79th British Columbia / Yukon Regional Council

Minutes

Fri, June 8 - Sat, June 9 2024

Kelowna BC

79th British Columbia / Yukon Regional Council Meeting

Kelowna BC, June 8, 2024

Delegates at the bottom of the document.

Friday, June 8, 2024

1. Welcome and Introductions

The 79th BC/Yukon Regional Council meeting began at 1:00 pm Pacific Time.

Introductions

Introduction of Robert MacDonald, Chair. Introduction of members of the Regional Executive.

Morgan Cranny provided introductory comments. He also indicated Philip Mantler as the Parliamentarian for Council who would be monitoring proceedings and could be referred to for any questions regarding general rules of order.

Robert provided information regarding general council procedures and also reminded the group that these are meant to be honest and frank discussions and these rules are meant to facilitate that, not obstruct it, while encouraging a welcoming and inclusive space.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

Morgan Cranny read the Indigenous Land acknowledgement. He then introduced First Nations Elder, Wilfred Barnes who led the room in a prayer, then spoke on some of the issues indigenous people are facing today.

Equality Statement

Morgan read the statement on equity, encompassing the principle that all union members are equal and deserve mutual respect.

2. Call to Order

4. Chair convened the 79th Regional Council to order at 2:11 pm Pacific Time.

3. Adoption of Agenda

m/s Alan Messner/Adelle McLean

THAT the agenda be approved.

Adoption of Minutes from 2023 78th BC/Yukon Regional Council

m/s Soodittee Auchoybur/Colin McBride

THAT the minutes of the 2023 BC/Yukon Regional Council be approved.

CARRIED

5. Business Arising from 2023 78th BC/Yukon Regional Council

The Chair noted there is no outstanding business arising from the 2023 Council.

6. Director’s Report – Morgan Cranny, PIPSC Regional Director

Morgan introduced himself as the current Regional Director of the BC/Y Region. Elected in Feb 2023. A big part of that is participating in Regional Directors (RD) and Board of Directors (BoD) meetings (6). He also attended a 1 day joint BoD/Advisory Council meeting where they discussed the political landscape as we come towards a national election and what that may mean for our members. In all these meetings he strives to represent our region’s perspective in the decisions of the institute.

Some of the events Morgan attended to speak to the members, hear their concerns and answer questions: BC Veterinary Medicine Sub-group AGM, Vancouver AFS Sub-group AGM, BC First Nations Health Authority AGM, Okanagan Branch AGM, Victoria Branch AGM, Fraser Valley Branch AGM, Northern BC Branch AGM, North Central Vancouver Island Branch AGM, Yukon Hospital Corporation/Yukon Branch AGM, SP Group AGM, joint Vancouver IT/SP Sub-group movie event, Vancouver Chapter Retired Members Guild AGM. I really enjoy these opportunities to speak to the members, hear their concerns and answer questions.

Look forward to supporting the branches in our region in any way he can. Asked anyone to reach out to him or the executive if there are concerns or support requests.

m/s Jeffrey Wayow/Lauren Kunimoto

THAT the Regional Director’s Report be received.

CARRIED

7. Community Outreach

Alicia Lunz introduced Alicia Curry, Director of Family and Community Programs from the Boys and Girls Club Okanagan. Was welcomed to the stage where she spoke about her organization and how we could donate to their cause.

8. Campaigning

Don Burns raised the question of election campaigning. Where campaigning was allowed at Council and where it was prohibited.

After some research into PIPSC BCY policies as well as the national election guidelines, Rob MacDonald informed the room that campaigning was prohibited in any areas associated with PIPSC and the council itself. That included lunch and dinner rooms, the council room AND hospitality suites. This is to ensure a level playing field with candidates. All other public spaces within the hotel or out are eligible.

Dean Corda then suggested that campaigning are not the same thing and so long as someone does not identify themselves as running for election, discussing issues should be encouraged.

Rob MacDonald agreed that there’s a fine line between discussion and campaigning. Common sense on this issue is encouraged.

9. Guest Speakers - Catherine Gangon, PIPSC Member Engagement

Catherine presented on the new member services department and the structural changes there as well as what’s coming up with member engagement. Communications department was split into two:

Public Affairs (external) - Research, public and corporate affairs and

Member Services (internal) - Education, internal communication and member engagement

The new Member Services team is focussing on two things: new member onboarding and rand recruitment.

Catherine spoke at length on how to get more people active and excited about engagement. Building a sense of community in the workplace. Including tools and resources for planning and engaging, overcoming technological issues and cultivating healthy and happy workplaces.

A Question and Answer Session held.

10. Guest Speakers - Stephanie Montreuil, PIPSC Member Engagement

Stephanie, Director, Public affairs and corporate communications spoke about the likely upcoming Federal election and how that may affect PIPSC and its members. She spoke at length about the political landscape, the timeline and potential threats to public service under the direction of new leadership.

Saturday, June 9, 2024

11. Call to Order

The Chair reconvened the 78th Regional Council at 9:03.

12. Guest Speaker - Eva Henshaw PIPSC Acting President

Eva joined us to talk about what she’s been working on as acting President. The main topic was the recent federal return to office mandate. Her office has been very busy speaking with media and informing members on where we stand as an organization and making sure that messaging is at the forefront of the discussion.

Eva then spoke about some of the things PIPSC has been working on for members. Website revamp and the steward portal were two important projects.

A Question and Answer Session held.

13. PIPSC Legacy Foundation

Soodittee Auchoybur introduced the Legacy Cup Challenge, a friendly competition between the regions and scholarship program investing in the next generation of professionals and youth. To date, over 1.1 million dollars in scholarships awarded to 542 students. Last year the Prairie Region won the Legacy Cup.

14. In Memory of Danny Higashitani

Ted Molyneux spoke on recently past member Danny Higashitani.

15. Regional Manager’s Report – Kris Hawkins, PIPSC Regional Manager

Kris started by talking about the success of the Case Management System implemented last year that allows PIPSC to track member cases, identify concerns, ensure timely responsiveness from our staff and identify problematic issues and employers. This has continued to enhance services and proves to be an efficient tool.

The pace of incoming work - On average, over the past year, the region has created 35 new cases per month. These cases only reflect ERO work, and we know there are many more cases out there supported by our stewards.

Had some incredible wins from the Regional Office team. While settlements are confidential, tens of thousands of dollars have been paid to members, negative performance assessments have been reversed, harassment outcomes have resulted in safer work spaces, pay has been corrected, human rights have been guarded and have helped resolve countless conflicts with management.

Kris finished by saying she hopes that, if not already a steward, all will join in holding the employers accountable for your and your colleagues labour rights and sign up online to become a PIPSC steward.

m/s Soodittee Auchoybur/Mauro Defudis

THAT the Regional Manager’s Report be received.

CARRIED

16. Guest Speaker - John Purdie - PIPSC Director, Finance

John began by going over the Legacy Foundation and Building Trust, two additional corporations that are external to PIPSC itself.

The Building Trust (24 million dollar asset) - Separate entity that owns the property and PIPSC is a tenant in that property. Fully occupied with strong leases up to 2025.

Legacy Foundation - Corp that provides money to PIPSC members and their children. Scholarships available. Funded through corp partners who are donating. More than a million given out in scholarships so far. Last year was expanded beyond just post secondary education. Now includes funding for masters programs and doctorate programs.

Pensions Trust and Life Insurance Trust - These are strictly for employees. Setting the gold standard for employers with how PIPSC treats their staff.

John spoke about two new very important roles at PIPSC. Exec Director and Director of Finance. The Executive Director will be in charge of all the staff and the operations within PIPSC. The new Director of Finance is an accountant. Overseeing the finances of the institute and making sure priorities are, if money is spent, there has to be a direct benefit to members. Taking a strong look at all expenditures. Financially, PIPSC is in a very strong position.

17. Guest Speaker - Don Burns - Retired Members Guild

Don Burns introduced the group to the Retired Members Guild. When you retire, you automatically become a member of the guild. Annual dues are 8% of regular member dues, roughly $70 a year. What you get: loyalty program, Service Plus. Travel insurance, car rentals, a long list of organizations and discounts. You also can stay active politically, including running for the board of directors. Most Groups and Branches also allow retired members to participate.

Stewards who have been active for long stretches of their career have vast wells of knowledge and new members can benefit significantly from these members stating within the fold. Mentoring services are offered by the guild to constituent bodies.

18. Resolutions

Proposed changes to ByLaw 17.11.1 - ITSP Mandate

m/s Dean Corda/Crystal Drummond