OF THE UNION OF TAXATION EMPLOYEES
July 19 – 23, 2021
MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021
MORNING SESSION
OPENING OF CONVENTION
The 18th Triennial Convention was originally scheduled for 2020 in Winnipeg but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. The convention was held virtually.
At previous conventions, Executive Council and the Life Members were piped in. For this convention, a YouTube video of the Pipes and Drums of Canada performing was played.
UTE National President, Marc Brière, officially called the 18th National Triennial Convention to order at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021.
ABORIGINAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Prior to the aboriginal land acknowledgement, National President, Marc Brière spoke about the recent discoveries of graves of the indigenous children who had died at residential schools. He said that we all stand with our indigenous Brothers and Sisters who had children taken away from their families.
He then introduced Algonquin elder Albert Dumont, our indigenous speaker and member of the Grandparents Counsel for Well Living House. Brother Dumont spoke about how the Indian Act had affected his father. He spoke of the cultural genocide at the residential schools and that knowing that children were dying, there were no changes, no ‘plan B’. He also mentioned a current petition (renametheparkway.ca) to remove the name of John A. Macdonald from the name of the parkway in Ottawa because of his role in creating residential schools.
ADOPTION OF CONVENTION AGENDA
M/S/C DOUG GAETZ / ADAM JACKSON
That the Convention Agenda be adopted as presented.
ADOPTION OF THE CONVENTION RULES OF ORDER
M/S/C DOUG GAETZ / ADAM JACKSON
That the Convention Rules of Order be adopted as presented.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR DECEASED MEMBERS
A moment of silence was observed to commemorate the members who had passed since the last convention. Their names were displayed during this period.
INTRODUCTION OF LIFE MEMBERS AND HONORARY MEMBERS
Life Members
Pamela Abbott
Ray Bailey
Betty Bannon
Jean Bergeron
Marcel Bertrand
Linda Cassidy
Terry Dupuis
Gerard Ennis
Debbie Ferguson
Jean-Pierre Fraser
Doug Gaetz
Madonna Gardiner
Denis Lalancette
Kent MacDonald
David Quist
Nick Stein
Honorary Members:
Shane O’Brien
INTRODUCTION OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Marc Brière (National President)
Doug Gaetz (1st National Vice President)
Adam Jackson (2nd National Vice President)
Eddy Aristil (RVP – Montreal Region)
Ken Bye (RVP – Greater Toronto Region)
Cosimo Crupi (RVP – Northern and Eastern Ontario)
Gary Esslinger (RVP – Prairie Region)
Kimberley Koch (RVP – Pacific Region)
Linda Koenders (RVP – National Capital Region)
Gregory Krokosh (RVP – Rocky Mountains Region)
Jérôme Martel (RVP – Quebec Region)
Brian Oldford (RVO – Atlantic Region)
Jamie vanSydenborgh (RVP – Southwestern Region)
INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF
Shirin Amiri (Labour Relations Officer)
Daniel Camara (Executive Assistant - National President)
Louise Dorion (Administrative Assistant)
Susan Duncan (Web/Communications)
Andrea Holmes (Labour Relations Officer)
Mathieu Juneau (Labour Relations Officer)
Natasha Larose (Administrative Assistant)
Kent MacDonald (Labour Relations Officer)
Carmen Menard (Administrative Assistant – National President)
Liam Merrigan (Finance Officer)
Connie Nuñez (Administrative Assistant)
Shane O’Brien (Senior Labour Relations Officer)
Stephanie Wolff (Finance Officer)
Alex Thon (IT Specialist)
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Chris Aylward (PSAC National President)
Sharon DeSousa (PSAC National Executive Vice President)
Yvon Barrière (NRVP – Quebec Region)
Robyn Benson (PSAC – Retired National President)
Eddy Bourque (CEIU)
Randy Howard (GSU)
Jamey Mills (NRVP – BC Region)
Lorraine Rousseau (NRVP - North Region)
Alex Silas (NRVP – National Capital Region)
Stan Stapleton (USJE)
Virginia Vaillancourt (UVAE)
Ryan Ward (Alt-REVP ON)
June Winger (UNDE)
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants.
HARASSMENT POLICY AND COMPLAINT ADMINISTRATORS
President Brière explained that the UTE has a harassment policy, and it could be viewed on the platform under "Resources". Brother Mathieu Juneau and Sister Shirin Amiri were appointed as the Harassment Complaint Administrators for the duration of the convention. Their contact information is found under the heading "Harassment Complaints" on the platform (bottom left), including their email and phone number.
ACCEPTANCE OF LATE RESOLUTIONS
The Chair explained that late resolutions would be accepted however none had been received to date.
RATIFICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS
M/S/C DOUG GAETZ / ADAM JACKSON
That the convention ratifies all amendments to the regulations made by the Executive Council since the 2017 Convention.
INTRODUCTION OF THE EXPENSE CLAIM COMMITTEE
UTE has in place an Expense Claim Committee. The members are Brother Doug Gaetz, 1st National Vice-President, David Webster, the Locals representative on the Finance Committee and Shane O’Brien, Senior Labour Relations Officer appointed to the committee to review the Convention expense claims.
ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA CONVENTION
M/S/C DOUG GAETZ / ADAM JACKSON
That the two National Vice-Presidents (1st and 2nd National Vice-Presidents) and the ten Regional Vice Presidents be delegates to the PSAC Convention; and that each region as defined by the Union of Taxation Employees by-laws selects a minimum of five delegates and a minimum of five alternates to the PSAC Convention. In the event that the Union of Taxation Employees becomes entitled to more delegates, that the selection be filled by the regions starting with the ones that are the most populous.
ADOPTION OF THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
M/S/C MARC BRIÈRE / ADAM JACKSON
That the report of the President be adopted.
ADOPTION OF THE FIRST NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
M/S/C DOUG GAETZ / ADAM JACKSON
That the report of the First National Vice-President be adopted
ADOPTION OF THE SECOND NATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT
M/S/C ADAM JACKSON / DOUG GAETZ
That the report of the Second National Vice-President be adopted
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
President Brière delivered his address to the Convention saying the last four years had been extremely busy and many challenges were faced together. One of the main responsibilities as a union is to negotiate contracts for members. They fought a hard fight and showed a lot of determination in order to get a good contract for the members who so deserved it. They managed to do it once again by showing solidarity and unity. He thanked all union activists, all representatives for their tireless work and dedication to our members and their ability to mobilize our members and their fantastic response. He thanked the members who volunteered to help with the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Brother Brière spoke about the campaign against the single tax return and how there is a need to continue to push back. He wished all an excellent Convention and said we must work together for the betterment of our membership.
RECESS FOR LUNCH
MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with President Brière in the Chair
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The Chair of the Nominations Committee, Betty Bannon explained the nomination and voting process. She mentioned that the other members of the committee, Jean Bergeron and Marcel Bertrand will be present later in the week.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
PROPOSED BUDGET 2022-2023 AS A WHOLE
The Finance Resolutions Committee was called up with Doug Gaetz, 1st National Vice-President and Chair presenting. The Finance Committee is co-chaired by Gary Esslinger, Cosimo Crupi, and also Dave Webster. The technical advisors are Liam Merrigan and Stephanie Wolff.
The first item was the presentation of the proposed budget for 2022, 2023. There was a discussion about the number of members to base the dues income on. The budget was referred back to the committee with the direction to change the number of members to 30,000. There was a second referral to increase the regional education budget in 2022 from $140,000 to $260,000 and a third referral to increase the regional conferences budget from $400,000 each year to $700,000 each year.
MOTION TO REFER – MEMBERSHIP LINE ITEM
M/S/C G. MURPHY / G. FOUCAULT
That we increase the projected membership to 30,000 per month for 2022 and 2023.
MOTION TO REFER BUDGET – EDUCATION – REGIONAL LINE ITEM
M/S/C S. COWIE / K.WELGUSH
That the Budget be referred back to the Finance Committee with instructions
MOTION TO REFER – REGIONAL CONFERENCES LINE ITEM
M/S/C G. MURPHY / J. BATLEY
That the Budget be referred back to the Finance Committee to consider increasing the budget line item for Regional Conferences for 2022 and 2023 from $400,000 each year to $700,000 each year.
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
The By-Laws Resolutions Committee was called up with RVP Ken Bye presenting. He introduced his co-chairs Brother Jérôme Martel and Brian Oldford. He offered a special thank you to the Technical Advisor as well, Brother Kent MacDonald.
The members of the Committee were: Sister Darlene Bembridge, Brother Patrick Bertrand, Sister Nielene Chand, Brother Mike Chartrand, Sister Andria Cullen, Brother Claude Flamand, Sister Tracy Finsten, Sister Céline Germain, Brother Richard Hyatt, Sister Jennifer MacPherson, Brother Tony McFetridge, Sister Miranda Papakiriazis, Brother David Rochefort, Sister Patti Wright and Brother Hicham Youssfi.
RESOLUTION 401
M/S/D JÉROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That the Equal Opportunity Conferences be removed from the Regional Conferences
Recess for the day at 4:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021
MORNING SESSION
President Brière called the Convention to order at 11:00 a.m.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (continued)
MOTION TO REFER – MEMBERSHIP LINE ITEM
M/S/C J. BATLEY / M. PAPAKIRIAZIS
That the line item of members change from the current 27,000 to 28,500.
MOTION TO REFER – REGIONAL CONFERENCES LINE ITEM
M/S/C G. MURPHY / B. DEMPSEY
That the line item Regional Conferences be amended for 2022 and 2023 currently at $400,000 to $550,000 for each year.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
The General Resolutions Committee was called up with RVP Greg Krokosh Chair presenting. The members of the Committee were: Ingrid Ritums, Barb Pawlovich, Tammy Veltri, Chris Heywood, Sheri Whalen, André Michaud, Michael Wiebe, Sharon Cowie, Trixie Gorzo, Patrick Ferguson, Stephanie Smylski, Kira Turner, Josh Atwood, Ashley Green and Joanne Coish. The co-chairs were sisters Kimberley Koch and Linda Koenders. The Technical advisor was Andrea Holmes and an observer Technical Advisor who was Shirin Amiri.
RESOLUTION 314
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE create by December 2022 from the Education budget a course around mental health issues and techniques to help with members who suffer from mental health issues
RECESS FOR LUNCH
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with President Brière in the Chair.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (Continued)
Debate continued on Resolution 314, the motion was carried and the committee was dismissed.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (continued)
RECOMMENDATION NO. 1
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
THAT $15,000 from line item PSAC National Convention to be held in 2022 be used for promotional items for all delegates and observers in order to promote UTE’s visibility at the Convention.
RECOMMENDATION NO. 2
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
That the unused portions of line items Education – Regional, Education – National, Non- UTE Union Events, Political Action/Campaigns and Computers & Electronics be carried over until 2023.
RESOLUTION NO. 101
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
That any resolution with money consideration passed at the 2021 UTE Triennial Convention be taken from Surplus up to $1M.
RESOLUTION NO. 102
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
That no dues increase be passed for the budget years 2022 and 2023.
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 402
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That UTE National fund the cost of the greater of one (1) delegate per workplace committee or two (2) delegates per local to each Health and Safety Conference.
RESOLUTION 404
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That the sentence in section 8 of By-Law 11 that reads: “Election to any office shall be by simple majority vote of the total votes cast” be replaced with “Officers are elected by an absolute majority of votes; if no candidate obtains the required majority in the first ballot, the candidate with the lowest result in that ballot is eliminated and a new ballot is held. This process is repeated until a candidate obtains the required majority.” And to add the following paragraph at the end of the section: “Notwithstanding the foregoing, if only one candidate accepts the nomination for a position, the candidate is declared elected by acclamation at the close of nominations without the need for a ballot.”
RESOLUTION 405
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That when it is determined by the National President or NBoD that in-person conferences and/or conventions cannot take place due to natural disasters, labour dispute, pandemic or other unforeseen circumstance as decided by either of the afore mentioned authorities, that the conference and/or convention not take place on weekends or paid holidays. In rare occasions where a meeting must take place over the weekend, delegates shall be paid a stipend equal to a full day’s per diem for Saturday, Sunday or holiday on which the meeting is in session; and
That hours of sessions for virtual conferences and conventions be restricted to 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM Ottawa time to account for and allow equal opportunities to all time zones across the country and that delegates be paid loss of wages for their full workday.
RESOLUTION 409
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That Regulation 8, Duties of Regional Vice-Presidents, 3(a) will now state: “… is to visit each local at least once in each year and to attend the membership appreciation events if requested by the local in your region.”
RESOLUTION 410
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That UTE National fund the cost of the alternate RVP of a region to attend all regional meetings and Presidents’ conferences at which they are not already a delegate.
RESOLUTION 412
M/S/D JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That UTE National automatically approve a full day of travel time when the most economical mode of travel (considering cost and time) is employed and said mode of travel will take more than 3.5 hours from door to door or when two or more flights are normally required for one-way travel (for example, St. John’s to Ottawa only has a direct flight in the summertime).
Recess for the day at 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
MORNING SESSION
President Brière called the Convention to order at 11:00 a.m.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 413 (covers Resolution 414)
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That the UTE Regulation 13.6(1) be amended from $500 to $750.
RESOLUTION 418
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That the 2 National Scholarship Awards be increased from $2,500 to $3,000; and that the 10 UTE Regional Scholarship awards be increased from $1,000 to $1,500.
RESOLUTION 422 (covers Resolution 423)
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That UTE Regulation 30.3.1 will state: “Locals may request funding to a maximum of $1,000 per year.”
REPORT OF THE BARGAINING RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
The Bargaining Resolutions Committee was called up with Adam Jackson, 2nd National Vice-President in charge of bargaining and chair of the committee. The Committee was comprised of Dan Aiken, Kim Cardinal, Billy Dempsey, Mireille Dupont, Brad Feraday, Melanee Jessup, Matthew Kastern, Heather Kenny, Suzanne Mathieu, Raffi Sahakian, Nicholas Thompson, Richard Weintrager, Kevin Welgush and Jackie Whyman. I would also like to thank my two co-chairs, confrère Eddy Aristil and brother Jamie vanSydenborgh and, of course, our tireless Technical Advisor, Mathieu Juneau.
RESOLUTION 201
M/S/C EDDY ARISTIL / JAMIE vanSydenborgh
That UTE ask the PSAC to take whatever action is necessary to raise the limits of eligible costs for such services as dental care, vision care, massage therapy, chiropractic services, et cetera, covered by the federal Public Service Health Care Plan.
RESOLUTION 202
M/S/C EDDY ARISTIL / JAMIE vanSydenborgh
That the UTE recommend the PSAC to increase the benefit amounts under the Public Service Health Care Plan.
RECESS FOR LUNCH
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with President Brière in the Chair
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 313
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE consider a Mental Health Education aspect as a component of all National conferences.
RESOLUTION 302A (covers 301 and 302)
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE National create an ad hoc Telework Committee to review and make recommendations related to the unique challenges of membership engagement with teleworkers; and that this committee be struck at the September Executive Council meeting following this Convention.
RESOLUTION 303
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the PSAC create new membership application forms to include gender designation as optional by next Convention; and that there be additional gender designation to incorporate non-binary gender designation.
RESOLUTION 309A (covers 308 and 309)
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That effective immediately, the word “friends” be included in all general addresses during UTE events and publications; henceforth, all addresses will now include “friends”; and that all activists will endeavour to use “friends” when requested to by any member of fellow activist.
RESOLUTION 304
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the UTE Communications Committee be tasked with developing guidelines on the use of social media by locals.
RESOLUTION 312A (covers 311 & 312)
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE National Office develop a talking union basics course and roll it out within the next two years.
GUEST SPEAKER: CHRIS AYLWARD, NATIONAL PRESIDENT of the PUBLIC SERVICE ALLIANCE OF CANADA
President Brière introduced Chris Aylward, PSAC National President. He began by remembering Bob Campbell, past UTE National President, who passed away in November 2019. Brother Aylward spoke of the challenges that will face us with virtual workers among many other topics. Marc Brière thanked Chris Aylward for his speech and for his effort in speaking French, which was appreciated by the francophone members.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS (continued)
RESOLUTION 307A
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE develop and publish the principles and values and behaviours that UTE expects its union Executive members will uphold; and that UTE develop and deliver conflict resolution training to UTE activists.
RESOLUTION 307C
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the UTE National President determine when a Local should be provided with the services of a professional mediator.
RESOLUTION 315
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the UTE National Executive Council looks for options to manage the distribution and waste of alcohol at UTE National events and to report to the March Presidents’ Conference following this Convention.
Recess for the day at 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021
MORNING SESSION
President Brière called the Convention to order at 11:00 a.m.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 306B
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the UTE National Office commit and make every attempt possible to reduce the use of paper at any event as much as possible, including but not limited to conferences; and that the UTE National Office sincerely engage in finding more environmentally friendly means to run its operations.
RESOLUTION 310
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That the Alliance transfer all service delivery functions to components upon request save and except collective bargaining, organizing, the functions of legislative office and necessary administrative functions (example, Membership Services); and that the PSAC dues structure be amended to return the monies associated with the cost of performing the aforementioned services to those components that intend to perform those functions and have made the applicable request.
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 416
M/S/C JEROME MARTEL / BRIAN OLDFORD
That when it is determined by the UTE National President that in-person conferences and/or conventions cannot take place due to natural disaster, labour dispute, pandemic or other unforeseen circumstance as decided by the aforementioned authority, that the conference and/or convention not take place over the weekend or paid holidays. In rare occasions where a meeting must take place over the weekend, delegates shall be paid a stipend equal to a full day’s per diem for Saturday, Sunday or holiday on which the meeting is in session; and that the hours of sessions per virtual conferences and/or conventions be restricted to 11:30 to 4:00 PM Ottawa time to account for and allow equal opportunities to all time zones across the country and that delegates be paid loss of wages for their full work day.
RECESS FOR LUNCH
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with President Brière in the Chair
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
President Brière invited Sister Betty Bannon to reiterate the voting procedures to the delegation.
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
M/S/C B. DEMPSEY / M. JESSUP
That this part of the resolution be tabled.
REPORT OF THE GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 305
M/S/C LINDA KOENDERS / KIM KOCH
That UTE organize and fund a National Mental Health Conference on the topic of mental health and related issues before the next UTE Convention; and that UTE fund two delegates per Local as defined by regulation to attend this National Mental Health Conference.
GUEST SPEAKER: LARRY ROUSSEAU, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CANADIAN LABOUR CONGRESS
President Brière introduced Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice President at the Canadian Labour Congress. Larry Rousseau, He spoke of having a plan for recovery after the pandemic, how 2 million jobs will not come back and how we need to work for a new normal that is more equitable. Brother Rousseau also spoke about CLC’s new campaign which can be found at canadianplan.ca.
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 403
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / DOUG GAETZ
That the 1st National Vice-President table an annual report to the Executive Council. Such report should include a comprehensive summary of UTE finances, budget updates, any proposed changes to current operations, a statement of all UTE investments and any other relevant information; and that the 1st National Vice-President table the annual report at one of the two Presidents’ Conferences and open it to the floor for questions and/or debate.
RESOLUTION 411
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / T. FINSTEN
That Regulation 13.4.1 be amended to “an arrival at 9:00 PM or later local time would entitle a member on authorized travel to a full day’s loss of wages.
RESOLUTION 417
M/S/C M. JESSUP / KIM KOCH
That henceforth, the entitlement calculation is based on either the time zone of the home location or the departure time zone; and that the member must validate that they endeavoured to arrive at their home location before midnight in either time zone.
Recess for the day at 4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
MORNING SESSION
President Brière called the Convention to order at 11:00 a.m.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
REPORT OF THE BY-LAWS RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 419
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / JEROME MARTEL
That the Honors and Awards Committee establish a type of reward of a gift in recognition of certain milestone years.
RESOLUTION 406
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / JEROME MARTEL
That all CRA call centres shall become, if they are not already, a stand-alone local assuming they meet all the required criteria; and
That UTE undertake proactive steps to encourage and help the members of any CRA call centre location where the criteria of becoming a stand- alone local are met; and …
That UTE National reach out to all members via email, bulletins to raise awareness about the requirements to create a union local; and
That newly created locals shall receive funds from the existing local to which they belonged prior to splitting with them. These funds shall be paid to the newly created local within a reasonable time frame; and
That the funds payable to the newly created local by the existing local shall be proportional to the number of members in each local; funds for newly created local equals funds in possession of existing local X number of members in newly created local divided by total number of members in both locals.
RESOLUTION 407
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / JEROME MARTEL
That UTE National fund the cost of the RVP of a region to attend the Membership Appreciation event per local once per year upon the request of the local; and
That the RVP make every effort to mitigate costs by using methods including, but not limited to, piggybacking events such that flights and travel are already covered and/or attending events hosted by multiple locals such as joint Membership Appreciation events between locals; and
That the RVP will submit a report to National on the event within 30 days of attendance.
RESOLUTION 408
M/S/C BRIAN OLDFORD / JEROME MARTEL
That an RVP may, at their discretion, attend one Membership Appreciation event per local per year.
REPORT OF THE BARGAINING RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 203A
M/S/C JAMIE vanSYDENBORGH / EDDY ARISTIL
That all Labour Relations officer at the UTE National Office shall prepare and submit a comprehensive package of bargaining demands in the same manner as any UTE Local or elected National Officer.
RESOLUTION 203B
M/S/C JAMIE vanSYDENBORGH / EDDY ARISTIL
That Labour Relations officers at the UTE National Office shall provide a report at the Presidents’ Conference prior to the deadline of submitting bargaining demands. Such report should include all articles of the collective agreement where: The current language of the article is weak, the way the article is written creates ambiguities on how the Union and the employer interprets it and the articles that need to be enhanced to reflect current realities and practices.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (continued)
RESOLUTION 103
M/S GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
RULED OUT OF ORDER
That the Union of Taxation Employees Component portion of membership dues be reduced to $20 per month from $22.17 for the 2022 and 2023 budget.
RESOLUTION 104
M/S/C GARY ESSLINGER / COSIMO CRUPI
That the UTE adopt the following regulation: CARPOOLING BONUS. When individuals must travel on UTE business and the approved means of transportation is a privately owned motor vehicle (POMV), they shall be paid a carpooling bonus calculated using the following method:
For the individual using their own vehicle, an additional amount equal to one-third of the amount of the costs of using a POMV. They must then enter the name of the individual(s) accompanying them. For the accompanying individual(s), an amount equal to one-third of the amount of the costs of using a POMV that they would have received if they had used their own POMV; and that the UTE forward a resolution to the next PSAC Triennial Convention requesting an amendment to the PSAC Travel Policy to include this amendment.
RECESS FOR LUNCH
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with President Brière in the Chair
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
M/S/C KIMBERLEY KOCH / EDDY ARISTIL
There are 163 delegates, 134 observers, 13 Life Members, 1 Honorary Member and 14 guests for a total of 325 registered participants
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
President Brière turned the Chair over to Sister Betty Bannon for the purpose of conducting the elections. She explained the nomination and voting procedures and introduced the other members of the committee, Jean Bergeron and Marcel Bertrand. The results were as follows.
Results for UTE National President and Vice-Presidents are as follows:
National President:
Marc Brière (acclaimed)
First National Vice-President:
Doug Gaetz (acclaimed)
Second National Vice-President:
Adam Jackson (acclaimed)
Results for UTE Regional Vice-Presidents and Alternate Regional Vice-Presidents are as follows:
Atlantic Region:
Regional Vice-President: Brian Oldford
Alternate Regional Vice-president: Darlene Bembridge
Quebec Region:
Regional Vice-President: Jérôme Martel
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Marc-André Gobeil
Montreal Region:
Regional Vice-President: Eddy Aristil
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Kristine Leclerc
National Capital Region:
Regional Vice-President: David Lanthier
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Richard Weintrager
Prairie Region:
Regional Vice-President: Gary Esslinger
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Wanda Dufty
Rocky Mountains Region:
Regional Vice-President: Greg Krokosh
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Trixie Gorzo
Pacific Region:
Regional Vice-President: Kimberley Koch
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Sharon Cowie
Northern and Eastern Ontario Region:
Regional Vice-President: Cosimo Crupi
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Chris Foucault
Greater Toronto Region:
Regional Vice-President: Andria Cullen
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Selby Hewitt
Southwestern Ontario Region:
Regional Vice-President: Jamie vanSydenborgh
Alternate Regional Vice-President: Jennifer MacPherson
2022 PSAC Triennial Convention – UTE Delegates:
Atlantic Region
Delegates: Darlene Bembridge, Ashley Green, Josh Atwood, Maureen Getson, Glenn Murphy and Joanne Coish.
Alternates: Billy Dempsey, Angela Campbell, Jackie Ellis, Darryl Payne, Terry White, Sylvia Durand, Kevin Jensen, and Dan Aiken.
Pacific Region
Delegates: Nielene Chand, Heather Kenny, Blake Noelte, Sue Moser, Sharon Cowie and Richard Hyatt.
Alternates: Derek Johannson, Jackie Robertson, Christopher Vicente, Lee Perina and Tracy Arrowsmith.
Région de Québec
Délégué-e-s : Patrick Bertrand, Daniel Gagnon, André Michaud, Solène Boudrias, Mireille Dupont;
Substituts : Dany Gélinas, Marc-André Gobeil, Jean-Christophe Boulinguez, Sébastien Tremblay, Lina Naanaa, Cindy Godin et Antoine Streicher.
Rocky Mountains Region
Delegates: Tony McFetridge, Trixie Gorzo, Kevin Welgush, Sean Parris, Kathy Ajram.
Alternates: Mayfred Gyamfi, Matt Kastern, Keegan Gibson, Valerie Illingworth and Heyam Abdallah.
Région de Montréal
Délégué-e-s : Anaël Haché Lessard, Raffi Sahakian, Kristine Leclerc, Claude Flamand, Alexandre Dumont.
Substituts : Suzanne Mathieu, Justin Von Bornhoft, Marylynn Bell, Pamela Salem, Marc Laliberté, Maryse Morency and Patrick Rocheleau.
Prairie Region
Delegates: Wanda Dufty, Michelle Enns, Patrick Ferguson, Stephanie Smylski, Vanessa Erickson.
Alternates: Tracy Finstein, Megan Horne, Craig Donald, Gary McNabb, Kyle Berry, Jennifer Scalibrini and Lucille Gregory.
National Capital Region
Delegates: Lee Pallotta, Sharon Bulger, Linda Walters, Loree-Ann Huard, Shady Zekry.
Alternates: Mike Chartrand, Alan Craig, Kira Turner, Imre Bene, Robert Malouf, Shannon O’Reilly and Richard Weintrager.
Southwestern Ontario Region
Delegates: Jennifer MacPherson, Barb Pawlovich, Ingrid Ritums, Melanee Jessup, James Walker.
Alternates: Sam Brunton-Lewis, Stacey Ray, Gina Degner, Iain Auld and Zaineel Braun.
Northern and Eastern Ontario Region
Delegates: Chris Foucault, Miranda Papakiriazis, Jackie Whyman, Tammy Veltri, Jamie Batley and Kyle Pharand.
Alternates: Kyle Pharand, Tyler Leeper, Terry McNamee, Allison Ball and Doug Bridge.
Greater Toronto Region
Delegates: Antonietta Coccaro, Lisa Kingston, Andria Cullen, Selby Hewitt and Ken Bye.
Alternates: Tanya Pottinger, Pattrell Jones, Patricia Sleczkowski, Benjamin Miller and Ryan Ward.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONVENTION
National President Marc Brière thanked the technicians at Encore Canada, the interpreters, Electronic Language Communications (ELC), the UTE staff and all the participants including the Life and Honorary Members and the guests. He congratulated all the successful candidates. He thanked the outgoing RVPs, Ken Bye and Linda Koenders. He also thanked his family, especially his spouse.
In memory of our members who have passed since our last Convention.
They have left us but will always
be loved and remembered.
CONVENTION 2021 / DECEASED MEMBERS
Affleck, Janice ~ Saskatoon
Appanah, Autam ~ Montérégie South Shore / Rive-sud
Balla, Blair ~ Hamilton
Basi, Lilliane ~ Prince George
Battams, Sarah ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Beaulieu, Lucie ~ Sherbrooke
Beausoleil, Patricia ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Bedard, Michel ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Bell, Mona ~ Toronto North / Nord
Belleville, Carol - London
Betts, Wayne S. - Calgary
Bordeleau, Diane ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Briones, Tess ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Briggs, Betty ~ Halifax
Britton, Lawrence ~ Surrey TC / CF
Broerken, Michele ~ Surrey TC / CF
Brown, Ian ~ Halifax
Burke, David ~ Fraser Valley TSO / BSF
Burke, Sandra ~ Halifax
Burns, Judy ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Campbell, Bob ~ Saint John
Life Member and past National President/
Membre à vie et ancien Président national
Chaban, Kristin ~ Winnipeg TSO / BSF
Charbonneau, Tracey ~ Surrey TC / CF
Charbonneau, Anne ~ Ottawa East / Est
Chen, Janet ~ Toronto East / Est
Chiasson, Bruno ~ Bathurst
Clark, Neil ~ Barrie
Clements, Deborah ~ St John’s
Collins, Linda ~ Toronto Centre
Cook, Richard ~ Edmonton
Coppin, Paul ~ Toronto West / Ouest
Côté, Sylviane ~ Jonquière TC / CF
Curran, Barry ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Darwin, Odessa ~ Toronto Centre
Dalebozic, Deborah ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Datoo-Hassan, Mumtaz ~ Toronto East / Est
Davidson, Debbie ~ Prince George
Dee, Jerry ~ Toronto North
Life Member / Membre à vie
Delaney, Alan ~ Summerside T.C.
DePeiza, Jean ~ Toronto Centre
Deschatelets, Linda ~ Ottawa Centre
Desheneau, Margaret ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Dhirani, Nasreen ~ Edmonton
Dobbins, Chris ~ Halifax
Dodds, Eldon ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Donovan, Elizabeth Jean ~ Victoria
Dowling, Sean ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Doyle, Dan ~ Prince George
Dubecki, Roderick ~ Toronto East / Est
Duggan, Anne Marie ~ St. John’s TC / CF
Durova, Martina ~ Penticton
Emberley, Brian ~ Ottawa Centre
Ennevor, Sonia ~ Toronto Centre
Essien, Victor ~ Victoria
Etienne, Jerry ~ Montréal
Fay, Mélissa ~ Shawinigan TC / CF
Ferron, Louise ~ Shawinigan TC / CF
Fisher, Renata ~ Toronto North / Nord
Frenette, Sharon ~ Toronto North / Nord
Gagnon, Serge ~ Summerside TC / CF
Gallant, Yvette ~ Summerside T.C.
Gauthier, Pauline ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Genest, Véronique ~ Québec
Gill, Brie ~ Toronto East / Est
Giovinazzo, Cathy ~ Hamilton
Goulden, Peggy ~ Halifax
Grant, Claire ~ Chicoutimi
Greaves, John ~ Calgary CC / CA
Greco, Leonara ~ Montréal
Green, Leslie ~ Victoria
Harrison, Sherianne ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Hayashida, Ikuko ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Hoskins, Kathy ~ Fraser Valley TSO / BSF
Hubert, Anne ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Humphreys, Blair ~ Toronto East / Est
Isabel, Nicole ~ Jonquière TC / CF
Ithier, Irwin ~ Laval
Janus, Ron ~ London
Jardine, Bruce ~ Halifax
King, Jeanine ~ Regina
Kirwan, James ~ Ottawa ITSO / BISF
Kourlas, Helen ~ Toronto East / Est
Krysiak, Linda ~ Windsor
Kwamsoos, Wayne ~ Edmonton
Labelle, Nancy ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Lachance, Louise ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Lafontaine, Mireille ~ Ottawa Centre
Lagacé, Sébastien ~ Bathurst
Large, Colleen ~ Hamilton
Latourelle, Suzanne ~ Outaouais
Latulippe, Francine ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Lavoie, Marc-André ~ Montréal
Lawson, Catherine (Cathi) ~ Surrey TC / CF
Li, Sam ~ Hamilton
Lisi, Dan ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Little, Wayne ~ Victoria
MacIntyre, Deborah ~ Sudbury TC / CF
MacLean, Vivian ~ Summerside T.C.
Maeda, Ross Masao ~ Vancouver
Malhi, Bimaljyot (Jodi) ~ Calgary CC / CA
Martel, Maude ~ Jonquière TC / CF
Martin, Bonnie ~ Calgary
Matteau, Richard ~ Shawinigan TC / CF
McCambley, Greg ~ Ottawa TC / CF
McConnell, Janet ~ Ottawa TC / CF
McDougal, Patti ~ Halifax
McFarlane, Jo Ann ~ Hamilton
McQuigge, Kathleen ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Milligan, Joanne ~ Hamilton
Millward, Teresa ~ Hamilton
Mohammed, Yacoob ~ Toronto West / Ouest
Moir, Scarlett ~ Unallotted / Non Assignée
Mollins, Kelly ~ St John’s
Moore, Stephen ~ Sudbury TC / CF
More Moffett, Cara ~ Edmonton
Oliver, Rochelle ~ Summerside T.C.
Osakwe, George ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Peters, Darlene ~ Summerside T.C.
Pilon, James ~ Ottawa ITSO / BISF
Poirier, Joseph ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Porter, Gabrielle ~ Barrie
Preston, April ~ Hamilton
Price, Dawne ~ Penticton
Punton, Tammy ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Puri, Manjot ~ Pacific Region CC / CA Région du Pacifique
Quigley, Catherine ~ Summerside T.C.
Rafuse, Stephanie ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Reid, Betty ~ Prince George
Ribeiro, Dina ~ Ottawa East / Est
Rizos, Sean ~ Winnipeg TSO / BSF
Robinson, Anna ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Robitaille, Doreen ~ Shawinigan TC / CF
Rochon, Linda ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Rose, Timothy ~ Vancouver
Roy, Denise ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Sankarapilli, Raja ~ Ottawa TSO / BSF
Savel, Joanne ~ Toronto Centre
Scott, Des ~ Edmonton
Scott, Ralph ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Scott Cadieux, Lynne ~ Ottawa Centre
Seawright, Brenda ~ Sudbury TC / CF
Seebalack, Colleen ~ Winnipeg
Seguin, Stacey ~ Barrie
Shawaducki, Sheldon ~ Regina
Sheward, Debra ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Simard, Mariane ~ Shawinigan TC / CF
Simmons, Daniel ~ Summerside TC / CF
Somani, Mohamed ~ Pacific Region CC / CA Région du Pacifique
Sparks, Dennis ~ Calgary
Stacey, Kevin ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Stewart, Val ~ Prince George
Strawn, Lynn ~ Ottawa TC / CF
Taylor, Dave ~ Toronto Centre
Teeter, Linda ~ St. Catharines
Tersteeg, Richard ~ Ottawa ITSO / BISF
Tesolin, Laurie ~ Thunder Bay TSO / BSF
Todd, Andrew ~ Ottawa ITSO / BISF
Toor, Sharon ~ Fraser Valley TSO / BSF
Trainor, Karen ~ Charlottetown
Trembath, Ann ~ Fraser Valley TSO / BSF
Tremblay, Isabelle ~ Jonquière TC / CF
Tremblay-Gamache, Félix ~ Jonquière TC / CF
Trevisanutto, Alan ~ Calgary
Trottier, Lorraine ~ Hamilton
Turnbull, Hélène ~ Ottawa HQ / AC
Turner, Nancy ~ Ottawa Centre
Van Wyk, Hilbrand ~ Winnipeg TSO / BSF
Vermette, Linda ~ Winnipeg
Walker, Michael ~ Toronto Centre
Warholl, Marlene ~ Regina
Willfarht, Rick ~ Prince George
Williamson, Pearl ~ Hamilton
Willier, Francis ~ Calgary
Witt, Melissa ~ Winnipeg TC / CF
Woodburne, John ~ Toronto Centre
Young, Joanne ~ Halifax
Zadravec, Teresa ~ Winnipeg TC / CF