Preamble

These terms of reference define the composition and structure of the PIPSC Consultation Team for Environment Canada. They are intended to clarify the internal functioning of the Team within the framework of the Institute’s Policy on Union-Management Relations.

Acronyms

ECNCT Environment Canada National Consultation Team.
PYR Pacific and Yukon Region
PNR Prairie and Northern Region
OR Ontario Region
QR Quebec Region
AR Atlantic Region
NCR National Capital Region
MSC Meteorological Service of Canada
CIOB Chief Information Officer Branch
ESB Environmental Stewardship Branch
STB Science and Technology Branch
EB Enforcement Branch

1. Composition and Structure

1.1 The Team will be composed of all stewards within Environment Canada.

1.2 The Executive Team, under the authority of the Team President, will define a Team structure that should consist of:

6 Regional Leads PYR, PNR, OR, QR, AR, NCR

5 National Branch Leads MSC, CIOB, ESB, STB, Others (Strategic Policy, EB, etc)

1 National OHS Lead

1 Secretary

1 Communications Lead

1 Vice President

1 National President

1 Past President

2 Members at Large

1.2.1 Each local consultation steward will serve as a conduit of information and concern to the appropriate Region and/or
Branch lead who will in term serve as a conduit of information and concern to the National level.

1.3 An effort will be made to ensure appropriate group representation based on the branch structure of the Department.

1.4 Co-leads or alternates should be identified when possible for all Branch and regional Leads

2. Positions and Appointments
2.1 President

The President will be appointed by the Institute, with the appointment reviewed every two years in even years. All Stewards in Environment Canada will vote for the EC NCT President via appropriate means before making a recommendation to the Institute. The election will occur prior to the NCT annual meeting with the President coming into office immediately.

2.2 Vice-President

There will be a Vice-President will be voted in by the Stewards within Environment Canada in odd years. All Stewards in Environment Canada will vote for the EC NCT Vice-President via appropriate means before making a recommendation to the Institute.

2.3 Secretary, Communications and OHS Lead

There will be a Secretary, Communications and OHS lead voted in by the Stewards within Environment Canada. All Stewards in Environment Canada will vote for the EC NCT for the positions via appropriate means before making a recommendation to the Institute. Secretary Voted in on Even years Communications Voted in on Odd years OHS Voted in on Odd years

2.4 Institute representatives at all regional/National Branch/National OHS consultation tables will be selected by the President, in consultation with the Team, and remain in that position at the behest of the President. The positions will be reviewed biannually, following a call for interest to all stewards in the area of selection.

2.4 Branch UMCC meetings will be attended by the President or delegate, and National Branch Lead ideally.

2.5 Region UMCC meetings will be attended by the lead for that region and one other steward ideally.

2.6 Local UMCC meetings will be attended by the local lead as selected by the Regional leads.

2.7 In the event that an individual is unable to complete his/her term the executive will fill the position for the remaining portion.

3. Budget

3.1 The President will prepare a Team budget in consultation with the executive and submit it for approval.

3.2 The President will be responsible for managing the budget as approved.

3.3 A Team meeting will be held annually. The location to be determined based on best logistical purpose and to maximize attendance. The President in consultation with the executive will select out-of-town delegates to attend the meeting.

4. Team Communications

In accordance with the Institute’s Policy on Union-Management Relations,

4.1 Communication among Consultation Team members is necessary for the purposes of preparation for consultation, post-consultation debriefing, dissemination of information, and other team business as outlined in their approved consultation model.

4.2 It is expected that the bulk of communications between Team members will not be in person. Modern technologies (including but not limited to teleconferences, videoconferences, newsletters, web-based information, electronic discussion groups, and email) will be the primary form of Team communications.

4.3 Communication with the Staff Representative is to take place on a regular basis.

4.4 The Consultation Team will communicate to Organization members on consultation activities at least quarterly. This is normally done electronically.

4.5 When required, the Consultation Team will provide a briefing note to the Institute’s Executive Committee.

Approved by EC NCT on May 9, 2009