Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

BC Human Rights Committee Minutes of February 8, 2006 meeting

In attendance:

• in Vancouver RO: Craig Langston (chair), Carol Pegura, Kim Forster, Monica Urrutia (PSAC staff – did minutes for this meeting)
• via teleconference: Sargy Chima, Kathleen Kassam, Floyd Knelsen, Bruce Clark
• via teleconference in Victoria RO: Mandi Schubert, Pat Maxwell, Randi Mutz, Louise Richard, Beverly Johnson
• Regrets: Deanna Wilson, Terri Lee, Carolyn McGillivray, Sanda Turner, Steve Houston

Download the HRC meeting minutes or read more below.

Agenda:

1. Election of HR Committee’s Observer to the PSAC Triennial Convention
2. Info items: Worker’s Out Conference; Terri Lee on Constitution Resolutions committee for convention; NCVM conference
3. Other

Craig reviewed the agenda which was accepted by the participants.

1. Election of HR Committee’s Observer to the PSAC Triennial Convention

An election was held for the Human Rights Committee to send an observer to PSAC Triennial Convention. Monica explained the process, emphasizing that it had been discussed with Patty Ducharme, REVP, and ran the elections.

Candidates for Observer:

• Carol Pegura – nominated by Kim Forster, seconded by Katie Kassam
• Tracy Shudo – nominated by Bruce Clark, seconded by Sargy Chima

As Tracy was not in attendance, Monica read out her statement to the committee verbatim, indicating her interest to be considered for the position. Carol also had the opportunity to speak and read a short statement.

Carol was elected.

Candidates for alternates to the Observer:

• Tracy Shudo – nominated by Bruce Clark, seconded by Craig Langston
• Sargy Chima – nominated by Kim Forster, seconded by Katie Kassam

Sargy was elected as 1st alternate, Tracy as 2nd alternate.

2. Information items:

a) Worker’s Out Conference: Craig read out an info bulletin about the “Workers Out Conference” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered trade unionists and allies to be held in Montreal from July 26 – 29, 2006. Of particular note is that the AEC has allocated to fully subsidize one delegate spot per PSAC region. Deadline for applications is February 28, 2006. Please go to http://www.psacbc.com/categories/human-rights/pride/ for more information or contact Steve Houston, Regional Council Representative for GLBT members.

b) Terri Lee on Constitution Resolutions committee for convention

• Terri had sent her regrets for not being able to attend the meeting but wanted to pass on to delegates that she is on the Constitution Committee for PSAC Convention
• Bruce also shared that he is a delegate to convention.
• Monica to still email out all self-identified equity groups in the BC region to find out how many are delegates to convention to encourage their participation for the April 4th meeting.

c) NCVM conference

• Mandi passed on information to the group regarding the National Council of Visible Minorities holding a conference in Vancouver on February 15. This council is open to all Visible Minority employees, etc. from Federal Public Service Departments and Agencies.
• Katie expressed interest in possibly attending

3. Other

• Louise Richard shared another item of interest regarding March being “Ageing Month”. She will forward electronic information to Monica which can be disseminated appropriately to the group.
• Katie shared that she is writing an article on accommodation and if the groups wishes, she can shared it to be posted on the HRC webpage. There was also some discussion about a course that Mandi took, and she was willing to send Monica an electronic copy. If appropriate, it can also be posted on the website.

Next meeting: March is still being approached as a possibility for a joint meeting with the Women’s Committee. April is scheduled for April 4 with the main agenda item of reviewing resolutions to PSAC convention (if available by then).

Meeting responsibilities need to be followed up

Food:

Chair:

Minute taker:

meeting officially adjourned at 6:55 p.m. moved by Mandi, seconded by Floyd.