The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
Log in

Ontario Region Executive  Minutes March 27, 2025

Caesars Windsor, 227 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, Ontario

Present: J. Purdie, C. L’Estrange, T. Yantsis, B. Brawley, T. MacDonald, S. Labbé, H. Timla, 

T. Zaharopoulos, D. Kamaldin, R. Kaura, S. Asif

Regrets:

 

Meeting called to Order

  1. Opening Remarks 

Director acknowledged land that we met on and welcomed the ORE.  

  1. Approval of Agenda 

Motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Consensus

  1. Approval of Minutes 

Motion to approve the February 1st, 2025 ORE meeting minutes. Consensus

  1. Matters Arising / Tracking Report – John Purdie

Discussion surrounding each action item. Concur How To Video not updated yet. Discussion around constituent body alignment with PIPSC year-end. HRDC Chair in favour of holding HRDC meeting June 30th. VP Francis (HRDC Chair) presented to EC and it was approved. 

  1. Treasurer’s Report – Tom Y. 

Treasurer reviewed financial situation and current expenditures in his Treasurer’s report. Questions and comments answered.

BT funding for Bus transportation is pending. Discussion surrounding hockey event and how members may react to an event in the United States.

 

  1. Committee reports 
    1. BOD COMMITTEES 
      1. BLPC – Sabrina Labbé

Report submitted - first meeting will be April 7&8 in Ottawa.

  1. Finance – Jonathan Nesher 

Report submitted

  1. HRDC – Harry

Report submitted, highlights discussed.

  1. ITSP – Dora Scarling 

Report submitted

  1. SA – Foster Scott

Report submitted

  1. National Training – Bridget Brawley

Dave Sutherland is Chair. First meeting was held March 8. Budget draft for 2026-2027 is being prepared in next few weeks. Mentoring program is in progress. Website needs overhaul to ensure mentoring program will function. Raised an issue with TEAM about member missing training for reasons outside member’s control. Final decision is Chair’s & Regional Director’s. 

  1. Election – Tim Azab 

No report submitted, no update at this time. 

Election Appeals – Sahra Asif

No meeting yet. Received initial email on how to review election appeals. April 5th is first virtual meeting.

  1. ORE COMMITTEES / Liaison 
    1. Training Committee – Bridget Brawley

Had first meeting March 26. Brief overview of discussion points: L&L process, member facilitators, training updates. 

Notes are found in our drive.

  1. Bylaw & Policy – Sabrina Labbé

Evergreen document is updated. 

  1. Visibility Mobilization – Sabrina & Harry

Black History Month update by Harry. Jennie Esnard was highlighted on Ontario FB page. Loads of traffic and reactions on this post. A thank you card will be sent to her along with an email. Pride Parade update by Harry. Discussion around piloting participation in Pride Parade by Ontario members. Use BT funds to obtain shirts and snacks/water for spectators. Use attendance numbers to see if fully funded event is worth it. Labour Day update by Sabrina. Preliminary plans are in place. Truth & Reconciliation event will also be part of calendar of activities.

Action: Harry to speak to VP Francis to request special funding for $X,XXX to be used for Toronto Pride Parade registration.

  1. Ontario Provincial Group – Tina MacDonald

Discussions surrounding certain attempts by various employers trying to overrule licensing protocols such as hiring students for example. Update on negotiations for groups. More and more members are becoming interested and stepping up. People are happy. A lot of work is being done and we are reaping the benefits. A Human Rights complaint has been accepted by Ontario Human Rights Commission; it is being presented to the Employer soon.

  1. Young Professionals – Rachit Kaura

AFS YPN has been set up, the Chair is Ward Cluff. Rachit is Toronto Rep. Resolution to be presented at ORC, discussion on process and procedures. An amended resolution is sent to Heather in case it is needed. Youth budget discussion and questions. Event planned in Hamilton at the Splitsville Bowling, April 25th, 2025. 

Motion: That the ORE supports the spending of $X,XXX from the Youth’s PIPSC budget.

Moved: Rachit Kaura

2nd: Sabrina Labbé Passed

Committee is reforming, candidates will be selected during June 7th meeting.

  1. Branch Liaison – Tina MacDonald

Last year was overwhelming, did not accomplish as much as wished. Discussions around Presidents meeting Friday morning during ORC. Bridget as Training Chair will have short presentation. Treasurer Training is required for all new Treasurers, with a refresher potentially every 3 years, according to AC. Finance representative is designated as the trainer and must schedule sessions. Sessions are held after hours and are approximately an hour long. 

  1. Legacy Foundation – Chris L’Estrange

Updates on Legacy Coordinator position (individual passed away recently). Looking into where legacy fund is making donations, such as the Boys and Girls club renewal. Legacy foundation is looking to reach more and more students and give out more scholarships. Discussions on criteria and who receives scholarships. Champion to be confirmed.

  1. Regional Council – Tom Zaharopoulos  & Harry Timla

Quick review of posted Agenda, announcing small changes. Update on Election by Chair, Harry Timla. Procedures discussed. 2027 ORC locations discussed: Kingston, Niagara Falls, Toronto.

  1. Steward Council – Bridget Brawley

OSC is Sept 12 & 13. Bridget is preparing the Agenda in advance. Draft Agenda could be available for next meeting, June 7th. Some invitations have been sent. Selection process for Steward of the Year is following certain national procedures, we will know more later on. Selection process for Executive of the Year will remain as has done in the past. Brainstormed ideas for breakout sessions. 

  1. Director’s Report – John Purdie

Report submitted. Discussed highlights.

  1. Planning Document – John Purdie

Document is as up to date as it can be. Discussion surrounding timelines. 

  1. New Business 
    1. Steward 

Stewards in a group, a situation where too few stewards in a workplace. Discussions surrounding group specific stewardship. 

  1. ERO/LRO 

Communication issues are being dealt with.

  1. Round Table 

Bridget - if not back, loved working with our group.

Sabrina - last 2 years was amazing, hope to be back, huge learning experience.

Rachit - nothing much, hopes members are back

Tina - will ORE attend Branch Presidents meeting, open to those that wish to be, as an observer, phishing email will be added to the Agenda.

Chris - productive meeting, welcome back Din

Din - wishes to open our minds, looking forward to getting back into the thick of things

Sahra - nothing from her, enjoyed her term with us

Harry - thanks everyone on the Executive, recognition on this year’s work, members are appreciative of our efforts

Tom Y - heartfelt words shared to Din

Tom Z - all good, wishing us a good ORC

John - appreciates all our work and efforts, he sees everything that we do, even if members may not always

 

Meeting adjourned

Published on 22 July 2025