VIHRC AGM September 9, 2010 5 to 8 pm PSAC Victoria Regional Office – 210-1497 Admirals Road

What is the Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee?

Our goals:

• to actively promote and encourage members from the Aboriginal Peoples, Racially Visible Persons, Pride and Access equity groups to participate in the union and in society as a whole;
• and to educate union members at large on sensitivity and inclusiveness in the union.

Our hope:

• that you join us in championing human rights on Vancouver Island.

Our agenda:

• Adoption of minutes
• Election of officers
• Resolutions
• Dates for 2011 meetings

Afterwards, please stay for snacks and drinks and to meet the committee.

Download the poster (pdf)

Negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreement between PSAC/UNDE Local 1018 (Comox) and IMP Limited will commence Tuesday July 6th. The parties meet again on Wednesday July 7th. Lloyd Barrow, Grant Golem and Alex Martell are the Local representatives on the PSAC negotiating team. The PSAC negotiator is Dave Jackson.

PSAC members who work for IMP Comox perform first and second level maintenance activities on Comorant helicopters. Some of these workers are employed as technicians, crew chiefs, maintenance planners, storespersons and administrative assistant.

VIHRC Meeting Minutes April 22, 2010

• In attendance: Robert Mitchell, Paul Jones, Laura Gracie, Wendy Bruce, Michael Doerfler, Virginia Vaillancourt, Maddalena Maher, Dave Jackson, Rosemary MacKenzie – Tracy Shudo via teleconference.
• ASL & SIGNED ENGLISH INTERPRETERS: Mary Butterfield & Mary Warner & Student Translator, Alison Corrigan.
• Regrets: Mark McCavour, Cindy Little, Anita Hoffman, Mandi Schubert and Ryan Dowell.

Meeting started at 6:32 p.m.

Continue reading below, or download the meeting minutes (.pdf).

Round table introductions were done.

Reviewed and adopted last minutes from February 18, 2010.

1. VIHRC Bank Account Signers: Rosemary reported all five financial signers signed the new paperwork provided by Community Savings, which included the Treasurer (Wendy Bruce), who was elected at the last meeting. The five signers are Michael Doerfler, Wendy Bruce, Paul Jones, Virginia Vaillancourt and Rosemary MacKenzie.
2. Follow up with Treasury and VIHRC financial details and budget was presented by Wendy Bruce. The current balance is $391.93. 2 statements have been received because we have 2 accounts, one is an equal shares account with the Community Savings account of which we put in $50.00 and have earned $.03 cents in interest so far and our business checking account which started with a balance of $450.00. Once the BC Committee receives their allocation we will receive ours shortly after that. Treasurer wants to apply for a local access fund to help pay for interpreters instead of from our operating budget.
3. Pride 2010 funding request – Paul: Looking for money for Pride activities, as we don’t know how much we have for funding Paul has made a motion to move this item to next meeting on June 22, 2010. Carried.
4. National GLBT convention resolution re: “Pride” term – Paul: Resolution made at the convention, great exception to the word Pride, resolution did not pass. Copy of National conference from 2007-2009 for anyone who wants to know what happened at these conventions. There were many discussions around the word Pride and many did not feel it was a very good word to use as it indicated only the GLBT group were proud and did not include other members under the 4 equity groups, it was felt that Pride was a term that excluded other equity people.
5. Progress/vote on VIHRC logo designs – Robert: Robert gave a power point presentation with 4 designs for discussion and voting on. Symbols such as a dove, human figures, candles and urban imagery were used in the designing and planning. VIHRC has voted on a logo for the committee. The Committee would like to thank Robert for all the hard work he put into the planning and designing of these logos.
6. Update on banner style & costing – Mark: Moved to next meeting.

• Break 7:32 Meeting Resumed at 7:36

1. Duty to accommodate – Maddalena: Presented to the Committee a power point presentation on the role of Community based Health Providers regarding Occupation Addiction Medicine. It was very informative and gave some of the responsibilities and rights between the employers and the employees as well as what information your Dr. is allowed to release to the employer. She advised of actual outcomes of cases heard by the courts and HR Tribunals. Bill C-45 is the key to understanding the term safety in the workplace. Thank you Maddalena.
2. Amendments to TOR – Dave/Michael: Amendments to clean up the language of our VIHRC TOR previously voted in from our February 18, 2010 meeting to ensure clarity and consistency within the document. Amended version submitted. Discussion ensued and vote taken and passed to clean up language of our TOR as presented at today’s meeting. Cheque signers will communicate via e-mail to put in place processes for cheque signing which will then be amended and voted into the VIHRC’s TOR.
3. Clarification on committee positions’ roles – Michael: Duties and responsibilities of committee positions for secretary duties. Recording secretary to use audio/digital recorder for meetings, meeting notifications and e-mailing agenda items along with the chair. Rosemary will usually do up agenda items and send them out to the committee members. She also has a template for signing in of members on meeting nights to ensure the contact information is up to date.
4. VIHRC National Access conference in Ottawa – all: 4 members of our committee have been chosen for this convention; Paul, Maddalena, Wendy and Mark, congratulations! Paul would like to add a resolution for this conference; however the deadline has now passed. Deadline was the same time as the delegate applications on March 3, 2010. Virginia felt that this was unfair as members who would like to put forth a resolution may not do so because they don’t know at that time if they have been accepted as a delegate or not. Michael has brought forth some considerations he would like to be brought forward at this convention regarding a special access fund being started to accommodate funds for equipment for business related equipment for PWD members such as laptops and projectors for PSAC related business. Robert mentioned that his local has just bought a new laptop and are looking to donate their old one. He will look into the possibility of donating it to the VIHRC. Thank you!!! Paul will also bring forward a special resolution during convention to request a new access fund be established for special equipment needed for PWD members.

• Final note to this: VIHRC has just been advised that we have another member of our committee who has been selected to attend this conference too. Congratulations Michael for being chosen to attend this conference as well!

1. Website hosting for VIHRC resources – Michael: Moved to next meeting June 22, 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Next meeting is June 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the PSAC office.

In attendance: Brenda Esplen, Jeannette Lum, Sharon Hazelwood, Gwen Williams, Leanne Hughes, Cindy Little, Virginia Vaillancourt (Chair), Rosemary MacKenzie (PSAC Staff) Regrets:   Dyan Day, Mandi Schubert.

Meeting called to order at 5:40 pm

Review of April 13, 2010 minutes and approval

M/S/C
Jeannette Lum / Cindy Little /  Carried

Continue reading below, or download a copy of Victoria RWC May 27 minutes (pdf)

Budget

New signers are now on the account and we’re figuring what’s in our account.   Brenda will explain what we have in each account.   We will discuss budget for the upcoming year.   One requirement for the Victoria RWC is to submit a budget to the REVP each year.
After a cursory glance here is our balance as of March 31, 2010 :

• $1175.54 in our Business Chequing
• $129.47 in our Equity Shares Account
• $700.98 Plan 24 Savings Account

Our next meeting is June 21st, so here is some suggestions re:  funding line items to think about.

• Assistance to conferences
• Meeting (foods / movie rentals etc)
• December 6th event / March 8th
• Contingency Fund / Miscellaneous
• Donations

If you think of anything more before June 21st, just let me know (Virginia).

Funding for Women who’ve been selected to the BC Regional Women’s Conference

Re:   $75 registration fee.   Is any assistance needed by anyone?

As well, each RWC has been asked to bring a “basket” for the silent auction.   Suggestions?  How much do we wish to make up the basket for?  Tangible items……………

• Murchies # 10 blend tea / Empress Tea
• A candle from the Day of Mourning Event
• Roger’s Chocolats , Smoked Salmon
• Bottle of wine from a local winery, Maybe something from Butchart Gardens, Books from a local author
• Postcards from Victoria

As well, we’ve been asked to assist in funding a beverage for the participants from the RW Conference.  Up to $200.  There will be 63 participants registered, plus the staff etc. Everyone was in agreement.

Air Travel to RW Conference.

We’ve be able to purchase two Harbour Air tickets from a local who had two extra flight tickets, willing to sell them to us for a reduced costs.

Gwen Williams and Sharon Hazelwood will be utilizing these tickets, as they are travelling as a team.

Delegate for the PSAC National Women’s Conference

It was asked if anyone was interested in going to the National Women’s conference as a delegate.   Only Virginia was interested.  Brenda said she would try and apply to go via her local.

Virginia will be the delegate
Brenda will be the alternate.

Meeting adjourned at:   6:40 pm

Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee – Notification of Regular Meeting

• Open to: All PSAC Members on Vancouver Island
• Date/Time: June 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
• Location: PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road
• Teleconference: Please call 250-953-1050 or 1-866-953-1050 for ‘call in’ coordinates, no later than June 22 at 12:00 noon.

Come out or Telephone in & See what your newly formed Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee (VIHRC) has been doing for you! New members and allies are always welcomed to observe or join VIHRC!

VIHRC is particularly keen in welcoming any member from 4 equity groups:

• Aboriginals;
• Access (Persons with Disabilities which also includes invisible disorders such as ADHD, Brain injury, OCD etc.);
• Pride (Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgendered, Transsexual etc.);
• Racially Visible

Regular meeting atmosphere is casual. Please contact 250-953-1050 or email PSAC Victoria Regional Office at mackenr@psac.com for more info. Download the poster!

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2010 Pride in Labour

PSAC BC & Paul Jones, GLBT Regional Council Coordinator invites you & your families to join us in the 2010 PRIDE Parade & Festival in Victoria. “Gay Rights Are Human Rights”

When: Sunday July 4, 2010

Meet at 10 am on Broad St. (by the Victoria Events Centre) Parade Starts at 12:00 noon. Beads provided.

A family friendly event will follow at MacDonald Park. Access accommodations will be accommodated by an 18-­‐foot trailer that you may ride on. Download the poster.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

DATE: June 21, 2010 (Monday)
TIME: 5:30 P.M.
LOCATION: PSAC Boardroom, 210-1497 Admirals Rd., Victoria, BC

AGENDA: To be announced.

Please forward any agenda items to the Chair, Virginia Vaillancourt at: uvaevictoria@shaw.ca

Please R.S.V.P as various snack food will be provided – email Rosemary at mackenr@psac.com

Note: the building door is locked by 5:30, so if you can, please arrive a few minutes earlier. Thanks.

PSAC REGIONAL OFFICE 210-1497 ADMIRALS ROAD

Proposed Agenda

1. Treasurer’s report
2. Pride Parade – July 4 – Paul Jones
3. Update from National Access Conference
4. Regional Women’s Conference
5. By-Law’s Committee update
6. Labour Day Picnic

PLEASE RSVP TO: Rosemary at the Regional Office  no later than noon on June 7, 2010 at ph: 250-953-1050 or e0mail: mackenr@psac.com

Snacks will be served.

Please try to arrive prior to the start of the meeting as the doors to the building are locked by 5:30 p.m.

Retirement Security: Let’s make it work for everyone!

Fixing Our Pension Crisis: A Panel Discussion
with Sylvain Schetagne, Canadian Labour Congress, Senior Economist,
and Dr. Michael Prince, Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy

• When: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
• Where: BCGEU Building, 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
• Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Admission is free and members of the public are welcome.

Organized by the Canadian Labour Congress, Victoria Labour Council. For information, please contact: Victoria Labour Council: 250-384-8331 Email: vlcbc@telus.net. Download a poster here (.pdf)

PSAC Victoria Regional Womens Committee meeting minutes – Feb 9 2010

Members present: Virginia, Alexandra, Mandi (& Cassandra), Cindy, Dyan, Brenda, Rosemary, Jeanette (on phone)

Review of Dec 6th Event: We spent $928.09 in total, a breakdown is to follow. Virigina suggested we think about planning for next years event soon. All in Favour.

March 8th Event: 100th anniversary of the International Womens Day concerning Pay Equity, Child Care Plan, Long Gun Registry among other important issues. It was suggested we use the same posters to raise awareness as were used last year. Virginia suggested a womens film night for Monday March 8th at 1730 at the PCAC office. She will contact the membesrs with more info when it’s confirmed.

Bill C471 Pay Equity Taskforce: Private Members Bill. This bill has passed it’s first reading and we will continue to watch it in its progression.

Bill C391 Long Gun Registry. Virginia wrote a letter to each MP that voted to dismantle the Long Gun Registry and she will make copies f the letters to send to us so we (PSAC Womens Committee) can take a personal and committee stand against the dismantling. She will draft a letter for us and send it via email for the members to send out. For more information on who voted for and against go to www.howdidtheyvote.ca.

2010 Meeting Schedule:

• Tuesday April 13th at 1730
• Tuesday June 15th at 1730
• Tuesday Sept 14th at 1730
• Tuesday Oct 26th at 1730

Meeting adjourned: 1836

PSAC-BC Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee

April 22, 2010 @ 6:30 PM
PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Meeting Agenda

• Old Business for review:
  • Review Last Meeting’s Minutes in general
• New Business:
  1. Follow up with Treasury & VIHRC Financial details
  2. Pride 2010 Funding Request (Follow up)
  3. National GLBT Convention Resolution re: “Pride” term
  4. Progress/Vote on VIHRC Logo Designs
  5. Update on Banner Style & Costing
  6. Duty to Accommodate
  7. Amendments to TOR ?
  8. Clarification on committee positions’ roles
  9. National Access Conference in Ottawa
  10. Website hosting for VIHRC resources?

For more information, contact the PSAC Victoria Office.

1730: Meeting called to Order

In Attendance: Virginia, Chair, Mandi, Co-Chair, Alexandra, Soniia, Jeanette, Dyan, Secretary, Brenda, Treasurer
Rosemary, PSAC Staff
Guest: Michelle, CAW Local 114

Agenda : Introductions
: Event plans for Dec 6th candle light vigil
: Approval of minutes
: 2010 Events
: Festive Meet n’ Greet

Michelle from CAW Local 114 provided update on items for Dec 6th Commemorative Vigil, which will be held between 1630 and 1800 at the BC Legislative grounds. Awaiting confirmation on Legislature Ground use. Invite letters drawn up by Virginia were passed around. Sarah from CAW Local 114 will contact the Transition Rep in addition to the letters. Donations for the events are discussed in addition to advertising for the event. Michelle will try to get a deal with Blackpress. 1X1 border, 2 days Monday to Friday with Victoria Daily is $131.27. Michelle will do some research into radio announcements as well. Sonia will do some research into Shaw. Mandi volunteered to send out letters to VIHA and post ads on UsedVictoria.Com and Craigslist.Com and will co-ordinate with the City of Victoria for a Calendar of Events.

A list of items needed for the Dec 6th event was then discussed. Flicker candles from RWC budget, 200 candles for $300. Order for 200 candles was approved unanimously.

Michelle offered to find out about having vehicles on the Government Lawn. Virginia will research sound system for event. Mandi, Soniia and Sarah volunteered for the information/donation table.

Next was the approval of October AGM minutes by Cindy, seconded by Jeanette. Motion passed.

Festive Meet and Greet planned for Dec 8th at the PSAC office between 1600 to 2000 an email will be sent to all PSAC memebers to come out.

2010 Events were to be postponed until the first meeting of 2010.

Cindy Little did the swearing in of Virginia, Mandi and Brenda.

Next meeting to be held Tuesday, Feb 9th 2010.

Meeting adjourned at 1849.

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Download a PDF of: Victoria Area Council mtg minutes March 9, 2010

Members Present: Cindy Little – UTE 20028, Scott Parker – UTE 20028, Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013, Noelle Arnold – AGR 20064, Dave Ramalho – UNDE 21011, Paul Jones – UNDE 21008, G. Goodmanson – UEW 20169, Jack Gale – GSU 20001, Jim Sidel – DCL 20500, Leanne Hughes – CIU 20042, Mark Miller – UNDE 21016, Sylvaine Boudreault – AGR 20064, Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present: Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Guests: Karla Backer – JLP, Sherry Boudreau – JLP

Regrets:, Pete Wills – UEW 20076, Ian Wiggs UNDE 21008, Derek Williams – AGR 20064
Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030

1. Call to order: Chairperson Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm

2. Introductions: Roundtable introductions of members present

3. Proposed Agenda: Joint Learning Program (JLP), Financial Update, Review of By-Laws, Lighthouse Campaign, Federal Budget Overview, Campbell River Area Council, 2010 Pride Parade, 100th Anniversary Brick

4. Previous Minutes- Deferred to next meeting

5. JLP
- Karla provided info about the program – quick session.
- TB/PSAC agreed to develop what became JLP (Fryer report)
- Offer a number of different courses (5) UICA, UMC, EE, Respecting Differences, Anti-Harrassment. The DTA is to be rolled out later this year.
- Other aspect is the career development for members who are active and want to become facilitators.
- Encourage members to put their need to be facilitators into their learning plan.
- Exposure to various departments
- Ken Waldron – not able to convince management and they don’t want to commit the time to do it.
- DTA course would be 1 or 2 days probably.
Karla and Sherry are working as a team and will be back for the PSAC staff conference March 24th.
- Mark Miller provided some additional insight on recruitment strategies.
- Sherry – intake for new facilitators in this region probably in September, 2010.

6. Treasurer’s report. m/s/c Ken Waldron and Dave Ramalho

7. Review of By-Laws The last amendment was September 2008. Strike a committee to review. Graeme, Noelle, Cindy and Dave Jackson. Send By-Laws and Template out to committee and Dave Ramalho.

8. Lighthouse Campaign – Nick provided an overview of the campaign.
De-staffing on hold at this time.

9. Federal Budget Overview
- Nick provided some information on effects from the budget
- Strategies & Priorities document from NBOD strategy session.
- Pension wasn’t touched – 50,000 signatures from PSAC members
- DND 575 million reduction
Discussion ensued.

10. Campbell River Area Council Inugural meeting on Feb 2, 2010. Executive are: Tom Hopkins – UEW 20147, Steve Bergh – UCTE 20232, Sharon Vanderdonck – CEIU 20963, Debbie Clemenson – UEW 20147.

11. Victoria Pride Parade Paul Jones is requesting a donation from the Area council. Hopes to have a float, using a generator, flat bed trailer and will require a table. The event is July 4th.
- m/s/ Paul/Jim requesting a donation from the Area Council for the Pride parade
- m/s/c ammendment Jim/Scott donaton to be $250.
- Questions followed around how many donations would be coming in?
- Is the float to be shared – No.
What do we do with the money?

12. Brick
- Ken shared info on the “brick” that the Area Council purchased commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

13. Other business
Jack – talk about the WFA again. ERI/EDI.
Mark – 1119 terms in UNDE, of which 149 are in BC region alone.
Nick – we don’t have terms. 25% are casuals, WFA was improved last round of bargaining.
Jim – 21% of Commissionaires at Dockyard will be laid off.

14. Next Meeting June 8, 2010

15. Adjournment Motion to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm m/s/c Jack/Dave

_____________________________
Sister Cindy Little, President

Virginia Vaillancourt, Recording Secretary

Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee meeting

• Tuesday, March 2, 2010
• 5:30 p.m. – Light Supper, 6:00 p.m. – Meeting
• PSAC Vancouver Regional Office, 200-5238 Joyce St. Vancouver, B.C.

Agenda:

• 2009 Financial Statement
• 2010 Budget
• Elections
• IWD Events

Please RSVP to Colette Savarie. Spread the word: download a poster.

Victoria Regional Women’s Committee invites you to attend a movie history night to celebrate International Women’s Day

• Monday March, 8, 2010
• 5:30 pm to 7:30/8:00 pm
• Victoria PSAC Office, 210-1497 admirals Road

Bring your Mothers/daughters/sisters with you! Please rsvp by March 4th, 2010 to Rosemary, and include any dietary needs, as food will be provided. Download a poster!

Mainland Human Rights Committee meeting

• February 16, 2010 – 5:30PM
• Vancouver RO, 5238 Joyce Street
• and via conference call – email Regina Brennan for details

Agenda Items:

• International Women’s Day
• Financial Update
• Financial Limitations for Chairperson
• Access Conference

Tracy Shudo has suggested the Human Rights Committee do a pot luck dinner for the meeting, contact Tracy for more information and to assist.

Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee meeting & Potluck Social: 5:00-5:30 PM (Bring snacks or whatever you want)

• February 18, 2010 @ 5:30 PM
• PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road
• Agenda: To be announced.

Potluck Social: 5:00-5:30 PM (Bring snacks or whatever you want)

Old Business for review

1. Review Last Meeting’s Minutes in general
2. Update on New Banking Account & Obtaining 3 Signers – Mandi

New Business:

1. Final Draft of TOR to be adopted and put into force – Paul
2. VIHRC Acronyms + Pronunciation – Michael
3. Adoption of 2010 dates for VIHRC meetings throughout the year -  Michael
4. VIHRC Election for available positions:  Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer & Recording Secretary – All
5. VIHRC Budgeting Issues – Michael
6. Pride 2010 Funding Request – Paul
7. PSAC National Access Conference in Ottawa – All
8. End of VIHRC Logo Contest Results (Contest ended: Nov 2, 2009) – Dave
9. VIHRC Logo Designs – Committee to select a winning logo? & How to award a prize? – Michael/Wendy
10. Directive on Banner Style & Costing (Regardless on outcome of logo contest) – Mark
11. Website hosting for VIHRC resources?  – Michael

Victoria Area Council Meeting

• March 9, 2010, 5:30PM
• Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Proposed Agenda

1. Treasurer’s report
2. Federal budget follow-up
3. De-staffing of lighthouses update
4. Pension campaign
5. Campbell River & District Area Council

Please RSVP to Rosemary at the Regional Office no later than noon on March 8, 2010. Snacks will be served.ar

Cheers to Paul Jones, BC Regional Council for these photos & report from the No Prorogue rally, January 23rd in Victoria

Here are some photos from the event here in Victoria that Virginia (Vaillancourt, also on the Regional Council) and I attended. We had amazing numbers and the anger and enthusiasm was a huge surprise. The theme that ran deep was that Canadians do care about what happens in their country and that the Afghan abuse scandal is weighing heavy around what Harper has done to avoid his governments accountability to parliament and the people of Canada. We are such spirited citizens of this country. Everyone should take the time to “care”. It is OUR country!

On December 6th BC Regional Council member Virginia Vaillancourt, along with the Victoria Regional Womens’ Committee and Canadian Autoworkers Union Local 114, coordinated a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women candlelight vigil at the Legislature in Victoria. Over 80 participants took time to reflect on the Montreal Massacre, heard from speakers, and collected a large amount of donations for local women’s shelters. Here are some photos, and a news report from the Victoria Times Columnist.

Twentieth anniversary of Montreal Massacre brings calls to save gun registry

Commemorations held in Greater Victoria and across the country

By Katie DeRosa , Times Colonist December 6, 2009

In Montreal, eight-year-old Marjolaine Ouimet, the niece of Geneviève Bergeron — one of Marc Lépine’s victims 20 years ago — places a flower Sunday on her marker at a memorial site named Place du 6-Décembre-1989. Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay is second from the right. Similar ceremonies were held throughout the country, including Victoria.

In Montreal, eight-year-old Marjolaine Ouimet, the niece of Geneviève Bergeron — one of Marc Lépine’s victims 20 years ago — places a flower Sunday on her marker at a memorial site named Place du 6-Décembre-1989. Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay is second from the right. Similar ceremonies were held throughout the country, including Victoria.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:

It is with distinct pleasure that the Victoria Regional Women’s Committee of the Public Service Alliance of Canada BC in collaboration with members of Canadian Auto Workers cordially invite you to attend a memorial event on December 6th, 2009 to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the ongoing initiatives to end violence against women.

• Download a poster (pdf).

We will be holding a Candle Light vigil on the BC Legislature Grounds on December 6th, 2009 from 5:00 pm to 6 pm. We will be collecting on this occasion various personal items such as new socks, towels, toiletries, journals and small house hold appliances to donate to Women’s Organizations in Victoria. This is especially important to us at this time of Liberal budget constraints within the province. We request that everyone in attendance bring an item for donation to this very noble and necessary social initiative. We feel it our responsibility to support this.

We look forward to seeing you at this very important memorial. In Solidarity,

Virginia Vaillancourt – Chair, Victoria Regional Women’s Committee, PSAC
Sarah Dutsch – Canadian Auto Workers Rep, Local 114, Committee Chair

PSAC-BC  Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee meeting

November 5, 2009 @ 5:30 PM

PSAC Victoria Regional Office, 210-1497 Admirals Road

Meeting Agenda

• Potluck Social: 5:00-5:30 PM

Old Business for review:

1. Update on New Banking Account & Obtaining 3 Signers – Mandi
2. Update on New Directive on Medical Leave – Mandi

Review Last Meeting’s Minutes in general

New Business:

1. VIHRC Election as committee position titles might be required? – Mandi / Michael
2. End of VIHRC Logo Contest Results (Contest ended: Nov 2, 2009) – Dave
3. VIHRC Logo Designs – Committee to select a winning logo? & How to award a prize? – Michael
4. Directive on Banner Costing (Depending on outcome of logo contest) – Mark / Michael
5. VIHRC member for presentation in other local or AGM meetings? – All
6. VIHRC Recruitment Process – All
7. PSAC Meet & Greet Event in December – All
8. Proposal of a final meeting date in January for VIHRC Term of Reference – All

South Vancouver Island RWC Annual General Meeting

Wednesday October 14, 2009, 5:30 pm

PSAC Victoria RO – Admirals Walk

In Attendance:

Kay Sinclair BC, REVP (chair), Alexandra Ripco UEW 20076, Virginia Vaillancourt UVAE 20030, Brenda Esplen UTE 20028, Cindy Little UTE 20028, Mandi Schubert (via phone) CEIU 20975, Dyan Day UNDE 21013, Leanne Hughes CIU 20042, Jeannette Lum UEW 20169, Colette Savarie – Regional Rep, Rosemary MacKenzie – Admin Assistant

Regrets: Maddalena Maher

Continue reading the minutes or download here the PDF of the South Vancouver Island Regional Women’s Committee AGM.

Call to Order: Kay called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Minutes of Previous meeting:

Minutes from the previous meeting (August 25, 2009) were accepted

Update from the BC Women’s Retreat:

There was an update from Virginia from the Women’s Retreat (see attached). Brenda, Cheryl and Colette provided some of the highlights for them from the Women’s Retreat.

As well there was comments regarding the Rally in Vancouver for the Coast Hotel employees. One member mentioned she enjoyed meeting women from all of the regions. Colette had only received positive comments. There is another Rally that is being held in Nanaimo at the Coast Bastion Inn on Friday October 16, 2009. All members welcome to come out and show their support.

Elections

Kay mentioned the various roles in a Regional Women’s Committee.   They consist of a chair, a co-chair, a treasurer and a secretary and then the members at large.

Virginia Vaillancourt volunteered to run as Chair of the Committee.    She was elected through acclamation.

Mandi Schubert volunteered to run as Co-Chair of the Committee.    She was elected through acclamation.

Brenda Esplen volunteered to run as Treasurer.    She was elected through acclamation.

Dyan Day volunteered to run as Secretary.    She was elected through acclamation.

Women’s Forum:

The PSAC National Women’s Program is holding consultations across the country on two important priorities of the PSAC – pay equity and child care. The Vancouver consultation will take place on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Patty Ducharme, the National Executive Vice-President, and AndréeCôté, the Women’s Program Officer, will attend the forums designed for women activists in our Union.

An all day forum on pay equity will take place on November 5th followed by a reception with representatives from women’s groups and women activists from other unions. The pay equity forum will provide information sharing, capacity training, and a consultation on local and provincial strategies for our federal pay equity campaign. The half day session on child care on the morning of November 6th will include a discussion of child care issues from national and regional perspectives. The session will also include listening to members’ child care needs and experiences and their suggestions for a PSAC child care campaign.

The forum can accommodate about 25 participants which has been designed for the following women members/activists:

- the B.C. Regional Council Women’s Coordinator and Alternate;

- Regional Women’s Committee activists (one or two from each Committee); and

- other interested PSAC activists interested and involved in women’s issues.

PSAC members/activists who are young mothers are particularly encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in participating in the forum, please send your expression of interest to the PSAC B.C. REVP office by e-mail to Kay Sinclair at sinclak@psac.comor by fax at (604) 430-0194 by 5PM, Thursday, October 15, 2009, and please indicate the following:

- any involvement in a Regional Women’s Committee

- any involvement in women’s groups and/or issues in your community

- any involvement or support for women’s issues in your Local or Component etc.

- interest in further developing your feminist analysis

- commitment to working on a pay equity and/or child care campaign.

Again the deadline for expression of interest is noon, Thursday, October 15th.

December 6 Events:

The newly elected Chair, Virginia Vaillancourt, took over chairing the meeting at this point.   She asked for suggestions regarding the 20^th Anniversary of December 6^th.

- join Clipper Staff – hold a candlelight vigil on Parliament Legislature
- Dawn Black MLA in Vancouver – discussion on women’s issues
- talk to Victim Services about doing a presentation on their services and how they help women in the community
- Women’s Organizations; Transition houses – see what assistance they need ie., blankets, socks, collect toiletries for them; have them come and discuss how they help women who are in need
- Women’s Sexual Assault Centre
- Seniors/older women – issues in coping at home; in LTC facilities, etc
- CLC put together about 20 postcards re Dec 6th; these will be sent to the Women’s Committees and then Women sign them and send them to their MP’s, MLAs

Virginia has sent an email to Nick Humphreys who is a member of the Union of Environment Workers (UEW) Local 20169 and works for Natural Resources Canada at the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria.  Nick is the UEW Regional Vice President for BC/Yukon and the chair of the BC Regional Political Action Committee.  Nick is also an executive member of the Victoria Labour Council. I have asked if he is able to check out for our committee what events the Victoria Labour Council are planning this year to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the 1989 Montreal Massacre.

Virginia has also sent an email to Sarah the contact at the Victoria Clipper to see if I can meet with her to discuss events and combining our efforts.

Next Meeting: Next meeting is scheduled for November 3rd at 5:30 pm

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:23 pm.