Atlantic Region Newsletter - Winter 2025
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From the Director
The holiday season and a new year are fast approaching. Since the last newsletter we completed two Basic Steward Training courses and held our very successful Steward Council with about 180 stewards in attendance.
The arbitration decision for the CP Group was released on November 1st. That concludes their bargaining as the decision is final and sets the terms of the new collective agreement. The SH group also recently signed their new collective agreement.
Federally, unfortunately, staff reductions have begun. Some departments are reporting cuts to both terms and indeterminate employees citing the budget restraints being the cause. Meanwhile work continues to renovate buildings to activity-based workspaces to bring employees back to the office 3-days a week. To me, it defies logic to cut positions while paying to bring people to offices to work on Teams meetings and call it collaboration.
In New Brunswick, all tentative agreements were ratified and signed before the start of the provincial election. With the change in government hopefully there will be a change in attitude towards provincial employees and the unions that represent them in bargaining and consultation.
This will be my last time writing to you as your regional director as I decided earlier that I would not reoffer for the position mainly due to family commitments. It was a pleasure to serve you. Mark Bellefleur will be the new regional director on January 1st. I wish him all the success in the world.
I wish you all a happy holiday season and best wishes for 2025. Take care, and farewell.
Manny Costain
Outgoing Atlantic Regional Director
Basic Steward Training Sessions
The Atlantic Training Committee hosted a Basic Steward Training session on September 19-21 in the oldest city in North America at the Delta St. John’s, NL. Max and Cheryl lead 16 participants through the course with enthusiasm and professionalism, while encompassing the principles of popular education. Not only did we gain 16 valuable stewards, we gained several honorary Newfoundlanders! Carolyn Hynes, the Chair of the Atlantic Regional Training Committee was present as the training representative and arranged a lot of after class activities such as visiting the tomb of the unknown solider to the Terry Fox monument, and braving the Signal Hill Hike, participants became well versed in Newfoundland’s unique culture. The feedback on the course, facilitators, and social activities were positive.
Another Basic Steward Training session was held on November 14-16 at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton, NB. Simon and Elissa provided a great three-day training course to 18 participants. Mike Pauley was a representative in attendance from the Atlantic Regional Training Committee. Once again, the feedback on the course, facilitators, and social activities were positive.
Thank you to all the participants from both courses. If you encounter any of these amazing new stewards, please take them under your wing and help them soar!
Atlantic Steward Council
This year’s Atlantic Steward Council was held October 25-26 at The Lord Nelson in Halifax with the theme of Back to the Basics. The Friday afternoon started an Indigenous Opening by Elder Deb then followed with a presentation on Case Law and Trends from ERO Max Way which was then followed by the Group Breakouts. Saturday morning, the stewards received an informational workshop session on Occupational Health and Safety from ERO Elissa McCarron and Bystander Intervention from ERO’s Simon Davenport and Cheryl Owens-Carr. It was then followed up with a presentation on the Steward Framework from National Steward Officer Paul Andres. The afternoon session the steward participants were involved in a Kairos Blanket Exercise given by Karen Bernard and Nadine Bernard.
Atlantic Region Awards
Our 2024 Steward of the year award was presented to Alex Greenough.
Alex has consistently proven himself to be an excellent leader, educator, communicator, and representative for PIPSC members. He demonstrates his strong leadership abilities through his exceptional commitment to the PIPSC member in National Defence. Alex’s selfless and dedicated approach to helping his co-workers resolve issues and sets an example for all members.
He frequently showcases his abilities as an educator and communicator through understanding, interpreting, and conveying complex and sometimes ambiguous policies, regulations, and collective agreements in an easy manner. Alex’s dedication has seen him provide support throughout all phases of a grievance and job reclassification process, which his efforts led to two positions being reclassified. His common-send and fact-based approach to handling issues has improved workplace morale and employee-management relations within the workplace. Alex is the face of PIPSC to many in his workplace and he is
always very responsive and makes time to discuss issues with his members outside of working hours.
Alex has been a reliable steward for members when they need help and has mentored other stewards. He has recently helped another IT member and an SH member at other bases file grievances on job content as he had knowledge and experience with this. Alex always leads by example and he does the right thing. He truly models the true spirit of being a steward.
Congratulations Alex!
Charity Donations
At all the Atlantic regional events, the regional executive holds a raffle with the proceeds going to a local charity.
At this year's Atlantic Regional Council in May tickets were sold on a chance to win wireless headphones with a total raised of $1024.75 that was provided to The Upper Room Hospitality Ministry in Charlottetown, PEI. This charity is a non-profit organization established in 1984 and provides food support and resources to Food Banks across PEI and operates a Food Bank and Soup Kitchen in Charlottetown. You can find more information on their website at https://www.urhm.org/.
At the Atlantic Regional Training School tickets were sold on a bluetooth speaker and the total raised was $835. This donation was made to The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation located in Millbrook, NS. They are a new registered charity created to help the relationships between Canada’s registered charities and individual/corporate donors and the First Nations communities of Atlantic Canada. For further information please go to their website at https://ulnoowegfoundation.ca/.
This year at Steward Council tickets were sold on a chance to win Shokz Bluetooth headphones with a total of $1040 being raised for Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax. This charity’s mission is to combat the causes and effects of poverty by providing programming, resources and advocacy to help people. They provide a food bank, breakfast program, one-to-one support using a trauma-informed social worker, laundry services, and a free tax clinic. More information can be found on their website at https://www.brunswickstreetmission.org/.
Atlantic Young Professionals Committee
Work-Life Balance and Young Professionals
Work-life balance can sometimes feel challenging.
As many of us adjust to new work arrangements, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. Managing work and personal responsibilities, especially for young professionals, can be a balancing act.
While there's no perfect solution, these five tips can help you find a better work-life balance.
Set boundaries: Create a clear separation between work and personal time. Try to avoid checking work emails outside of office hours and leave work-related tasks at work. This can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy balance.
Time management: Prioritize and manage your time effectively. By focusing on the most important tasks and saying no to unnecessary commitments, you can reduce stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Take regular breaks: Short breaks throughout your day can help you stay focused and productive.
Build a support network: Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, friends, or family for support. Asking for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that promote your physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Work-life balance is a journey, not a destination. As your life evolves, so will your approach to balancing your responsibilities. By prioritizing your well-being and setting healthy boundaries, you can find a balance that works for you.
Submitted by April Carter.
If you have any suggestions on events you would like to see near you, please reach out to the AYPC at aypc_cjpa@pipsc.ca or any member of the committee. Keep an eye out for an invite near you.
105th PIPSC AGM
The 105th PIPSC Annual General Meeting was held on November 8-9th at The Sheraton Toronto Center in Toronto, Ontario. There were over 700 delegates from across the country in attendance. The Atlantic delegates met Thursday evening for a discussion on the resolutions.
Friday began with an Indigenous Greeting by Dr Duke Redbird followed by President Jennifer Carr addressing the delegates and holding a Q&A period. The delegates received a speech from CEO of Laridae, Danielle Rocheleau. Friday afternoon the business aspects of the AGM commenced where the resolutions were presented and debated. Over the two days, not all resolutions submitted, as there were over 60 resolutions, were presented and debated by the delegates. The AGM Delegates approved a dues increase of $17.50 per month starting January 1, 2025. The Atlantic Region has a few resolutions brought to this years AGM. The resolution to resurrect a resource located in NB was debated and carried. Unfortunately, our resolution for Labour Relations ratio was debated and defeated. President Jennifer Carr awarded members from across the country with Life Membership awards, Institute Service Awards, and Steward of the Year awards. More information from the AGM can be found on the PIPSC Website (https://pipsc.ca/about/governance/agm/2024).
Farewell to Atlantic Regional Director, Emmanuel Costain
On behalf of all the Atlantic Members, the regional executive would like to extend a sincere thank you to Manny Costain for all his commitment and dedication to the Atlantic members as Regional Director for the last three years. Manny’s professionalism and dedication to the Atlantic members will not be forgotten. He was always extremely helpful and available to answer any questions anyone had.
We wish you all the best Manny! Please do not be a stranger!
Branch or Provincial Group Profile
The New Brunswick Engineering, Land Surveying and Architecture Group (NBEN) joined PIPSC in the mid 1980’s, when the group switched from a self-regulated bargaining group to be represented by the higher resourced Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. Employed by the Government of New Brunswick this group consists of approximately 185 members covering over 7 different Departments including:
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Environment and Local Government
Justice and Public Safety
Natural Resources and Energy Development
Social Development
Supply and Services
Transportation and Infrastructure
The majority of the membership is employed by the NB Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. NBEN is proud to say it has a contingent of 14 dedicated Stewards located in 3 of the above-mentioned Departments.
The 7-member Executive has had some turnover in the last number of years. With experienced members close to retirement, NBEN has implemented succession planning to increase its recruitment of younger Stewards to take up the charge.
Our Group is also actively involved with the PIPSC Fredericton Branch, assisting with the planning and execution of many joint Group and Branch events, like annual Trivia Night, group volunteering at community gardens, and other networking events.
Of recent note, our Group had signed a new Collective Agreement on September 18, 2024, and are currently in the process of attempting to have this Agreement implemented in a timely and consistent manner. Our Group collective bargains with 2 other PIPSC Groups: the Agrologists and the Veterinarians, who are both also employed by the Province of New Brunswick.
Incoming Regional Director
Hello,
My name is Mark Bellefleur, and I am your new Atlantic Regional Director as of January 1, 2025. I am looking forward to serving the members of the Atlantic Region, bringing your concerns forward to the PIPSC Board of Directors, and working closely with the members of the Atlantic Regional Executive.
I have served on constituent bodies and on Advisory Council as Co-President for Indigenous Services Canada for Consultation. I have also been president and board member for many years of Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick and I will bring those experiences and lessons learned to the role of Regional Director.
I am fluently bilingual and happy to serve you in the language of your choice. I look forward to talking and meeting with you over my term.
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at mbellefleur@pipsc.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mark Bellefleur
Calendar of Events
(Items are subject to change)
January 24, 2025 Atlantic Regional Training committee meeting
January 25, 2025 Atlantic Regional Executive meeting
February 6-8, 2025 Basic Steward Training, Halifax
March 28, 2025 Atlantic Regional Training committee meeting
March 29, 2025 Atlantic Regional Executive meeting
April 10-12, 2025 Regional Training School, Old Orchard Inn
May 22, 2025 Atlantic Regional Executive
May 23, 2025 AYPC meeting
May 23, 2025 Branch and Provincial Group President’s meeting
May 23-24, 2025 81st Atlantic Regional Council, Fredericton, NB
Your Regional Executive:
Director
Emmanuel (Manny) Costain
Vice Chair
Michael Pauley
Secretary
Christine LeDrew
Treasurer
Paul Hubley
Training Committee Chair:
Carolyn Hynes
Members at Large:
Scott McConaghy
Lori Rowe
Kimberley Keats
Tamara Critch
Mark Bellefleur
Tony Chubbs
tony.chubbs@forces.gc.ca
Atlantic Members Facebook Page:
PIPSC Atlantic Members | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/292065684233501/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT