National Executive Meeting
May 17-19, 2022
Westin Hotel – Ottawa
| Chairman | June Winger | National President |
| Members | Paul Jones | Executive Vice-President |
| Dan Frost | Vice-President (NL-NB) | |
| Bill Kroeger | Deputy Vice-President (NS) | |
| Gérald Grenon | Vice-President (QC) | |
| Jeff Wrinn | Vice-President (NCR) | |
| James Potts | Vice-President (ON) | |
| Mona Simcoe | Vice-President (MB/SK) | |
| Bryan Meakin | Vice-President (AB/North) | |
| Marcelo Lazaro | Vice-President (BC) | |
| Cathy O’Kane | Vice-President (NPF) | |
| Eugene Stone | Vice-President (CSE) | |
| Stephanie Torrealba | Human Rights Advisor | |
| Recording Secretary | Sandra Mombourquette |
Absent Craig Smith Vice-President (NS)
OPENING REMARKS
The National President welcomed members to the first in-person meeting of the National Executive in the new mandate. Deputy Vice-Presidents were in attendance at this first meeting of the mandate, in accordance with UNDE Bylaws.
Michelle Larmour – DVP NPF Danielle Poissant – DVP AB/North
Tin Tang – DVP CSE (19th May only) Steve Warren – DVP NL/NB
Brenda Kipot – DVP BC Jayne Pollock – DVP Ontario
Johanne Rouillard – DVP Québec Shawn King – DVP NCR
Sandra Griffith-Bonaparte – 1st alternate to Human Rights Advisor
Human Rights Advisor Torrealba: Read harassment statement and was named intervenor.
Hours of Session: m-s O’Kane/Wrinn CARRIED
Each day: 9am to 11:30am – 1pm to 5pm
Motion to adopt agenda m-s Grenon/Kroeger CARRIED
Previous Minutes – Adopted m-s Frost/Stone CARRIED
Honour Roll – Moment of silence
| Kevin Roh, 40807 |
| Mike Bray, 00629 |
| Donna Giesbrecht, 80403 |
| F. Borland, 21008 |
| Anthony (Tony) Miller, 70654 |
| Blaise Pyke, 21008 |
NATIONAL PRESIDENT – STATE OF THE UNION
–Current mass shooting in USA: The National President said it is horrific act of terrorism and we need to work strongly together to combat racism and discrimination, especially as a union.
–Madame Arbour’s Report on Harassment at DND: Madame Arbour’s report will be coming out soon. It will be sent to National Defence May 20 for a first review and then released in early June. Communications, Legal Advisors and Human Rights from PSAC are working on this. The National President says she expects NE to share this, speak in regions to members and media in region, continue to push this out. Work with department and members. Not just Treasury Board but also separate employer, NPF and CSE.
–Union Management Consultation Committees: These are coming up, the meetings feed into the National Union Management Consultation Committee meeting. The National President asked the TBS National Officers to raise concerns not resolved locally at the meetings they attend and failing resolution there, raise the issues to the National President so they may be resolved at the National UMCC.
Also, when urgent, the National President can speak directly to the Deputy in between meetings but then this isn’t captured in the minutes. Sharing of information is critical to allow us to represent members the best we can and make the best decisions possible.
–Training in Regions: The National President said there has been ongoing training and more is being developed. The pandemic, remote work and retirements have proved challenging to provide training. We need to engage members to make sure we work with them as needed.
The National President said to reach out to members and encourage them to participate in training. We need to stay connected with members. Jill O’Reilly (PSAC) is instrumental in building mobilization training; she will come to speak about this on Thursday. If the VPs need some work done one on one, it can be arranged through Jill. This is important especially with upcoming negotiations with Treasury Board. We must speak with members about what the future looks like. We need to go to townhalls and speak, talk to Local Presidents. Also have one on one calls to members to get up to date contact information, assuring members they will not get spammed.
-Public Service Week: This is coming up in June and a good time to get information from members.
The National President said that UNDE needs to decide what we want to do with this. Participate or avoid it? Members don’t always do what we suggest. What other options are available? Bring ideas up to National President. It’s hard for members to feel appreciated with poor economic package they are being offered.
-Vaccination Policy: The National President said there is nothing new or surprising in there. Treasury Board sent an email to all bargaining agents, then sent a slightly different one to all departments. These two emails emphasize differing points, although they say the same message. The National President alerted Chris Aylward, PSAC National President, to show him about the different messaging and how it sets the tone for conflict. She also raised this with the Department.
-699 Leave Decision: LWP for other reasons, waiting on Treasury Board to give direction on how to proceed with this. Those who requested this leave and were denied it, will be easy to change their credits around. However, members who did not submit requests because their managers said it will not be approved, will be more difficult. Members should submit an amended leave request, those who are denied and cannot have the situation rectified by the VP of the Region should escalate to the National President.
The National President suggested Locals ask management to add a column to the vacancy management reports to identify vacancies caused by those who are forced on vaccination leave to ensure members are not overworked. The National President reminds Officers to ask for vacancy reports at LMCC meetings.
STANDING REPORTS
Air Division RCAF L2 m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: The FAcT program started in 2017, brought union onboard in April. Next meeting is in June. Joining 3 pilot projects together to become one. Contractor chosen will subcontract. They say when pilots walk out of this program they will be trained. They will build a building on base that will be owned by Canada as well as the planes. There was no consultation, why aren’t workers brought back to public service.
Action Item: VP Simcoe asks the other National Officers that if this is happening in other regions to tell herself and/or VP Potts. She has asked for certain things to be in the minutes of these meetings. RV 1 – CARRIED
Air Division RCAF L1 m-s Simcoe/Wrinn
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: Dundurn firefighters have been short SWE for many years. Many years trying to get situation resolved. Need to talk about recruitment and retention. We need these discussions in the minutes. Get managers to talk about recruitment and retention issues they are having.
Action Item: VP Simcoe says she needs agenda items to come forward from Officers to address them at meetings. RV 2 – CARRIED
Maritimes Forces Atlantic m-s Kroeger/Stone
DVP Kroeger presented VP Smith’s written report.
Summary: Points raised from the report were: the large project at the dockyard in Halifax, losing infrastructure for some time, causing disruptions. VP Smith trying to find solutions with the Base Commander. EAP reports, the issue of masks to be worn or not causing confusion.
Maritimes Forces Pacific m-s Lazaro/Meakin
VP Lazaro presented his written report.
Summary: Tracking of Covid cases, military going down and civilians going down. Formation meeting coming up in June. DVP Kipot says ships crew doing work outside of their work description. Manning of new ships is lower. Discussion on staffing issues is not news, been going on for years.
Action Item: The National President says discussions on staffing issues and vacancy management reports need to be in minutes so that the appropriate National Officer can raise it at their meetings and if need be, she can push it forward at UMCC National. RV 4 – CARRIED
Royal Canadian Navy m-s Kroeger/Lazaro
VP Lazaro presented his written report.
Summary: DVP Kipot says there are shortages in all department, not enough people, they are not replacing them. Takes up to a year to get hired. Conversation about how to retain people. Action Item: DVP Kipot is to work with her Local President and ask management for reports on vacancies and how they are staffing them, then share this information and concerns directly with the VP Lazaro.
2nd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) m-s Grenon/Wrinn
VP Grenon presented his verbal report.
Summary: He gave an update from his May 11th UMCC meeting. He asked the Colonel for training in labour relations for the Committee. He also continues to work on the file for the kitchens in St-Jean that represent 35 jobs and being subcontracted out. The Colonel asked for no grievances on 699 leave, but VP Grenon said it’s the union’s prerogative to file them. The Colonel is conscious that they can be put in abeyance. RV 6 – CARRIED
3rd Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) m-s Simcoe/O’Kane
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: Next meeting June 8th. VP Simcoe says EAP is not highlighted enough. Office of disability management (ODM) has been stood up in Prairies. Vacancy staffing report shows that SWE has been shorted.
Action Item: The National President reminds the group that ODM is under HR and if there are challenges, issues should be raised as agenda items to be addressed at the UMCC HR Sub Committee. VP Lazaro suggested that everyone ask for bilingual presentations from the meetings they attend with the Dept.
4th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) m-s Potts/Jones
VP Potts presented his verbal report.
Summary: The last meeting was held last year in May. Vacancy reports have been requested.
5th Canadian Division Support Group (CDSG) m-s Frost/Lazaro
VP Frost presented his written report.
Summary: VP Frost said there are EAP concerns, they are changing the process. ODM has sizable increase in workload, policies still being developed. They have added 36 more positions in kitchen because they wanted healthier food made for the military.
Canadian Army m-s Frost/Grenon
VP Frost presented his written report.
Summary: Staffing: SWE is disappointing, no change for the Army, status quo, subcontractors does not make sense for Canadians. Vaccination attestations, doing spot checks in the workplace, vaccination passports. Hybrid workforce. Security clearance delays.
Action Item: The National President says she needs specific examples of security clearance delays from Officers. RV 10 – CARRIED
Real Property Operations (RPOps) Atlantic m-s Kroeger/Frost
DVP Kroeger presented VP Smith’s written report.
Summary: There are 24 staffing grievances in abeyance, ODM has expanded in the region to include RTW. CFB Greenwood has been using all its SWE to hire indeterminate employees. New claims format in region. Spike in injury on duty, better reporting more likely.
Action Item: National Officers are asked to raise challenges up to the National President and the EVP to get corrected, need specifics.
Real Property Operations (RPOps) Québec m-s Grenon/Potts
VP Grenon presented his written report.
Summary: VP Grenon says he has a good relationship with them. Good work with Management and cohesion with the employer. Personnel development, staffing trying to enforce transparency. In competition with private employers, losing members. Standardized Job Descriptions, why not same classifications if on different sides of the country.
Action Item: VP Grenon suggests that the different VPs from regions speak to each other on similar jobs.
Real Property Operations (RPOps) Ontario m-s Potts/Jones
VP Potts presented his written report.
Summary: There are issues with vacancies, SWE. Being more reactive instead of proactive with repairs to equipment or aging of equipment. No succession plan with harassment advisors. Next meeting is next week.
Action Item: The National President says to get SWE issues put into minutes. RV 13 – CARRIED
Real Property Operations (RPOps) West m-s Simcoe/Meakin
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: CDSG and RPOPS work closely together. Hiring positions has been huge, this is ok as long as processes are done right. VP Simcoe will ask for hiring statistics, concerned with hiring processes. EVP says to ask for the process.
Action Item: The National President says to inform her of questionable staffing processes, she needs specific examples of them bending the rules or when it’s impacting public services. RV 14 – CARRIED
Real Property Operations (RPOps) Pacific m-s Lazaro/Frost
VP Lazaro presented his written report.
Summary: He says this is one of the less staffed regions across Canada. Last meeting was on May 13th.
Infrastructure and Environment m-s Simcoe/Lazaro
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: ADM IE met in Jan and will meet again this Friday. Deloitte was hired to conduct a study to review how RP Ops is working in Facility Management. The findings will be shared with VP Simcoe. There is an issue concerning the firehalls as they are not part of RP Ops. The National President says all firehalls are under military command except for Borden.
Action Item: Some intervention will be needed due to the reporting structure. Issues should be addressed at the FR Committee. Discussion needs to be brought to UMCCs to work to correct it. National Officers need to interview firehalls.
Military Personnel Command m-s Wrinn/Frost
VP Wrinn presented his written report.
Summary: They had one meeting so far in March 2022 around workplace posture.
From returning to 100% in some locations to hybrid workplace where it can be done, a virtual townhall was held May 5th, both for the NCR and outside the NCR to discuss CMP plan by senior management within the unit. VP Wrinn will get a copy of the transcript of questions asked during the townhall.
Material m-s Kroeger/Wrinn
DVP Kroeger presented a written report submitted by VP Smith and written by VP Simcoe.
Summary: VP Simcoe explained that Canadian Material Support Group (CMSG) involves the ammunition and supplies depots and that ADM Mat are all the field units. Modernization initiative is in progress. Firefighter clothing update, been waiting 7 years for new clothing. One person does all procurement across Canada. Now finally at stage of sampling uniforms.
202 Workshop: Moving to the approving model on classifications.
Action Item: VP Simcoe asked if any of the National Officers have someone in their ammunition depots that would be interested in being support/advisor to the Committee to let her or VP Smith know because the current member will be retiring soon. RV 18 – CARRIED
Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) m-s Grenon/Potts
VP Grenon presented his written report.
Summary: There was no UMCC for this Committee. However, VP Grenon had a discussion with Capt(N) Thompson on the reimbursement of professional licenses and the new organizational direction. He asked him to hold a UMCC but still waiting to hear back.
Action Item: The National President says grievances should be filed to add pressure. Health services reports up to CMP, therefore she says VP Wrinn should bring these issues up there to help.
Canadian Forces Housing Authority (CFHA) m-s Frost/Wrinn
VP Frost presented his written report.
Summary: Cleaning services are being contracted out in some regions.
Action Item: VP Frost will find out which regions, will get a list. HRA Torrealba offered help with the harassment cases. RV 20 – CARRIED
Defence Research & Development Canada (DRDC) m-s Meakin/Frost
VP Meakin presented his written report.
Summary: Work posture, open to hybrid approach. Staffing/hiring freeze, any open positions will be put on hold. Next meeting is on June 7. Virtual meetings, no talk of in person.
Action Item: The National President says to ask for staffing vacancy reports to see if there really is a freeze.
Information Management m-s Wrinn/Meakin
VP Wrinn presented his written report.
Summary: VP Wrinn says there is not much to report. ADM(IM) is working on setting up his team as members have left the Information Management world altogether or retired. RV 22 – CARRIED
Health & Safety m-s Potts/O’Kane
VP Potts presented his written report.
Summary: National Health & Safety Policy Committee (NHSPC) met a few times, discussed changes specific to Covid-19 policies but no confirmed changes yet. Changes to violence policy, becoming more preventative.
Action Items: VP Potts asked National Officers to send him or VP Grenon feedback on any national policy changes. Return to work will be reviewed. It’s good practice to file grievances in addition to Violence in the Workplace complaints. VP Potts says that unvaccinated CAF members are coming into the workplace, the National President is asking for numbers. There is outdated computer equipment, VP Potts will bring this to next meeting. Various health & Safety meetings feeding into policy Committee. National President asked for org chart of all “policy committees” as it appears some committees are calling themselves policy committees. RV 23 – CARRIED
Firefighters m-s Meakin/Frost
VP Meakin presented his written report.
Summary: He said he and LRO Brendalee Blaney have had good informal discussions with labour manager from the FR Situational Table. Next meeting to be scheduled. There have been lots of changes in FR Committee, next meeting is in July/August. New committee members to come from a few regions. VP Meakin gave update on exclusion list. VP Grenon spoke of the investigation concerning the firehall in Valcartier and said there are recommendations coming from the report. He said no members anywhere should suffer like these members have. The National President said she cannot share the report at the moment. VP Simcoe said there are standard operating policies (SOP) being developed that do not follow guidelines or collective agreements.
Action Item: VP Meakin asked VP Simcoe to send him the SOPs in an email.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) m-s Wrinn/Lazaro
VP Wrinn presented his written report.
Summary: VP Wrinn says they had two meetings this year, one in March 2022, which he could not attend due to the Local Presidents Conference. EAP will be streamlining the recruitment of RA which will be call Peer Advisors. EAP is celebrating it’s 40 Anniversary this year. Around the 40th Anniversary Promotional video detailing the history of EAP Testimonial montage video new posters and banners. New Peer Advisor Recognition will be coming out. EVP asked why disabilities are broken down, this is a privacy issue. The National President says that the PSAC has pushed for this data to be broken down to ensure members of each disability are treated fairly.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Newfoundland-Labrador & New Brunswick m-s Frost/Meakin
VP Frost presented his written report.
Summary: The report listed his meetings and activities he attended. There has been education for members being Mod 8 and hoping to have Classification training next. Remote work becoming more permanent for some, DND and other Government Departments are looking at different ways of continuing to do business with flexible and remote work arrangements while addressing staffing and retention issues. AGM elections coming up in person. Regional Conference is being planned. RV 26 – CARRIED
Ontario m-s Potts/Frost
VP Potts presented his written report.
Summary: VP Potts introduced his new Deputy Vice-President Jayne Pollock. Vaccine mandate, training to be planned, not sure if in person or virtual, new contracts have been ratified, most Local AGMs have been held. Regional Conference coming up soon. The Ontario Human Rights Coordinator is Brian Harrison.
STANDING REPORTS
Young Workers m-s Potts/Lazaro
VP Potts presented his written report.
Summary: VP Potts says he is still missing a couple of young worker representatives. The Committee has reviewed the terms of reference.
Apprenticeship- verbal report
VP Lazaro says the funding terminated in 2018 for the Apprenticeship Program, therefore nothing to report.
Communications & Training (COMTRA) m-s Jones/O’Kane
EVP Jones presented his report on behalf of the Committee.
Summary: The 2022 Local Presidents Conference (LPC) was delayed due to a change in planning and finally deciding it had to go virtual due to ongoing pandemic. Agenda items were from the Committee that was in place prior to Convention. There were many education modules given, mostly virtual but went well. Some curriculum in modules needs to be modified, material will be reviewed. The Committee has identified a possible need to have refresher training for UNDE facilitators. Orientation manuals are in the works for new VPs and EVP. NE Officers training for investigations needs to be scheduled. New Human Rights module is being planned.
Action Item: The Committee is asking that where VPs/facilitators/members notice discrepancies in course curricula, that they advise the COMTRA committee who will review and amend as needed.
Honours & Awards m-s O’Kane/Potts
VP O’Kane presented a written report on behalf of the Committee.
Summary: They Committee met and chose VP O’Kane as the Chair. They are researching and reviewing the service pins and how they are distributed.
Action Item: VPs are asked to forward any ideas or suggestions they may have on service pins to the Committee for review.
Finance m-s Meakin/Wrinn
VP Meakin presented a written report on behalf of the Committee.
Summary: VP Meakin presented the financial reports and membership data, as well as an update on Local financials and AGM deferrals.
Action Item: National Office (Amanda/Daniel) need to be given bank account information by members to receive a direct deposit. Also, if a member changes bank accounts, they must provide the new updated banking information.
VP Grenon asks to have audit report and financial statements in French in future. The National President apologized and explained that this was not asked for before now, it will be available for next meeting.
Bylaws m-s Lazaro/Meakin
VP Lazaro presented the written report on behalf of the Committee.
Summary: The Committee chose VP Lazaro as the Chair.
Action Item: VP Lazaro will bring the following recommendations to amendments of the Bylaws back to the Committee for implementation. They will also review proposed changes to the UNDE Harassment Policy and will review the UNDE Travel Policy.
Recommendations are:
Disciplinary Procedure – General 1305-01:
- b) 7 Working days: Voted in favour to amend to 10 days;
- c) add and to the Respondents – Voted against amending – but change language to be gender neutral
- f) add Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that at least one (1) member of the investigation committee is part of a recognized equity group.
NEW BUSINESS
Auditors Report m-s Meakin/Wrinn
VP Meakin presented printed copies of the Auditor’s Report to the National Executive.
Motion to accept. RV 33 – CARRIED
MOTION – Auditors m-s Meakin/Wrinn
“Whereas UNDE must reappoint an auditor for every fiscal year to verify their financial statements;
Whereas UNDE has used the service of McCay Duff LLP as auditors of their financial statements and are satisfied with the results and costs;
Be It Resolved That UNDE reappoints McCay Duff LLP for the audit of their 2022 fiscal year.”
MOTION to merge Local 10503 into 10502 m-s Grenon/Lazaro
“WHEREAS the Local has not met Article 7 Section 3 since the fall of 2021.
WHEREAS the AGM in December 2021 was cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Whereas at the AGM on May 04, 2022, of which Johanne Rouillard and I were present, during the election of the position of President was left vacant.
WHEREAS the Local has unanimously proposed and seconded to merge 10503 into 10502.
WHEREAS the executive of Local 10503 has signified via its president, who was also present, welcomes this merger.
BE IT RESOLVED that the UNDE executive authorize the merger of Local 10503 to Local 10502
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Vice-President of the Quebec Region oversee the merger process in a transparent and fair manner.”
MOTION to create a second Wainwright UNDE Local m-s Meakin/Kroeger
“Whereas the current UNDE Wainwright local 30908 covers may different, and unique occupations and Collective Bargaining Agreements. Which correlates in individuals not being represented to the best of the Unions capabilities.
Whereas the executive being primarily shift workers, although, they are eager to help, sometimes lack the timeliness desired due to shift work and info being sent to work emails.
Whereas due to the broad spectrum currently represented, some groups face counterintuitive representation.
Whereas there is a current culture of anti Union growing in Wainwright, due to the feeling of miss or lack of representation, and an increase of federal Liberal platform pushing.
Whereas nationally we desire to have more involvement.
Whereas locally we desire to engage our local management and encourage more Union participation.
Whereas we expect Wainwright to grow in personnel and infrastructure, and already feel as the 271 members are under supported, which will worsen without a solution.
Therefore I herby so move that we make a motion to split the Local 30908 into 2 Locals at the next general members meeting. 1 for the FR group and 1 for the General Base.
Hence forth creating better representation for ALL groups on base in a timely and fully supportive fashion.”
NATIONAL OFFICE
Executive Vice-President (EVP) m-s Jones/Meakin
EVP Jones presented his written report.
Summary: Update on staffing at National Office as well as highlights on meetings and activities. Also included were Labour Relations Officer reports and grievance reports. RV 37 – CARRIED
REGIONAL REPORTS
Nova Scotia m-s Kroeger/O’Kane
DVP Kroeger presented VP Smith’s written report.
Summary: The report highlighted activities and meetings attended for this period.
National Capital Region (NCR) m-s Wrinn/Stone
VP Wrinn presented his written report.
Summary: The report highlighted activities and meetings attended for this period.
Québec m-s Grenon/Meakin
VP Grenon presented his written report.
Summary: The report highlighted activities and meetings attended for this period. VP Grenon also has monthly Teams meetings with the presidents of the Quebec locals.
Communications Security Establishment (CSE) m-s Stone/O’Kane
VP Stone presented his written report.
Summary: Bargaining will be starting up again with a return to traditional, positional-based negotiations. Issues with remote work/ return to work.
Non-Public Funds (NPF) m-s O’Kane/Wrinn
VP O’Kane presented her written report.
Summary: Had a very successful NPF Bargaining Conference. National townhall for NPF members coming up this week. Still working on pay equity with employer.
Manitoba/Saskatchewan m-s Simcoe/Kroeger
VP Simcoe presented her written report.
Summary: VP Simcoe gave an update on Committees she sits on. Highlights on each of her Locals as well as activities and meetings she attended. RV 43 – CARRIED
Alberta and the North m-s Meakin/Lazaro
VP Meakin presented his written report.
Summary: VP Meakin has monthly teleconference calls with his Locals. 699 leave is a big concern in his region. Also highlighted meetings and activities for this period.
British Columbia m-s Lazaro/Grenon
VP Lazaro presented his written report.
Summary: VP Lazaro says he has quarterly virtual meeting with his Local Presidents and had some successful virtual training in his region. Working on an upcoming Regional Conference.
Human Rights Advisor m-s Jones/Simcoe
Human Rights Advisor Torrealba presented her written report.
Summary: HRA Torrealba held some virtual meetings with the Human Rights Coordinators. They are planning an in-person meeting in the Fall. The Committee will undertake a review of the committee’s webpage on the UNDE website and update as required.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION – UNDE Triennial Convention 2023 – m-s Warren/Simcoe
The National Officers voted to hold Convention in St. John’s NL in August 2023 as it was previously scheduled to be held there but was postponed twice due to pandemic. RV 47 – CARRIED
Departmental Portfolios m-s Jones/Warren
The National President presented a document which outlined the various portfolios and identified the Office of Primary Interest (OPI).
Carried Business from 2021 Convention – Discussed – Reviewed and accepted as is
Privatization Committee – Discussion
The National President presented the Terms of Reference for the Committee and opened the discussion if this Committee was still seen as needed or not. It was decided that it is needed.
Action Item: The National President asked the VPs to send her an email if they are interested in being on the Committee, once the Committee is established they can then look at reviewing the Terms of Reference in order to amend or modify if they find necessary.
Local Presidents Conference – VP Grenon asked if there will still be a Local Presidents Conference Committee including members from each region. He said there were issues in the past with agenda items and asks that the Local Presidents are included in decisions of agenda items for future Conferences. The EVP, who is Chair of the COMTRA Committee and who plans these conferences, says the Committee has not started discussions yet on the upcoming Conference for 2023.
Duty of Regional VPs – VP Grenon asked if there could be a budget for VPs to plan and organize their own Local functions instead of having to ask permission and approval from the National President first. The National President said the process has to stay this way as these functions are not the same in each region and need to be approved separately to ensure compliance with the budget, bylaws, etc.
Bilingual Communication – VP Grenon requested that going forward any correspondence shared with the National Executive members coming from the Department be shared in both languages. The National President said it’s challenging to get it from them in a timely manner but she will continue to endeavour to get official communications from them in both languages.
Adjournment.