NR Newsletter

Summer 2024

President’s Note

Fellow NR Members

Once again, it is my pleasure to bring you greetings from the entire NR Executive Team. With summer upon us, we have not been extremely busy but we are working towards a very busy fall as both the PIPSC AGM and the NR Group AGM approach in November. These AGMs are your opportunity to observe, participate and/or even submit motions that can change the policies and direction of the NR Group and of the entire PIPSC organization. So, I encourage you to participate and make the union work better for you. If you are not sure how to become involved, contact your regional NR Rep listed here.

In addition to these upcoming AGMs, this year is a PIPSC National Election year. Once every third year, PIPSC members have the opportunity to cast their vote for their leadership. It is very important that you get involved in the democratic process where your new President, Vice President and Regional Directors will be selected. After all, these are the folks that will steer our organization so that it serves you better. So, stay connected, watch your email, talk to your other members about the candidates and vote when the time comes. It’s more important than ever to select knowledgeable people. Please ensure any change of email or employer are updated to be able to vote.

Finally, as we re-connect with each other, I want you to know that the NR Executive remains ready to help deal with your collective agreement and workplace issues.

And we are happily seeing some active engagement of younger members. Please use and share this newsletter to help activate and involve others. Your ideas, comments, and/or critiques are always welcomed.

Best Regards,

Gary Corbett

What’s New

Recent NR Executive Meetings

On June 14, 2024, the NR Executive met in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at the Bedford Institute for Oceanography. Special thanks to Veronica Nicksey from the Halifax Subgroup for hosting the meeting and arranging a tour for NR Executive Members, Subgroup Presidents and local NR members.

The Subgroup Presidents’ Meeting was held on June 15, 2024. The purpose of this meeting is for NR Subgroups across Canada to come together with the NR Executive to share their members’ challenges. Top subjects of interest to many members included:

• Return to office;
• Issues with Canada Life;
• Continued issues with Phoenix pay system;
• Engaging members;
• Pay equity;
• Career progression; and
• Steward recruitment.

The NR Executive will work with Subgroups to support members with these challenges.

Following the Subgroup Presidents’ meeting, the group visited Peggy’s Cove and the Swiss Air memorial site in the evening followed by a dinner at the Shore Club in Hubbards, Nova Scotia.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Please see Member Tools and register to become a PIPSC Member to ensure you receive PIPSC emails and the ability to vote.

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

Ensure that you advise PIPSC of any change of email or employer so you can vote.

Got IDEAS?

Suggested topics and feedback for future newsletters can be sent to: Communications Coordinator

REMEMBERING

Danny Higashitani

Remembering

Our dear friend and NR colleague Danny Higashitani passed away suddenly leaving a huge hole for many of us.  Soon after starting with Indigenous Services Canada BC Region in Vancouver over 25 years ago, he became a PIPSC volunteer.  Attending various branch and Regional Council meetings became his norm.  

Danny was even more active with the NR Group and was a long-term Vancouver NR Subgroup member.  He served as treasurer of the group for a decade. Danny attended several Subgroup Presidents’ meetings and NR AGMs over the years with the last being in 2022 at Québec City.  He only had good things to say about people and took a keen interest in all our lives including the parts outside of PIPSC.  Danny’s presence at our gatherings will be missed.

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and stay tuned for the next edition.

We are better together!