Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (and North Shore) Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes
Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 5:30 pm at the Auberge des deux tours in Jonquière
In attendance: Kaven Landry (President)
Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe (Interim Vice-President)
Sébastien Chouinard (Treasurer)
Pascal Bourgeois (Interim Secretary)
Stéphane Demers (Member-at-Large/Director)
Jonathan Fradet (Member-at-Large/Director)
Regrets:
Resignation: Sonia Richard (V-P)
Josée Girard (Secretary)
Total members/guests present: 41
The meeting started at 6:00 pm.
- Roll Call (Members of the Executive)
The President, Kaven Landry, introduced the members of the Executive.
- Opening Remarks
The President thanked the members for being present in such a large number and emphasized the presence of our guests Pierre Potvin, Alain Saint-Gelais and Guylaine Tremblay.
- Approval of the Agenda
Acceptance of the agenda was moved by Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe and seconded by Roxanne Côté.
- Action Items from the April 3, 2019, AGM Minutes
Mr. Landry presented a summary of the report.
- Issues arising from the Minutes of the April 3, 2019, AGM
No business arising from the minutes.
- Approval of the AGM Minutes of April 3, 2019
The approval of the minutes was proposed by Janick Lavoie and seconded by Sébastien Chouinard.
- President’s Report
Mr. Landry reported that the Branch has approximately 146 members in 9 departments and agencies. He specified that the Executive meets 4 to 5 times a year. During these meetings, various subjects are discussed, including negotiations, mobilization, and support to members. These meetings are also a good opportunity to exchange information.
Few activities have been initiated by the members of the Executive, this year. However, it will be possible, in the coming months, to organize lunch and learn sessions. A few promotional materials can be ordered and given to members, in some workplaces. Mr. Landry invited the participants to suggest activities with union overtones. The Branch has some financial capacity for this type of event.
Last month, Mr. Landry had the opportunity to meet with PIPSC’s new President, Jennifer Carr. She speaks French very well and seems dynamic. The Branch will try to invite her to a future event.
In conclusion, Mr. Landry thanked the members of the Executive for their involvement and support. Exchanges are essential to the sustainability of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (and North Shore) Branch. It is certainly difficult to mobilize all the members, but for the future, let’s try to do well!
- Vice-President Update
Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe introduced herself and stated that her main objective is to help and support the Branch to ensure its sustainability. She invited the members to inform her if they have any particular concerns.
- Annual Financial Report of the Treasurer Sébastien Chouinard
Treasurer Sébastien Chouinard explained that due to the pandemic, no activities were carried out in 2020 and 2021. A contest was initiated during the 2020 holiday season for the modest sum of $150. The bank balance as of December 31, 2021, was $4,219.82. For the year 2022, the Branch has a budget of approximately $4,000 from which costs related to the 2022 AGM will be deducted.
10. Approval of the 2021 Annual Financial Report and 2022 Budget
The approval of the financial report was proposed by Jonathan Fradette and seconded by Caroline Jean.
11. Change of Name and Amendment of the By-Laws
Due to the integration of the North Shore Region members into the Saguenay-Lac-St‑Jean Branch, the name of the Branch must be changed [Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (and North Shore) Branch], and the by-laws must be amended accordingly. It was moved by President Kaven Landry and seconded by Acting Vice-President Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe to change the name of the Branch to: Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (and North Shore) Branch It was also proposed by the same two persons to amend the by-laws. Following the reading of the latter, the change of name and the adoption of the new by-laws were unanimously approved by the members present at the meeting.
12. Presentation by Alain Saint-Gelais and Guylaine Tremblay
Mr. Saint-Gelais served as President for about ten years. He mentioned that he was very proud of the work accomplished and encouraged the members to get involved in the Branch and the various activities. It is a rewarding experience, especially when there is a strong turnout like tonight.
Guylaine Tremblay also served as President of the Branch for six years. She said she is very happy in her retirement and particularly pleased that the Branch is still very dynamic. She encouraged people to get involved in the labour movement in large numbers.
13. Presentation by Pierre Potvin, Director of the Quebec Region
Mr. Potvin warmly greeted the members and thanked them for their support. He said he was very happy to be there. He is a former military officer and has worked for many years in the Canadian public service. His primary mission is to engage members, in the aftermath of the pandemic. He mentioned that various union events are coming up, including the Regional Council (end of May 2022), the School for Stewards (June 2022) and the Annual General Meeting (Fall 2022). He invited the members to get involved in large numbers.
14. Elections
President (1-year term): Roxanne Côté nominated Kaven Landry. The motion was seconded by Janick Lavoie. There were no other nominations. Kaven accepted. Kaven was elected by acclamation.
Vice-President (2-year term): Sébastien Chouinard nominated Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe. The motion was seconded by Audrey Bouchard. There were no other nominations. Valérie accepted. Valérie was elected by acclamation.
Secretary (2-year term): Kaven Landry nominated Pascal Bourgeois. The motion was seconded by David Claveau. There were no other nominations. Pascal accepted. Pascal was elected by acclamation.
Treasurer (1-year term): Pascal Bourgeois nominated Sébastien Chouinard. The motion was seconded by Luc Villeneuve. There were no other nominations. Sébastien accepted. Sébastien was elected by acclamation.
13. Directors (2-year term)
Janick Lavoie nominated Roxanne Côté. The motion was seconded by Anne-Émilie Simard-Desbiens. Roxanne accepted.
Joëlle Harvey nominated Maxim Tremblay. The motion was seconded by Kosal Kong. Maxim accepted.
Kaven Landry nominated David Claveau. The motion was seconded by Pascal Bourgeois. David accepted.
14. Directors (1-year term)
Christine Tremblay nominated Stéphane Demers. The motion was seconded by Pascal Bourgeois. Stéphane accepted.
Christine Tremblay nominated Steeve Tremblay. The motion was seconded by Pierre Fortin. Steeve accepted.
Claire de la Sablonnière nominated Christine Tremblay. The motion was seconded by Martin Desgagné. Christine accepted.
Valérie Ringuette-Lapointe nominated Joëlle Blanchette. The motion was seconded by Johanne Simard. Joëlle accepted.
The Members-at-Large/Directors were elected by acclamation.
15. Other Business
No topics were covered, in this section.
16. Adjournment
The meeting ended at 8:00 pm. Moved by Keven Bouchard and seconded by Martin Pedneault.