MEETING PRAIRIE/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES REGIONAL EXECUTIVE (“PRE”) MEETING
HELD AT Courtyard Marriott, Edmonton, Alberta
START TIME 9:00 AM
END TIME 5:00 PM
DATE December 1, 2018
PERSONS PRESENT
Nancy McCune, Acting Part Time Vice President
Robert Trudeau, Acting Regional Director & Saskatoon Branch Representative
Sharon Losinski, Regional Branch Vice Chair & Edmonton Branch Representative
Nazim Awan, Small Branch Representative
Bobby Eiswirth, Regina Branch Representative
Christine Freeman, Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba Branch Representative
Samah Henein, Calgary Branch representative
Nancy Shalay, Small Branch Representative
Stuart Kidd, Secretary-Treasurer
CALL TO ORDER
Robert Trudeau called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Approval of Amended Agenda. Motion to approve by Robert, seconded by Nazim, carried.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 13, 2018 MEETING
2.1 Approval of Amended Minutes from October 13, 2018. Moved by Robert, seconded by Samah, carried.
2.2 Change to item 11. Other business with Training Committee -members are Robert, Sharon, Samah & Bobby.
3. DIRECTOR’S BOARD REPORT FOR OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2018 - SUBMITTED BY ROBERT TRUDEAU
Director’s Report to the Regional Executive for October & November 2018
Robert Trudeau discussed several issues at Board of Directors meeting. These included:
Employee Wellness Support Program (EWSP) discussions and final language still in progress. Robert mentioned that the PIPSC groups will need to vote on EWSP to ratify inclusion in the applicable group collective bargaining agreement.
Phoenix issues were discussed. A slight reduction in outstanding employee tickets does not mean the pay system is now functioning.
Dental Plan changes are coming January 1, 2019. The main change is an increase in yearly coverage total to $XX for 2019 calendar year. The yearly coverage will be $XX effective January 1, 2020 and $XX effective January 1, 2021. No change is coming for provincial dental charges that Great West uses for determining reimbursable amount for claimants.
Family life balance reimbursement is available for members from PIPSC when a member has two instances of travel status on the second day of rest. The member needs to apply for leave without pay from employer and then claim reimbursement from PIPSC.
Lobby Day is scheduled for February 11, 2019 with Members of Parliament. The discussion will include Bill C-62 that brings in changes to labour legislation promised by the government when elected 3 years ago.
A discussion on results of 2018 PIPSC National Election was held. A summary is provided in number 10 – Other business below. Robert noted that members were unable to view some candidate videos.
The 2019 PIPSC AGM will be different due an AGM resolution to increase in number of delegates from around 400 to 680 for November 8 & 9, 2019. The Prairie & NWT Region will see an increase from 21 delegates to 29 delegates. The present plan is for groups to stay in separate hotels as the Lac Leamy plus Ramada hotel set up is not able to accommodate the increased number of delegates.
The Treasury Board made an initial offer of four year economic increases to PIPSC bargaining groups. The offer will not be accepted as bargaining committees do not members would support the offer.
4. REGIONAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Stuart Kidd presented the Prairie & NWT region financial statements for the period January 1, 2018 to November 15, 2018. The report detailed revenues of $XXX and expenses of $XXX. The beginning bank balance of January 1, 2018 was $XXX with an ending bank balance of $XXX on November 15, 2018. The issue of the 2019 PIPSC allocation to the region was discussed. The 2019 allocation will be impacted by additional members from the RCMP civilian group as well the $XXX bank balance.
A listing of the region inventory as of November 15, 2018 was presented to the executive. Sharon brought 18 “PIPSC Pitches In” T-shirts for the Secretary Treasurer to keep. Nancy S took one T-shirt for the Denwood Branch. Nazim Awan took 5 T-shirts for the NWT branch leaving 12 T-shirts for inventory. Joanne Bouchard will purchase items for Northern Manitoba Branch members and submit receipts for reimbursement up to $XX from region.
Motion to receive financial report by Stuart, seconded by Nancy S. carried.
5. PRAIRIE & NWT REGIONAL TRAINING COMMITTEE REPORT
A training meeting was held on November 30, 2018 at the Edmonton PIPSC office. The regional training committee will request the equivalent training offered in the national capital region for the other five regions. A national training meeting will be held on December 17 & 18, 2018 in Ottawa. Bobby Eiswirth will be recognized for his contributions at the national meeting. Leadership module pilot is being tested before release. Some existing stewards have not applied for renewal past December 31, 2018 and risk losing their steward appointment A PIPSC staff member in Winnipeg has resigned and plans are to hire a replacement by January 2019. The Edmonton office plans to hire a new Employment Relations Officer by summer 2019. The Edmonton office may be moving to a new location in the first six months of 2019. A discussion took place on the Train the Trainer sessions regarding pensions. The training committee agreed that better alternative will be to invite the PIPSC pension staff to travel to various regional centres. The committee is concerned that Prairie & NWT members receive correct information that the new trainers may not be able to provide.
Basic Steward Training – March 27 to 30, 2019 @ Matrix Hotel, Edmonton
Basic Steward training is scheduled March 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2019 at the matrix Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta. The attendance will be limited to 28 members. A pre-training is required for all new stewards before being allowed to attend basic training. A deadline is established for stewards who do not complete pre-training.
Labour School - May 2 to 4, 2019 @ Matrix Hotel, Edmonton
Labour School training is scheduled for May 2, 3 and 4, 2019 again at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta. Two days will be provided to experienced stewards plus newer stewards who completed basic training. Newer stewards will be provided grievance training. Experienced stewards will receive training in grievance outcomes plus relevant court cases. The third day will be devoted to mental health issues in the workplace for all attendees.
Fall 2019 Basic Steward Training – TBD
6. SUMMARY OF PIPSC AGM, OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 2 & 3
Professionals Canada
The resolution to establish Professionals Canada was deferred to the Board at the 2018 AGM.
Discussion of Other AGM Resolutions
The resolution to increase the number of delegates at the AGM passed. The larger groups and regions will receive additional delegates. No group will lose delegates. The issue of additional hotels was raised. How the Prairie & NWT region will allocate an additional 8 delegates is to be determined? The issue of regional observers at the 2019 PIPSC AGM needs review. The 2019 PIPSC AGM will be held at Lac Leamy on November 8 & 9. The regional director will prepare a letter for all delegates. The letter will explain registration deadlines, AGM seating arrangements, Friday morning breakfast and expectations for delegates.
Other Issues: Delegate Attendance, Accommodations
A discussion occurred about the increase in expenses due to larger number of delegates attending the 2019 PIPSC AGM. The Regional Director will expect any Prairie & NWT delegate to register immediately once notified of delegate status. The issue of attendance for both days of the AGM was also raised. The allowance for a gift by a constituent body was increased to $XX.
7. REGIONAL COUNCIL MAY 24 & 25, 2019 @ DELTA HOTEL, WINNIPEG
The 2019 Regional Council 2019 will be held at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg on May 24 & 25. The council will be a full day on Friday, May 24 and a half day on Saturday May 25. Saturday afternoon will be reserved for delegate participation in union parade. The PIPSC board of directors approved participation in Winnipeg strike events. Nancy M stated that she expects all delegates will be available to march in the parade. The 2019 regional council will be held in Winnipeg due to 100th anniversary of 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. The traditional rotation will be resumed in 2020 when the regional council will be held in Calgary. The idea of a parade float will be followed up by Nancy M. Delegates will be reminded that parade is mandatory.
8. STEWARD COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 2019 @ FANTASYLAND HOTEL, EDMONTON
The 2019 Steward Council will be in Edmonton. A social event (no dinner) is planned for the Friday evening. Fantasyland facilities (waterpark, bowling, etc.) will be part of social event planning. Discussions occurred concerning stewards not attending the full 1.5 days of the Council. The PRE noted that some stewards were absent and other stewards arranged their travel that required them to leave the council early. Stewards will be reminded that if they are not available for the full day and one-half sessions, they should not register for the 2019 Steward Council. The 2019 Steward Council will have arranged seating to encourage stewards to meet new stewards. PRE discussions included sign in sheets as well as procedures to deny per diem travel allowances and future attendance at steward councils & training sessions unless stewards inform the regional director of any emergency situations that requires the steward to leave the council early.
9. REVIEW OF STEWARD AWARDS
Prairie & NWT Steward Award
Nancy M mentioned a committee is needed to review nominations for 2019 Steward Awards. Retired members had assisted the region in electing steward awards in the past. The goal of committee will be to make timely selections well before 2019 Steward Council. The issue will be deferred to February 23, 2019 PRE meeting for resolution.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
Update PRE Information on PIPSC Website
The acting regional director discussed PRE information on PIPSC website as well as posting of approved PRE minutes. Translation issues exist for posting of approved minutes.
2019 PRE Meeting Date Determination
The 2019 dates for Prairie & NWT Executive meetings will be:
February 23, 2019 in Winnipeg
April 6, 2019 in Edmonton
June 15, 2019 in Calgary (Lethbridge location considered but will mean additional travel expense & approval)
October 5, 2019 in Edmonton
December 7, 2019 in Winnipeg
PIPSC Youth Symposium
Bobby E will be leaving the Youth Committee. The PRE thanked Bobby E for his efforts. Ryan Thiessen will coordinate a meeting symposium after AGM with a planner from each region attending. A total of 72 spots are available nationally. The Prairie & NWT region will have 12 spots available.
PIPSC Dental Plan Negotiations Continuing January 1, 2019 with Same Benefits as PSAC Plan
The national joint council approved changes ti PIPSC Dental Plan as discussed by Robert Trudeau in regional director’s report of point 3 above.
100th Year Anniversary Winnipeg General Strike: Promotional Items
The 100th year anniversary of the Winnipeg General Strike will be part of 2019 Regional Council, Promotional items worth $XX will be purchased from catalogue. A motion to approve was made by Nancy McCune, seconded by Rob Trudeau, carried. Nancy M mentioned that no float will be arranged by Prairie & NWT region.
Online Travel Booking Tool and Expense Claim System Coming Soon
A discussion of proposed online travel booking tool and expense claim system was held. PIPSC Finance plans to introduce later in 2019.
Survey Monkey Update
The use of Survey monkey by branches in the Prairie & NWT region was encouraged by acting regional director.
PIPSC Board Elections 2018 – Summary of Results
Members of the Board of Directors changed due to national elections announced on November 3, 2018. Officers taking office on January 1, 2019 for three-year terms are:
President - Debi Daviau
Vice-Presidents – Stephane Aubry & Norma Domey
Part time Vice Presidents – Steve Hindle & Gary Corbett
Atlantic Region director – Kimberly Skanes
Quebec Region director – Yvon Brodeur
National Capital Region directors –Jennifer Carr, Jennie Esnard, Waheed Khan & Dave Sutherland
Ontario Region director – Peter Gilkinson
Prairie & NWT Region - Nancy McCune
BC Region director - Robert MacDonald
Prairie & NWT region voting prizes winners were Megan Adams and Kelley Hallett.
Legacy Foundation – Further Action on Fundraising
Thank you to Nancy McCune, Nazim Awan & Sharon Losinski for buying prizes for AGM basket. All funds raised at November AGM were sent to the Legacy Foundation. Constituent bodies who host the regional and steward councils will determine applicable charity to be supported.
Invitation to John Staric regarding pension presentation in Prairie & NWT Region
Nancy McCune will write to John Staric to request a pension presentation in our region. Consideration will be given to a presentation at the 2019 Regional Council.
Kind Canada Charity
Members interested in a presentation should contact Nancy McCune. Consideration will be given to a presentation at the 2019 Steward Council.
Selection of Board of Directors Committee Members
Prairie & NWT members submitted applications to participate on PIPSC 2019 National Committees. The PRE reviewed all applications and nominated a first and second choice for the eight following committees:
Bylaws & Policies Committee IT Services & Projects Committee
Finance Committee Professional Recognition & Qualifications Committee
Elections Committee Science Advisory Committee
Elections Appeals Committee
Human Rights & Diversity Committee
The chair of each national committee is responsible to select the members for their applicable committee.
11. ROUND TABLE
Calgary branch – A branch social will be held on December 6, 2019. The branch executive will volunteer to serve breakfast at Calgary charity facility - Inn from the Cold in February & March 2019.
Winnipeg & Southern Manitoba branch – Annual open house to be held in December.
Regina Branch - Children’ Christmas party planned for December 9, 2018.
NWT branch – Christmas event is planned. Two lunch & learns are being planned by branch.
Denwood branch – Christmas party to be held in December with UNED union.
Edmonton branch – Branch AGM to be held in January. The Federal Retirees Association will hold two pension sessions in January 2019. A new logo is planned for Edmonton branch.
Saskatoon branch – Future meetings with civilian RCMP members are planned.
12. NEXT MEETING & ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting
The next PRE meeting will be held February 23, 2019 in Winnipeg. The next training meeting is February 22, 2019 in Winnipeg.
Future dates are PRE meeting two on April 6, 2019 in Edmonton. Training meeting two is scheduled for April 5, 2019. PRE meeting three is scheduled for June 15, 2019 in Calgary. PRE meeting four is scheduled for October 5, 2019 in Edmonton. Staff appreciation dinner is scheduled for October 4, 2019. PRE meeting five is scheduled for December 7, 2019 in Winnipeg. Training meeting three is scheduled for December 6, 2019 in Winnipeg. Staff appreciation dinner is scheduled for December 6, 2019.
PRE members need to book their own hotel rooms.
Adjournment of Meeting
Robert moved to adjourn at 4:45 PM. Carried.