everything that could be done is done. Find out what their needs are – maybe ESA, priority pay or PIPSC loan. We created a system where we document all the cases in the regions and we regularly send reports to the President’s office and profile the critical cases. We are now working broader across the departments on grievances that are going forward. Through the President’s office we have filed policy grievances with the employers. No extra resources have been assigned; we have been doing this along with all other active work.

We have had over a 100 active files during the past year - we don’t open files on all cases. Some other areas we are working on are: Harassment based cases, at times we have a number of EROs involved in a particular case. Return to work situations for people with disabilities are difficult when the member wants to return. We try to ensure the transition is successful by working with mangers in the workplace. Discipline matters resulting from wilful misconduct are ongoing and there are many factors to consider. Under the collective agreement the member does have a right to representation and we ensure they are given a fair process. We are often able to demonstrate that the employer hasn’t followed process.

We have worked hard with our team in New Brunswick to assist our provincial members with their labour relations issues. Our members know what the history is and the commitments that were made and as changes in government occur these commitments are often overlooked. We have put together a strategy that involves many people.

Terry Fleet (St. John’s) Inquired in regard to Phoenix at what point should we contact the regional office? Paul responded he realizes a lot of people experiencing pay problems haven’t contacted PIPSC. He encourages members affected to let us know so we can track them. President Daviau added that connecting right away is important as Treasury Board is about to implement the new collective agreements (CA’s). As many PARs as possible will be resolved before the CA’s are implement. It is important that you register your PAR’s. Immediately contact the ERO as they can really guide you through the process. We have a sheet used to gather the key information so that we gather consistent information. We have members coming to us about the policy grievances who have never contacted PIPSC before.

Nick Isenor (Halifax) thanked Paul and Max and Barry for all their hard work on Phoenix. A round of applause followed.

Marilyn Best (St. John’s) thanked PIPSC for their work on Phoenix with special mention of Ian Tate, CRA, who provided assistance. Marilyn recommend AFS members with pay issues contact Ian Tate.

Sheila MacLean (NBEN) stated Paul made a good point about representation, noting the last few cases she has participated in were really mental health issues not disciplinary.

Marion MacEachern (NB Liaison) addressed the delegates reporting on her activities.

Motion # 7

Francis Poirier (Moncton) moved and Doreen Weatherbie (Prince Edward Island) seconded the Regional Manager’s Report be accepted as presented. Carried

9. President’s Address

The President gave a presentation on PIPSC and You. President Daviau recognized the work done in the Atlantic Region and stated that Director Kim Skanes is considered a strong contributor at the Board. She extended her thanks to the Executive who is diverse stating Atlantic punches above their weight class. Debi stated that there are many strong contributors in the region: Chris Roach who is Chair of the Advisory Council, the Young Professionals Committee, NB Groups who hold feet to the fire on Pension issues and are preparing for the fight on C-27 and of course the Halifax regional office staff. As the lead staff person for Phoenix, Debi stated Paul has put me in a better position at the national table. She thanked all who are here at this Council and welcomes input encouraging delegates to reach out suggesting connecting via email works best.

10. Election

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) explained to the delegates that the room will be tiled when ballots are be distributed to those who have a voting card, and will remain tiled until the ballots are collected. He reviewed the regulations and process for the elections. The ballots were distributed and collected.

RECESS FOR LUNCHEON

11. Election Results

Manny Costain announced the election results: Total of 88 ballots cast. The newly elected Executive members are as follows:

• Marcel Journeay
• Phil Wilson
• Carolyn Hynes
• Michael Basque
• Marilyn Best

Motion # 8

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and Gilles Comeau (Northern New Brunswick) seconded that the ballots be destroyed. Carried

12. Resolutions

RESOLUTION #1

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Sponsor: Atlantic Regional Executive

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and Calvin Martini (Moncton Branch) seconded. Carried

Whereas the name of the Member Services Committee was changed to the Training and Education Committee by the 2017 PIPSC AGM;

Therefore be it resolved that bylaw 6.2 shall change to;

6.2 Atlantic Regional Training Committee: There shall be a committee of the Atlantic Regional Executive known as the Atlantic Regional Training Committee, consisting of five (5) members. Up to two (2) members from the Atlantic Region who are not members of the Atlantic Regional Executive may be elected to this committee. The three (3) or more remaining positions will be elected from the Atlantic Regional Executive by the Atlantic Regional Executive. The Chair of the Atlantic Regional Training Committee will be elected by the Regional Executive and must be a member of the Regional Executive. The Chair of the Training Committee reports to the Atlantic Regional Executive and is the Atlantic Region's recommended representative to the Member Services Committee Training and Education Committee.

Be it further resolved;

R6.2 Atlantic Regional Training Committee Mandate:

The mandate of the Atlantic Regional Training Committee is: to liaise with the Atlantic Regional Executive, the Member Services Committee Training and Education Committee and regional staff with respect to regional training initiatives; to solicit from the Regional Council, Steward's Council and regional constituent bodies input concerning the Institute training program; to review the training applications for acceptance to ensure the individuals meet the criteria and objectives for admission.

RESOLUTION #2

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Sponsor: Atlantic Regional Executive

Manny Costain (Atlantic Regional Executive) moved and Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) seconded.

Amendment #1

Tim McCullough (Saint John) moved and seconded by Chris Titus that the Halifax Branch allotment be lowered to 4 delegates for 2018 and that one be given to Saint John. Failed

Question on the original motion. Carried

Revised proposal for a new AGM delegate formula to cover a 3 year period from 2018-2020.

Ground rules used:

1. Every Branch would receive at least one delegate in the 3 year period.

2. I used a 250 member figure to divide the numbers and multiply by 3 years for all Branches.

3. The result will help determine the number of delegates deserved over a 3 year period.

4. Shortfall will help determine which Branches should get first unused delegates.

5. I have broken Branches into two groups.

Whereas we expect the Atlantic Region will receive 16 delegates for the PIPSC AGM’s from 2018 to 2020;

Therefore be it resolved the Atlantic Region delegate formula for the PIPSC AGM’s from 2018 to 2020 is as follows:

Branch	mbrs*3/250	Result	Short	2018	2019	2020
Halifax	1136*3/250	13.63	0.63	5	4	4
Moncton	648*3/250	7.78	0.78	2	2	3
St. John’s	574*3/250	6.89	0.89	2	2	2
Fredericton	539*3/250	6.47	1.47	2	2	1
PEI	493*3/250	5.92	0.92	1	2	2
Halifax DND	343*3/250	4.12	1.12	1	1	1
Saint John	179*3/250	2.15	1.15	0	1	0
Northern NB	118*3/250	1.42	0.42	1	0	0
Gander	78*3/250	0.94	-----	0	0	1
Dorchester	67*3/250	0.80	-----	1	0	0
Cape Breton	65*3/250	0.78	-----	0	1	0
St. Andrews	50*3/250	0.60	-----	0	0	1
Kentville	43*3/250	0.53	-----	1	0	0
Greenwood	37*3/250	0.43	-----	0	1	0
Lake Melville	14*3/250	0.17	-----	0	0	1
Total				16	16	16

 

 

Be it further resolved unused delegates would go to the following Branches in order over the 3 year period.

Fredericton -1.47

Saint John -1.15

Halifax DND -1.12

Prince Edward Island -0.92

St. John’s -0.89

Moncton -0.78

Halifax -0.63

 

RESOLUTION #3

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Moved by Chris Roach (Prince Edward Island) and seconded by Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive). Carried

Whereas the Atlantic region financial statements are brought to the Regional Council for approval and,

Whereas there is a limited amount of time to review the statements by the assembly and,

Whereas it is a good practice to have financial statements reviewed by someone at arm’s length from the Regional Executive,

Therefore be it resolved the Atlantic Regional Executive put a process in place that will cause the statements to be reviewed by someone from outside the executive before being presented to the Regional Council, and

Be it further resolved that a report issued by the reviewer be presented to the council stating the findings of the review.

RESOLUTION #4

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Moved by Chris Roach (Prince Edward Island) and seconded by Doreen Weatherbie (Prince Edward Island). Carried

Whereas each PIPSC Group and consultation team is entitled to one representative to the AC and,

Whereas the AC director and AC Chair are elected from within the AC membership and,

Whereas the chair and the AC director are involved in the running of the meeting and not participating in the meeting which limits their ability to represent their constituency,

Therefore be it resolved the Atlantic region sponsor a resolution to the PIPSC AGM that allows the AC director and AC chair to designate a replacement, allowing their constituency to be fully represented, while ensuring the director and chair maintain their status as an AC member.

RESOLUTION #5

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Chris Roach (Prince Edward Island) moved and seconded by Doreen Weatherbie (Prince Edward Island).

Amendment #1

Marilyn Best (St. John’s) moved and seconded by Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) to eliminate one full time and one part time VP position. Failed

The question on the original motion was called. Carried

Whereas PIPSC currently has 4 VP positions and a board of 9 directors to assist the President.

And, whereas the 4 VP positions are underutilized which causes internal conflict as the parties struggle to find a mandate.

And, whereas the 2 part time VP positions incur considerable expense for travel to and from Ottawa.

Therefore be it resolved that the Atlantic region sponsor a resolution to the PIPSC AGM that results in the elimination of the 2 part time VP positions to be eliminated at the conclusion of the current term.

RESOLUTION #6

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Doreen Weatherbie (Prince Edward Island) moved and Chris Roach (Prince Edward Island) seconded.

Amendment #1

Chris Roach (Prince Edward Island) moved and Craig Bradley (Prince Edward Island) seconded that the be it resolved read - Therefore be it resolved that PIPSC strike a task force to review other union’s women’s committees and bring back a report to the 2018 AGM. Carried

Whereas women constitute a large portion of PIPSC members and need a voice to be heard at PIPSC;

Whereas a National Status of Women Committee exits in our Government since late 1970;

Whereas Women`s rights are still an ongoing issue in Government Department and PIPSC and are not being respected regardless what policy is in place;

Therefore be it resolved that the Atlantic Region sponsor a resolution to cause that a National Committee for Women in PIPSC be created with all the By-Laws, budget and policy required.

Therefore be it resolved that PIPSC strike a task force to review other union’s women’s committees and bring back a report to the 2018 AGM.

RESOLUTION #7

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Moved by Mike Pauley (Atlantic Regional Executive) and seconded by Chris Titus (NBCP).

Carried

Whereas the New Brunswick pension problem is ongoing;

Whereas there is a Provincial Election in the fall of 2018;

Therefore be it resolved that a media/education campaign be developed and implemented, in conjunction with PIPSC National, NB Group and Atlantic Regional Executive by Sept. 1, 2017, to engage the members and apply pressure upon the government prior to the election.

RESOLUTION #8

74^th Atlantic Regional Council

Moved by Muhammed Abudulai (Kentville) and seconded by Bonnie O`Rourke (St. John`s).

Withdrawn

Whereas committee members of the Board are appointed on an annual basis for a one year term;

Be it resolved that appointments to committees of the board are for a term of two years.

Calvin Martin (Moncton) called for a point of order inquiring if this would require a By-Law change. Scott McConaghy (Atlantic Regional Executive) explained that it would and is therefore out of order.

13. PIPSC Budget

Phil Wilson (Atlantic Regional Executive) directed delegates to the PIPSC budget and audited financial statements contained in their meeting packages. Phil stated the good news is there was a projection of 1.5 million deficit on page 6, statement of operations, and there was actually a surplus of 1.1. million. The bad news is members are paying more dues. The settling of the Olymel case resulted in a surplus eliminating the projected deficit.

14. Pensions – Stop Bill C-27

Greg Scriver, NCR Director, gave an informative presentation on Pensions and Bill C-27.

Krista MacDonald (Fredericton), member of the NBEN Group spoke on the Pension issue from the NB perspective and efforts to regain their defined benefit plan.

15. 2017 AGM Delegate Allotment

Scott McConaghy (Atlantic Regional Executive) explained the reasoning for developing a formula to portion out the Region’s AGM Delegate allotment of 16 amongst our Atlantic Branches. He explained that we are at the end of a three year formula 2015 – 2017.

16. Branch and Provincial Group Report Summary

Marcel Journeay (Greenwood) presented the highlights from the Branch President’s reports. Although the reports were prepared in isolation it was noted that they all have the same issues.

There were five dominate issues: Phoenix, bargaining, contracting out, sick leave and staffing. These issues were noted in the written reports, but at the meeting the Presidents discussed Pensions and membership engagement. He noted that what was always done may not be working any more. The Atlantic region is spread over a large territory – how do we engage those people at a distance? A decrease in steward numbers is of concern and the need to engage the younger membership population was identified. Marcel stated that the Branch and Provincial Groups President’s meeting is an awesome forum and he applauded the executive for bringing it forward.

Misty Mathews Emery (NBLA) echoed the comments of Marcel that she appreciated having the opportunity for the Presidents to meet. The reports from the NB Groups have common themes and the size of our NB Groups is an issue. Highlights from the reports are the recently signed collective agreements. Five of the six expire in 2018, Legal Aid expires in 2019. Member engagement is an issue for all bodies. Another common issue identified is the Pension - Krista MacDonald (NBEN) covered it well in her presentation – the impact is enormous. The NB Groups believe this in an important issue and to remember we are all in this together. On a positive note Marion MacEachern the NB Liaison has been a great help.

Motion #9

Marcel Journeay (Greenwood) moved and Misty Matthews-Emery (NBLA) seconded that the Branch and Provincial Groups President’s report be accepted as presented. Carried

17. New Business

Kim thanked all attendees for their participation in the 74^th ARC.

18. Adjournment

Motion # 10

Phil Wilson moved and Mike Pauley seconded that the Atlantic Regional Council meeting be adjourned. Carried