Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

PSAC Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting January 16, 2010, Summerland Research Station, Summerland

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Joy Harrison APSAR
• Kelly Megyesi (phone) CEIU 20915
• Annette Hale USGE 20153
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Carolyn McGillivray CIU 20045
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Martha Johnson UVA 20035
• Gaby Villecourt USGE 20153
• Grace MacIver NHU 20031
• Andrea Johnson USGE 20153

The meeting was called to order at 11:15a.m. with Kelly Megyesi in the chair via teleconference.

Continue reading below, or download the January 16 2010 Okanagan RWC meeting minutes (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 14, 2009 were reviewed. m/s/c

Roberta distributed copies of Kelly’s report for year ending December 31, 2009, year-end financial statement, transaction breakdown, bank statement ending December 31, 2009, and a 2010 budget.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The year-end financial statement was reviewed. $2108.00 balance.
• Donations were lower last year than year previous due to anticipated funding for observer attendance at PSAC Convention. Observer became delegate so $600 funding returned.
• Motion: Kelly moved, Susan seconded THAT 2009 Treasurer’s Report be accepted as distributed. Carried
• Motion: Darrell-Lee moved, Susan seconded THAT 2010 Budget be accepted as distributed. Carried.

Old Business:

1) Andrée Coté Event: Andrée unable to attend meeting so event cancelled as previously notified via e-mails.

New Business:

1) International Women’s Day:

• Suggestions requested by Kelly regarding IWD activities and/or recognition. Unanimous agreement to use Gaby’s logo that was on the sticky notes last year, on a different product this year.
• Motion : Roberta Gourlie moved, Susan Yaciw seconded THAT up to $500 be budgeted for creation and purchase of promotional item endorsed with Gaby’s logo. Carried
• Action: Kelly will check into items such as safety carabineer or other item and send e-mail with options to vote on.

2) BC Regional Women’s Conference:

• Conference being held in June 2010.
• Kelly on organizing committee and Annette Hale volunteered to help when able, including participating in up-coming conference call.

3) Elections:

Elections were held for all positions with the following results:

• Chair – Kelly Megyesi acclaimed.
• Vice-Chair – Maria-Luiza Romano acclaimed.
• Secretary – Roberta Gourlie acclaimed (assistance later in year from others depending upon results of formation of South Okanagan Area Council
• Treasurer – Kelly Megyesi acclaimed.

Round Table:

• Kelly suggested the Okanagan establish a PSAC Human Rights Committee. Support from remaining members present to support and pursue this option.
• Action: Kelly will obtain further information on what’s involved in establishing a local committee and sent out via e-mail.

Next Meeting: TBA, Adjourned at 11:50 a.m. m/s/c

Forestry Communities in crisis: town hall meetings on the future of our Province

Sponsored by

• B.C. Federation of Labour
• Canadian Labour Congress
• B.C. Government and Service Employees� Union
• Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Communications, Energy and Paperworks Union
• United Steelworkers

• Tuesday, March 31 � 7:00 PM Room 2621 Old Main Building, Thompson Rivers University � Kamloops
• Wednesday, April 8 � 7:00 PM Campbell River Labour Centre, 830 14th Ave � Campbell River, BC
• Thursday, April 16 � 7:00 PM College of New Caledonia, 3330 � 22nd Avenue � Prince George, BC

Download the posters: Campbell River | Kamloops | Prince George

PSAC Okanagan Regional Women�s Committee, Minutes of Meeting October 4, 2008, ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Ruth Abercrombie CEIU 20972
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Nicole Jefferies USGE 20153
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 11:15a.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee meeting minutes – October 4 2008 (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 6 were distributed and accepted. m/s/c

Treasurer�s Report: Tabled to next meeting.

Old Business:

Federal Election:

Members encouraged to attend all-candidates meetings in all ridings.

E-mail sent by K. Stanich to Area Council members pertaining to Food Safety First campaign. Area council members encouraged to check website www.foodsafetyfirst.ca and take action.

District Labour Council:

Report regarding CEIU�s objections to CLC and BCFed�s support for legalizing prostitution during 2010 Olympics not yet ready.

Action: J. Leenhouts will forward report when it is complete.

Regional Office Update:

Janet Routledge�s position�What�s happening? Regina Brennan planning trip to Okanagan next week.

Education:

Duty to Accommodate September 28 was cancelled. Only 1 registrant who was briefed by Regina following Local Officer Trg September 27.

New Business:

D-L McKenzie read e-mail received from Cheryl Oenema, newly elected Regional Council Women�s Coordinator, introducing herself and providing an update on her activities and objectives. She�s also soliciting �questions, comments, or constructive criticism� and provides e-mail address: cheryloenema@gmail.com and phone # (604) 219- 7943.

Joy�s List:

D-L McKenzie provided information on �Joy�s List� website that helps finds ways to encourage and support more women in politics.

Website: http://www.gifttool.com/athon/AthonDetails?ID=176&AID=222

Bargaining Update:

CFIA and Border group and Tbl 2 � meeting this week.
PA and TB 3 � next week

Agriculture � TC Group is only group that PSAC has not yet put in wage demand. If arbitration route taken, 5 � 6 mos to set up.

Service Canada � Employer has submitted Essential Service list (very high numbers) but unclear if union has signed off on it yet.

Outstanding issues�SV � Eliminate discrepancies in zone payments
PA � Wages and leave provisions
TC � Wages and �captive time� improvements

Next Meeting: tba
Delegate and Resolutions for National Convention to be on agenda

Adjourned at 11:30 a.m. m/s/c

PSAC Okanagan Regional Women�s Committee Minutes of Meeting September 6, 2008, ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Joy Harrison Retired

The meeting was called to order at 11:50a.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan RWC meeting minutes, Sept 6 2008 (pdf).

Minutes: Minutes from February 9 were accepted. m/s/c

Old Business:

BC Regional Convention April 18-20, 2008:

Elected delegate J. Leenhouts unable to attend and alternate L. Woods attended as delegate from NAT Component.

New Business:

District Labour Council:

CEIU Women�s Committee has issues with CLC and BCFed around issues of their support for legalizing prostitution at the time of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. CEIU is producing some info regarding this issues. CEIU has been in touch with Kay Sinclair (REVP BC) regarding these concerns.

Action: J. Leenhouts will forward report when it is complete.

Cookbooks for Women�s Equality:

Some were distributed but still have some available.

Regional Office Update:

Regina Brennan still Okanagan rep.

Kelowna Women�s Resource Center:

Offering a Gentle Yoga Series.

Next Meeting: October 4, 2008 @ 10:00am at ABC Restaurant in Kelowna

Adjourned at 12:10 p.m. m/s/c

PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting October 4, 2008, ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Ruth Abercrombie CEIU 20972
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Nicole Jefferies USGE 20153
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 10:15a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes – Oct 4 2008 (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 6 were distributed and accepted. m/s/c

Treasurer�s Report: Current ytd financial statement presented (see attached). m/s/c

Old Business:

District Labour Council Meetings:

Next meeting is October 8 in Vernon and November meeting in Kelowna on November 5 and affiliate as PSAC for $300. Website for North Okanagan Labour Council: http://members.shaw.ca/nolc/

Action: R. Gourlie to attend North OK meeting in October. (Note: Was unable attend due to injury morning of meeting).
Action: Kelowna Area Council Member to attend November meeting in Kelowna.

BC Regional Convention April 18-20, 2008:

Motion: R. Gourlie moved to reimburse BCYT CEIU the registration fee for OK Area Council delegate (R. Gourlie) to attend PSAC Regional Convention in April 2008.
Seconded by R Abercrombie, Carried

Action: R. Gourlie to advise D-L McKenzie of amount and where to send cheque.

Federal Election:

Members encouraged to attend all-candidates meetings in all ridings.

E-mail sent by K. Stanich to Area Council members pertaining to Food Safety First campaign. Area council members encouraged to check website www.foodsafetyfirst.ca and take action.

Regional Office Update:

Janet Routledge�s position�What�s happening? Regina Brennan planning trip to Okanagan next week.

Education:

Duty to Accommodate September 28 was cancelled. Only 1 registrant who was briefed by Regina following Local Officer Trg September 27.

New Business:

Affiliated Locals are reminded that any o/s 2008 dues are now payable ($1 per member located in the Okanagan) and should be sent to: Darrell-Lee McKenzie, 15-799 Creekside, Penticton, BC,V2A 1C5.

BC Regional Council:

S. Yaciw advises that there is a meeting scheduled for next week. Report at next meeting.

Federal Labs:

D-L McKenzie explained affect on non-regulatory labs (ie. Summerland) if majority conservative government attained.

Bargaining Update:

CFIA and Border group and Tbl 2 � meeting this week.
PA and TB 3 � next week

Agriculture � TC Group is only group that PSAC has not yet put in wage demand. If arbitration route taken, 5 � 6 mos to set up.

Service Canada � Employer has submitted Essential Service list (very high numbers) but unclear if union has signed off on it yet.

Outstanding issues�SV � Eliminate discrepancies in zone payments
PA � Wages and leave provisions
TC � Wages and �captive time� improvements

Next Meeting: tba
Delegate and Resolutions for National Convention to be on agenda

Adjourned at 11:15 a.m. m/s/c

PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting September 6, 2008, ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Joy Harrison Retired

The meeting was called to order at 10:40a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the minutes of the Okanagan Area Council meeting, September 6 2008 (pdf).

Minutes: Minutes from February 9 and April 19, 2008 were accepted. m/s/c

Treasurer�s Report: Current ytd financial statement presented (see attached). m/s/c

Old Business:

District Labour Council Meetings:

M-L Romano attended April 2008 meeting in Vernon but main meetings are in Kelowna (2/yr held in Vernon). Next meeting is Sept 10 in Kelowna and October meeting in Vernon in Oct. Website for North Okanagan Labour Council: http://members.shaw.ca/nolc/

Action: D-L McKenzie to attend South OK meeting that PSAC is affiliated.

BC Regional Convention April 18-20, 2008:

R.Gourlie attended as delegate. Report attached (pdf).

New Business:

Affiliated Locals are reminded that 2008 dues are now payable ($1 per member located in the Okanagan) and should be sent to: Darrell-Lee McKenzie, 15-799 Creekside, Penticton, BC,V2A 1C5.

BC Regional Council:

S. Yaciw�s reports that there was a preliminary meeting after the convention of the newly elected executive. There is a desire to standardize financial reporting. The role of alternates was discussed and suggestion of allowing alternates to attend 1 mtg in their 3 year term of office. Concern raise about council members input not being heard. Hoping to have a standing convention committee during this cycle. Also updating by-laws and standard format for Area Councils.

Regional Office Update:

Janet Routledge has retired and her position has yet to be staffed. The Executive Assistant position for the REVP is also still open. Regina Brennan still Okanagan rep.

Education:

One day Local Officers course scheduled in Kelowna September 27 and one day Duty to Accommodate September 28. Union School in October.

General discussion surrounding Duty to Accommodate and issues being dealt wit, involvement of Health Canada, etc. This is be becoming a bigger issue for many of the locals.

Federal Election:

AGR 7 PSAC looking to make Food Safety an issue in campaign. Looking to get candidates to sign a pledge to uphold Food Safety.

Action: D-L McKenzie to get info out
Action: M-L Romano to draft letter.

Next Meeting: October 4, 2008 @ 10:00am at ABC Restaurant in Kelowna

Adjourned at 11:45 a.m. m/s/c

On June 19th PSAC members throughout BC, and from coast to coast to coast, joined together at lunchtime and after work gatherings to tell the employer that we deserve to be treated with respect and to express our frustration at the lack of progress after one year of bargaining. Members in BC sent postcards to their MP’s, distributed leaflets, and wore their “I support my team” bracelets and tattoos, among many other things.

In Kamloops and Salmon Arm, members asked Treasury Board to “Show Us The Green”; in the Fraser Valley, members working for Corrections Canada handed out peanuts and ate vegetarian pizza (where’s the meat in TB’s offer?); in Vancouver members gathered downtown and at Nat Bailey Stadium to hear reports from Bargaining Team members, and REVP Kay Sinclair; and at the airport Customs Officers practiced due dilligence in their work; on the Island members gathered in Victoria, Esquimalt, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and Courtenay.

Continue reading for some more photos & video …

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PSAC Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting February 9, 2008, ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043

The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan RWC meeting minutes – Feb 9 2008 (pdf)

Minutes: Minutes from September 21, 2007 were accepted. m/s/c

Treasurer’s Report: The balance is $1276.31. The audited financial statement for 2007 was circulated to members present. m/s/c

2008 Budget:Proposed budget was discussed and accepted as presented. m/s/c

BC Regional Women’s Conference September 28-30, 2007: K. Megyesi reported that the conference was very interesting, had excellent speakers, and a theme of the environment. The Okanagan was well represented.

National Women’s Conference November 23-25, 2007: J. Leenhouts and K. Megyesi reported that this was also a good conference with the most resolution passed in history. Top issues for resolutions regarded childcare. There was much discussion about the inability to send observers to the conference.

BRUSH Committee: K. Megyesi reported on the BRUSH Committee which meets regularly. For more information on health and safety initiatives through the BC Regional office visit: http://www.psacbc.com/categories/health-safety/

Designation of Voting Members at Women’s Committee: As per the Regional Women’s Committee Handbook, there is one vote per affiliated Component. The following members have voting rights:

• AGR D-L McKenzie (alternate M-L. Romano)
• CEIU K. Megyesi (alternate J. Leenhouts)
• UTE S. Yaciw
• NAT L. Woods

Election of Officers:

• Co-Chair: J. Leenhouts was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Co-Chair: K. Megyesi was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Treasurer: K. Megyesi was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by L. Woods, carried.
• Secretary: R. Gourlie was nominated by D-L McKenzie, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.

Next Meeting: TBA (possibly April 12th in Kelowna)

Adjourned at 12:30 p.m. m/s/c

PSAC Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting February 9, 2008 – ABC Restaurant, Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043

The meeting was called to order at 10:15a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below, or download Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes – Feb 8 2008 (pdf).

Minutes: Minutes from September 21, 2007 were accepted. m/s/c

Old Business:

• Audited Financial Report: Action: D-L. McKenzie to have books audited and send copy to REVP.
• Affiliating to District Labour Council: D-L. McKenzie reported that AGR 20043 has been affiliated with the SOBLC and that any PSAC member can attend meetings. S. Yaciw reported that there is an increased subsidy available to affiliate to District Labour Councils (maximum $600).
• Action: D-L McKenzie to request subsidy for 2008.
• Action: R. Gourlie to look into affiliating to Labour Council in Vernon.
• Action: J. Leenhouts to look into affiliating to Labour Council in Kelowna.

PSAC Education Forum: S. Yaciw distributed the summary to members.

BC Regional Convention April 18-20, 2008: Delegate selection through Components is presently occurring. RVP’s participated in a conference call with K. Sinclair to discuss delegate selection. There have been some issues for small Locals (<100 members) particularly when there are not other Locals to be grouped with to get delegate status. Deadline for submitting resolutions is February 15th. S. Yaciw reported that she did raise the issue of delegates being made aware of the requirements to be elected / hold office at Regional Council.

New Business:

• Treasurer’s Report: The 2007 financial statement and the current Treasurer’s report were presented (see attached). m/s/c
• Affiliated Locals are reminded that 2008 dues are now payable ($1 per member located in the Okanagan) and should be sent to: Darrell-Lee McKenzie, 15-799 Creekside, Penticton, BC,V2A 1C5.
• S. Yaciw reported that UTE 20026 has decided to not affiliate with Area Council in 2008. Minutes and notices still to be sent to the Local.
• Action: S. Yaciw to respond to letter.

BC Regional Council: S. Yaciw’s report to council was circulated by email. There was much discussion about regional convention at the last council meeting (re/ committees, funding). There will not be salary loss compensation for the Friday.

Designation of Voting Members at Area Council:

As per the bylaws, there is one vote per affiliated Local. The following members have voting rights:

• AGR 20043 D-L McKenzie (alternate K. Stanich)
• AGR 20027 M-L Romano
• CEIU 20915 K. Megyesi (alternate R. Gourlie)
• UTE 20003 S. Yaciw
• CEIU 20972 J. Leenhouts
• NAT 20140 L. Woods

BC Regional Convention, April 18-20 Delegate Election:

• Delegate: J. Leenhouts nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-L. McKenzie, carried.
• Alternate Delegate: L. Woods nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-l. McKenzie, carried.

Bargaining: Deferred until next meeting.

Education: A combined TUB / Grievance Handling course is scheduled for Feb 16th in Kelowna. At the request of AGR Local 20043, TUB will be delivered April 4th and Grievance Handling on April 5th in Penticton. Action: S. Yaciw to contact A. Rana about need for TUB; Grievance Handling; and Local Officers Training in Kelowna or Vernon. Action: S. Yaciw to follow up with R. Brennan and A. Rana regarding the issue of alternate delivery of education (ie/ lunchtime video conference, etc).

Election of Officers:

• President: S. Yaciw was nominated by D-L McKenzie, seconded by J. Leenhouts, carried.
• Vice President: J. Leenhouts was nominated by D-L. McKenzie, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.
• Secretary: Roberta Gourlie was nominated by S. Yaciw, seconded by D-L McKenzie, carried.
• Treasurer: D-L McKenzie was nominated by J. Leenhouts, seconded by S. Yaciw, carried.

Affiliation with BC Federation of Labour: Locals are reminded to affiliate with the BC Federation of Labour at: http://www.bcfed.ca/

“The B.C. Federation of Labour brings together the majority of unions in BC to provide a single voice on workers’ rights. As well, the Federation provides support to affiliated unions during labour disputes and co-ordinates cross-union campaigns from health and safety to political action and women’s rights.”

Bill C39: Agriculture Union presently has a campaign under way to stop bill C39 which would make changes to the Grain Act, impacting farmers, and members at the Canadian Grain Commission. For more information see:

http://www.agrunion.com/en/currentmonthsnews.html#Lobbying

Next Meeting: TBA (possibly April 12th in Kelowna)

Adjourned at 11:35 a.m. m/s/c

The PSAC BC Regional Education Program is coming to your neighborhood!

• Penticton: August 21st, 2007, 5pm to 8pm – Lakeside Resort, 21 Lakeshore Drive West, Merlot Room
• Kelowna: August 22nd, 2007, 5pm to 8pm – Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Shiraz Room
• Vernon: August 23rd, 2007, 5pm to 8pm – Best Western, 3914 32nd Street, Okanagan Room

We want to hear from you: share your thoughts and feedback on union education and courses for your area!

• Help shape the future of the regional education program!
• Join us for some great food, company and conversation!
• Meet other PSAC members and staff!
• Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact Amal Rana (Regional Education Officer) at the Vancouver Regional Office @ 1.800.663.1655 or ranaa@psac.com

PSAC Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee Minutes of Meeting April 13, 2007

The Library, Mickie’s Pub, Kelowna

In Attendance:

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Minutes: Minutes from January 27, 2007 were accepted. m/s/c

Continue reading below, or download the Okanagan RWC minutes April 13 2007 (pdf)

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PSAC Okanagan Area Council Minutes of Meeting April 13, 2007

The Library, Mickie’s Pub, Kelowna
In Attendance:

The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Continue reading below or download the Okanagan Area Council minutes April 13 2007 (pdf)

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PSAC – Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting – January 27, 2007, The Library, Mickie’s Pub, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043
• Ruth Eisworth UTE 20026
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Joy Harrison Retired
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Download the Okanagan RWC minutes January 27 2007 (pdf) or continue reading below

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PSAC – Okanagan Area Council, Minutes of Meeting – January 27, 2007, The Library, Mickie’s Pub, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043
• Ruth Eisworth UTE 20026
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Joy Harrison Retired
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. with Susan Yaciw in the chair.

Download the Okanagan AC minutes January 27 2007 (pdf) or continue reading below

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PSAC – Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting – September 30, 2006, Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Regina Brennan PSAC
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Download the Okanagan RWC minutes September 30 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below

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PS to probe why minorities don’t get jobs : Despite one-in-five benchmark, only 10% of applicants land posts

The watchdog of Canada’s non-partisan public service is launching an investigation into why visible minorities aren’t landing jobs in the public service in anywhere near the large numbers that apply.

But Maria Barrados, president of the Public Service Commission, said the one-in-five hiring targets for visible minorities that have been promoted since 2000 may be too high, and the study will help determine what the rate should be to ensure their numbers within the bureaucracy reflect the Canadian workforce.

“My preoccupation is how long will it take us to get a more representative public service,” she said in an interview.
“Those benchmarks were set in a very different environment and we have a much higher turnover now, and with that higher turnover, what kind of target should we be setting? … I am not sure 20 per cent is the right number.”

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PSAC – Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting – June 23, 2006, Perkins Restaurant, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Ruth Eisworth UTE 20026
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043
• Kelley Megyesi
• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915

The meeting was called to order at 7:25 p.m. with Jennifer Leenhouts in the chair.

Download the Okanagan RWC minutes June 23 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below.

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PSAC – Okanagan Regional Women’s Committee, Minutes of Meeting – March 18, 2006. The Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Susan Yaciw UTE 20003
• Joy Harrison UTE 20003
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027
• Ruth Eisworth UTE 20026
• Regina Brennan PSAC Regional Representative
• Patty Ducharme REVP

The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m. with Joy Harrison in the chair.

Download the Okanagan RWC minutes March 18 2006 (pdf) or continue reading below.

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New weekend courses have been announced in Nelson, to take place in the fall …

Click for the full education schedule, and/or apply for these courses online.

PSAC – Okanagan Area Council Minutes of Meeting – January 27, 2006, The Pantry Restaurant, Kelowna

In Attendance:

• Darrell-Lee McKenzie AGR 20043
• Susan Yaciw UTE 20026
• Kareen Stanich AGR 20043
• Denis Ringuette CEUDA 20045
• Allison Bunckle AGR 20041
• Linda Woods NAT 20140
• Roberta Gourlie CEIU 20915
• Jennifer Leenhouts CEIU 20972
• Kelly Megyesi CEIU 20915
• Maria-Luiza Romano AGR 20027

Read more below or download the January 27 Okanagan Area Council meeting minutes

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