Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSACBC Human Rights Committee Minutes of January 16, 2007 meeting

In attendance

• Vancouver RO: Tracy Shudo (chair), Deanna Wilson (food), Sanda Turner, Carol Pegura, Rhonda Brain, Kim Forster (minutes), Sargy Chima, Jack Seto, Bruce Clark, Monica Urrutia (PSAC staff)
• via teleconference: Floyd Knelsen
• Regrets: Carolyn McGillivray, Val Hargreaves, Sid Wong, Todd Harding, Craig Langston, Steve Houston, Paul Jones, Rodney Hynes
• N.B. Steve Houston, Paul Jones and Rodney Hynes contacted Monica and explained why they were unable to participate in the meeting.

Continue reading below or download the BC Human Rights Committee minutes, January 16 2007 (pdf)

1. Introductions

• quick round of introductions in the room and on the phone

2. Pride Resolutions

• Monica shared that the PSAC National Pride Conference is happening at the end of March, and that its resolution submission deadline is January 19. Monica had requested input from Kay Sinclair, REVP and Steve Houston, BC Regional Council Rep for GLBT members.
• Kay forwarded three suggestions, which the committee discussed
• the committee wishes to submit the following resolutions for the PSAC National PRIDE Conference:

Resolution #1

• Whereas there is a lack of understanding on the part of employers, employees, and unions of the issues facing GLBT members in the workplace;
• Be it resolved that the PSAC work with its Components to encourage employers to develop action plans to assist members to be more aware and proactive on GLBT issues.
• moved by Carol, seconded by Tracy. Motion CARRIED

Resolution # 2

• Whereas the census is not comprehensive and does not include sexual orientation and gender identity;
• Be it resolved that the PSAC lobby the Federal Government to amend the census survey to include selfidentification of sexual orientation and / or gender identity.
• moved by Tracy, seconded by Rhonda. Motion CARRIED

Resolution # 3

• Whereas currently there is no avenue for input from grassroots GLBT membership to discuss and resolve issues;
• Be it resolved that PSAC work with its Components to support the establishment of joint (employerunion) GLBT committees at the workplace at the local level.
• moved by Kim, seconded by Carol. Motion CARRIED.

Resolution #4

• Whereas currently the Employment Equity Act does not recognize the GLBT group,
• Be it resolved that the PSAC and members lobby the Federal Government to amend the Employment Equity Act to include GLBT as an enumerated group.
• moved by Tracy, seconded by Deanna. Motion CARRIED.

3. Planning for 2007

a) General

• Monica reviewed that the committee has been doing strong work for the last two years, and that the work has been structured primarily on monthly meetings, connected to diversity days. She encouraged the committee to begin this year’s planning session with a framework of projects/actions the committee wanted to take that could occur in the community
• she also shared other committee members have requested to attempt to spread meetings out more
• Tracy reviewed the committee’s 2006 planning minutes and was proud that the committee was able to accomplish a large majority of what was proposed last year.
• people commented that the committee is one of the region’s most active!

b) Proposal from the Education Committee

• the committee discussed and agreed to a written proposal from Amal Rana (REO) and the Regional Education Committee to cohost a forum for Black History Month on February 13^th. The committee is open to other collaborations in the future.

c) Brainstorm results (put in chronological order, those with dates ‘to be determined’ has been put at the end):

Idea

Who will take it on?

By when?

Members agreed to further develop their project (plan out what is needed including resources) and be able to report back at the next meeting.

d) Request

• Kim shared a proposal regarding “Baby Haven” an orphanage in Namibia, Africa. The committee discussed it and decided to support by holding a fundraiser sometime this year in order to raise awareness and money for the cause. This was incorporated into the planning table above.

e) Anniversaries of Change

• Monica also shared information received on the “2007 Anniversaries of Change” which involves the commemoration of a variety of anniversaries that affect the Asian Canadian community. She passed copies on to Sargy and Deanna for possible participation.

4. Budget

• the committee reviewed its 2006 budget. Unfortunately, due to staff illness, actual monies spent in 2006 could not be shared at this meeting
• the committee proposed the following 2007 budget:

ITEM

AMOUNT

5. Other

announcements:

• Rally Against the SWC cuts and attacks on women’s equality, Thursday, Jan 18 @ noon, @ Sinclair Centre. Monica shared that PSAC members will be participating in the info picket outside the building.
• Vancouver Regional Office Employment Opportunity. There is a competition underway, deadline for applications is January 29^th. The RO is having an information meeting for all interested in applying on Wed, Jan 24 at 5:45 pm, please RSVP.
• Patt Holmes, Regional Council Women’s Rep, passed on some info regarding a private members bill that would extend the duration of EI benefits for workers who are unable to work due to illness from 15 weeks to 1 year. Kim suggested we bring this up again at the next meeting with more information.

encourage Committee members to attend the Black History month forum on Tuesday, February 13, but the next business meeting is: Thursday, March 15.

meeting was adjourned at 8:18 pm.