Minutes of the Presidents' Conference

September 18, 19, 20, 2025

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

AFTERNOON SESSION

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Marc Brière, President of the Union of Taxation Employees. He gave instructions for the translation devices.

He welcomed, Elder Irene Compton (Grandmother Irene) to perform the Land Acknowledgement.

He offered other administrative details.

The delegation sang the song Solidarity Forever.

President Brière asked the delegation to respect a moment of silence for our brothers, sisters and friends who have passed since the last conference.

He mentioned his pleasure in seeing so many participants attending this Conference either in person or virtually.

He reminded that considering the large number of Items on the agenda he would be mindful of the time and that the timer would be used.

He introduced the Complaint Administrators for the Harassment Policy: Doug Gaetz, Brian Oldford, Jennifer MacPherson and Shirin Amiri. He reiterated that the Policy applies in all the conference spaces.

He reminded participants that all UTE events are scent free and that it is expected that the policy be respected in all the spaces available to UTE.

He introduced the members that have the First Aid - CPR training: Josh Atwood, Ken Bye, Cosimo Crupi, Trixie Gorzo, Alex Thon (absent) and Jennifer MacPherson.

He asked other participants to stand to identify themselves if they have the First Aid-CPR training

He encouraged participants to fill out or to update their information on the emergency form.

He introduced the members of the Executive Council: Eddy Aristil (Montréal Region), Patricia Sleczkowski (Greater Toronto Region), Cosimo Crupi (North-East Ontario Region),  Gary Esslinger (RVP Prairies Region), Kimberley Koch (Pacific Region), David Lanthier (National Capital Region), Kevin Welgush (Rocky Mountains Region), Jérôme Martel (Québec Region), Brian Oldford (Atlantic Region), Jamie vanSydenborgh (South-West Ontario Region), Adam Jackson (2nd National Vice-President), Doug Gaetz (1st National Vice-President and himself Marc Brière (National President). 

He introduced the National Office staff.

Finance: Liam Merrigan, Stephanie Wolff (absent), Mariela Monsalves

Labour Relations Officers: Shirin Amiri, Kristina Cooke, Henri Vodon, Richard Weintrager, Chantale Mercier.

Administrative Assistants: Christina Aristil, Alexandra Assad, Louise Dorion, Magalie Jean- Louis, Connie Nunez.

Information Systems Officer: Alex Thon

Web & Communication Officer: Mohamed-Ali Fakhfekh

Senior Labour Relations Officer: Manon Desormeaux

Administrative Assistant to the National President: Guylène Lepage

Executive Assistant to the National President: Daniel Camara

He thanked all staff members for the work done for this Conference.

He asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves:

Wanda Dufty (50031), Jennifer Scalabrini (40022), Stephanie Smylski (50032), Kyle Berry (50021), Caitlin Marganelli (20003), Heather Kenny (20029), Jackie Robertson (20028), Laureen Harvey (20002), Ashley Ray Snape (20026), Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050), Zita Lambert (Alt-20007), Darlene Bembridge (60005), Lindsey MacLellan (90002), Kandra Bertin (60006), Doron Jacob (00051), Eli Abraham (Alt-00013), Pattrell Jones (00001), Michelle Spencer (00048), Ken Bye (000952),Tony McFetridge (30025), Matthew Kastern (30024), Valerie Illingworth (40023), Trixie Gorzo (30022), Marc-André Gobeil (10004), Solène Boudrias (10110), Stephane Turgeon(10027), Josh Atwood (80003), Chris Gorman (90001), J-P Gallant (90006), Jonathan Jenkins (80004), Rebecca Corley (60008), Ashley Green (90000), Martial Azea Zounon (10008), Claude Flamand (10009), Kristine Leclerc (10007), Tracy Bégin (20002), Sharon Cowie (20027), Marc Laliberté (10017), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Pamela Salem (10028), Julien Nobert (10005), Jean-Christophe Boulinguez (10006), Tracy Marcotte (70001), Terry Lloyd (70004), Lee Pallotta (70000), Kyle Pharand (00042), Tammy Veltri (00020), Miranda Papakiriazis (00012), Jacquelyn Whyman (00011), Iain Auld (00017) , Gina Degner (00014), Melanee Jessup (00015), Zaineel Braun (00016), Jennifer MacPherson (00018), Pellow Matt (virtual10028)

He introduced the new presidents elected since the last Conference:

  • Marc Laliberté – 10017 Montérégie South Shore
  • Lee Pallotta – 70000 Ottawa West
  • Marc-André Gobeil – 10004 Jonquière
  • Chris Gorman (A) – 90001 St. John’s
  • Rebecca Corley – 60008 Moncton
  • Laureen Harvey – 20002 Prince-George
  • Caitlin Marganelli – 20003 Kelowna

He introduced the Life Members Doug Gaetz and Gary Esslinger.

Brother Doug Gaetz provided finance and store information.

Brother Adam Jackson gave information for the Karaoke night.

HOURS OF SESSION

m/s      Alexandre Dumont (70035) / Julien Nobert (10005)

That the hours of session be as follows:

  • MOTION CARRIED

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

m/s     Matt Pellow (virtual 00008) / Ken Bye (00052)

That the agenda be adopted with the modification on the allotted time for the Political Action

Committee presentation.

  • MOTION CARRIED

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2025      

01:15 pm – 03:00 pm       Call to Order
                                            Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
                                            Administrative details
                                            Hours of Session
                                            Adoption of Agenda
                                            Opening Remarks - National President
                                            Highlights on Items dealt by the Executive Council
03:00 pm – 03:15 pm       Health break
03:15 pm – 03:35 pm       Honours and Awards Committee Presentation
03:35 pm – 04:15 pm       Ad-Hoc Strike Breakers Committee update
                                            Bargaining Committee update
04:15 pm – 05:00 pm       Items submitted by Local Presidents                                                                                                                

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

09:00 am – 10:15 am       Items submitted by Local Presidents                                                                                                        
10:15 am – 10:30 am       Health break
10:30 am – 11:30 am       Items submitted by Local Presidents
11:30 am – 02:00 pm       Demonstration against CRA budget cuts
                                            Lunch
02:00 pm – 02:30 pm       Staffing Committee update
                                            Equal Opportunities Committee update
02:30 pm – 03:00 pm       Items submitted by Local Presidents
03:00 pm – 03:15 pm       Health break
03:15 pm – 05:00 pm       Items submitted by Local Presidents

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025

09:00 am – 10:15 am       Political Action Committee Presentation                                
10:15 am – 10:30 am       Health break
10:30 am – 11:15 am       Items submitted by Local Presidents
11:15 am – 11:45 am       Items submitted by Local Presidents
11:45 am – 01:15 pm       Lunch
01:15 pm – 03:00 pm       Items submitted by Local Presidents                                     
03:00 pm – 03:15 pm       Health break
03:15 pm – 04:15 pm       Items submitted by Local Presidents
04:15 pm – 05:00 pm       Convention 2026 Update
                                            List of action items 
                                            Closing remarks - National President

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCALPRESIDENTS

JONQUIÈRE TC – LOCAL 10004

  1. Communications with National Officers
  2. Selection criteria of UTE delegates at the PSAC National Health and Safety Conference

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

  1.   Compensation Contact
  2. Clear language in the Collective Agreement

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. Lack of regulation for accessible parking spaces in federal environments
  2. SAVAMP / VOCALLS

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1.  Section 36 Official Language Act
  2. Contracting out

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1. Local WFA Committees
  2. Accommodation denials

PACIFIC REGION CALL CENTRE – LOCAL 20050

  1. Letter of Understanding- New Vacations request for Contact Centre members
  2. Use of Union time in Contact Centres

ST. CATHARINES – LOCAL 00016

  1. Virtual attendance for educational components at President's Conference.
  2. Members are being denied 6990 during building closures.

OTTAWA EAST / EST – LOCAL 70001

  1. Microsoft Co-pilot
  2. Building Emergency Evacuation Team (BEET) requirements

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1.   Agent burnout at the Contact Centre
  2. Vacation denial in the NL Contact Centre

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. Presidents' Conference agenda items from presidents
  2. Submission deadlines for Council and Presidents' conferences 

HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003

  1. New office tour for presidents
  2. Political action committee with job losses and CRA management bonuses and commissioner travelling the country

SYDNEY – LOCAL 80004

  1. Management lack of preparedness for handling WFA situations

SUMMERSIDE – LOCAL 90006

  1. Update on the scab letters

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

  1. Letter sent to possible scabs
  2. Using the Newsletter to better inform our members

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. Telephone monitering vs. Performance and Discipline (60.02 and 60.03)
  2. Telephone Tapping in Non-Call Center Situations

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1.  HR Advisors

PACIFIC REGION CALL CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1. WFA in Contact Centres- what if there is a surplus of substantive positions

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1.  Agents being recorded in TEAMS during meetings with MG's
  2. AI being utilized to monitor Agents Performance

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. Accessibility of Rules of Order
  2. Using SharePoint and Ms365 to its full potential

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

  1. Stewards representing themselves. Is this a common practice?
  2. Level 3 Grievance tracking system

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1. Morale at 90001 is at an all-time low, with the bulk of members feeling like second-class citizens of the Canada Revenue Agency Removed by local

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. "In camera" definition and alternate RVPs being excluded
  2. MOUs between CRA and UTE

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

  1. Better response time from National and Regional

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. Pay Rules - vacation payout at end of term and appointments at lower level with and without a break 

OTHER ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE FLOOR – SEPTEMBER 2025

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

Call Centre Client Services 

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1. Morale at 90001 is at an all-time low, with the bulk of members feeling like second-class citizens of the Canada Revenue Agency Removed by local

Adoption of the amended agenda: CARRIED

Amended Agenda: CARRIED

HIGHLIGHTS ON ITEMS DEALT BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

President Brière gave an update on the Executive Council business that was dealt with in September 2025.

  • Motion Liability Insurance for locals
  • Amendment to Regulation 7: addition of 3 new courses on mental health
  • Amendment to Regulation 1: Calgary Local 30024 was renamed Southern Alberta
  • Regulation 24: removal of the ICA funding from the Bank of Montréal
  • Review of the Resolutions of Record
  • Motion for a donation for wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador

OPENING REMARKS

President Brière welcomed all participants.

He spoke on the difficult times, the job losses at CRA. It is projected that seven hundred and fifteen (715) million dollars will be cut from the budget.

He spoke on UTE’s push back. A strong political Action Campaign was put forth.

He encouraged local leaders to take action now, to push back hard, to write to their MPs’.

We wished everyone a great conference

HEATH BREAK

The session resumed at 3:15 p.m.

HONOURS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE PRESENTATION

Brother Gary Esslinger Chair of the Honours and Awards Committee, accompanied by the committee members, Eddy Aristil and Darlene Bembridge presented a 30-year service pin to Brother Adam Jackson and Sister Melanee Jessup. Both thanked the assembly for the recognition.

A Life Member Award was presented to Brother Brian Oldford for his years of Union activism and tireless devotion to members. He thanked the assembly.

AD-HOC STRIKE BREAKERS COMMITTEE UPDATE

Brother Adam Jackson gave an update and answered questions.

BARGAINING COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Bargaining Committee Chair Adam Jackson and committee members Eddy Aristil, Kim Koch, Cosimo Crupi, Jamie vanSydenborgh, Jérôme Martel, Vanessa Erickson, Tracy Marcotte and Manon Desormeaux gave an update on bargaining.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

JONQUIÈRE TC – LOCAL 10004

  1. Communications with National Officers: Difficulty of receiving answers from National Officers concerning challenges. Sometimes RVP is too busy to answer.

Speakers: Marc-André Gobeil (10004), Ashley Green (90000), Alexandre Dumont (70035)

Marc Brière (National President): The communication protocols state that questions should firstly be addressed through the RVP. It would not be appropriate for National to by-pass the elected RVP. He encouraged to communicate with the alternate RVP if

assistance is needed in the absence of the RVP.

  1. Selection criteria of UTE delegates at the PSAC National Health and Safety Conference: Questioned the selection process used to select UTE delegates to the PSAC National Health and Safety Conference. Did not receive answers to his questions concerning the selection. Asked for the selection criteria to be provided to locals when the notice is sent.

Speakers: Marc-André Gobeil (10004), Josh Atwood (80003), Julien Nobert (10005)

Doug Gaetz (1st Vice-President and Chair of the Health and Safety Committee): The PSAC selection process follows a strict deadline. The criteria is followed and the selections are made with the technical advisors and administrative staff.

Marc Brière (National President): Affirmed that he will not undermine the work of a committee.

The meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

MORNING SESSION

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. with President Brière in the chair.

He gave supplemental information for the rally scheduled at noon.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

JONQUIÈRE TC – LOCAL 10004 (continued)

  1. Selection criteria of UTE delegates at the PSAC National Health and Safety Conference

Doug Gaetz (1st Vice-President and Chair of the Health and Safety Committee):

After reconsideration, in the future, the criteria could be sent out. He asked to keep in mind that the criteria is only a tool. He cannot commit that the criteria will never be tweaked.

OTTAWA WEST – LOCAL 70000

  1. Compensation Client Service Centre contact: Need to have a point of contact at the Compensation Client Service Centre when locals need assistance for their members. The system might not be conducive to good service. Many members have complicated compensation issues and have to wait too long for a resolution. In cases with complex problems is there a way to bypass and settle the more complicated cases? It was suggested to follow up with the RVP. The inquiry tickets are not being created if not enough information is provided.

Speakers: Lee Pallotta (70000), Stephanie Smylski (50032), Heather Kenny (20029)

Marc Brière (National President): Said he would follow up with the employer if cases not addressed after following proper protocols.

  1. Clear language in the Collective Agreement: The language is difficult for members     to understand, and the articles are often misinterpreted. There must be way to simplify the language. There are articles that are vague, ambiguous and complicated. Asked if it was possible to create a simpler version. It was mentioned that this issue is also an accessibility issue. Additional resource tools to understand fully the language.

Speakers: Lee Pallotta (70000), Ashely Green (90000), Alexandre Dumont (70035)

Manon Desormeaux (SLRO): Language needs to be legal and formal. She encouraged to consult on articles that are difficult to interpret.

SHAWINIGAN – LOCAL 10005

  1. Lack of regulation for parking for reduced mobility in federal areas (distance from workplace): In Shawinigan the parking is five hundred (500) meters from the office, the route is not suitable for people that have mobility issues. Employer needs to be held accountable.

Speakers: Julien Nobert (10005), Ashley Green (90000)

Shirin Amiri (LRO-Technical Advisor of the Health and Safety Committee): Accessibility standards when parking is not on the employer’s property. She encouraged to share the problems with the Chair of the Health and Safety Committee.

  1. SAVAMP / VOCALLS: Many sectors have those teams. They have Call Centres conditions without however the positions that go with them.  Some agents are told that they do not handle files, they only answer the phone. Do we want those agents to have Call Centre conditions? Are they under the right job description?

    They are wearing two hats with nothing in the job description to justify it.

Speakers: Julien Nobert (10005), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Chris Gorman (90001), Darlene Bembridge (60005), Trixie Gorzo (30022), Matt Pellow (virtual 00008), Heather Kenny (20029), Mike Chartrand (observer 70000)

Richard Weintrager (LRO- Technical Advisor for the Call Centre Committee): They would be entitled in most cases to Article 16 of the Collective Agreement. If there is staffing issues, should be handled case by case with RVP – LRO.

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005

  1. Section 36 Official Language Act: Ramifications on members that are unilingual English. It is required that every Team Leader be bilingual. There is discrimination, missed opportunities for our unilingual members. Local presidents were not briefed on the changes to the Act.

Speakers: Darlene Bembridge (60005), Stephanie Smylski (50032)

HEALTH BREAK

The session resumed at 10:30 a.m.

SAINT JOHN – LOCAL 60005 (continued)

  1. Section 36 Official Language Act: Discrimination and opportunities missed. The issue has been there for a long time and still not resolved. The unilingual French members are also being discriminated upon. Need to push people to be interested in getting second language training, must ensure succession with younger members.

Speakers: Darlene Bembridge (60005), Stephanie Smylski (50032), Alexandre Dumond (70035), Jonathan Jenkins (80004), Josh Atwood (80003), Rebecca Corley (60008)

Marc Brière (National President): PSAC presented a submission at the time and there was not much opposition. Not optimistic that the situation will see remarkable changes.

Henri Vodon (LRO): Thanked the speakers for the issues brought forth. This would not fall under Article 19. Will look at what actions employer can make. With regionalization we can have people everywhere in the region, it complicates the issues.

  1. Contracting out: Rumors about contracting out at UTE National. What is UTE’s   position about contracting out.

Speaker: Darlene Bembridge (60005)

Marc Brière (National President): Asked the speaker to clarify if the question is regarding contracting out at CRA or contracting out at UTE National. He stated that we will not discuss this matter, as it regards the UTE employee’s union.

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042

  1. Local WFA Committees: Employer refuses to create those WFA local committees. Delays in the alternation process.

Speakers: Kyle Pharand (00042), Heather Kenny (20029), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Kyle Berry (50021), Chris Gorman (90001), Tracy Marcotte (70001), Josh Atwood (80003)

Jamie vanSydenborgh (Chair of the Workforce Adjustment Committee): The committee is adamant that there should be local WFA committees. Employer offered four (4) local presidents to sit on the Regional WFA Committee which is not realistic as more than four (4) locals are affected.                                                                                                                                                              

Marc Brière (National President): The requirement is for CRA to inform PSAC within forty-eight (48) hours. Cascading the information if difficult considering the information cannot be breached. This is an ongoing issue, the CRA does not have an obligation. After the employees have been informed, the information may be shared, and locals can reach out to the affected members.

Kristina Cooke (LRO - Technical Advisor to the Workforce Adjustment Committee):

Once the affected employee has been informed, the local can reach out.

DEMONSTRATION AGAINST CRA BUDGET CUTS

The participants gathered to attend the rally against CRA budget cuts.

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION

The session resumed at 2:00 p.m. President Marc Brière in the chair.

STAFFING COMMITTEE UPDATE

Brother Cosimo Crupi Chair of the Staffing Committee presented the committee members, Co-Chair Kimberly Koch, TC representative Ashley Green, Henri Vodon, Technical Advisor and the other members Francis Snyder Philipe CC representative, the TSO representative Sébastien Tremblay He gave an update on the committee’s work. They have listened to hours of recordings from the Town Halls. Ongoing issues will continue to be discussed at the November meeting.

The committee has achieved the following:

Memorandum of Understanding for discipline in the language of choice

Successful ITPR involving direct appointments

The podsolization of staffing projects and activities.

UTE National has advised that a new Staffing course is being prepared by the LROs.

Brother Doug Gaetz took over the Chair.

The committee answered questions.      

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMITTEE UPDATE

Sister Kimberly Koch Chair of the Equal Opportunities Committee, Eddy Aristil Co-Chair, Kristina Cooke Technical Advisor, Laureen Harvey indigenous member representative, Jackie Robertson president’s representative, Doron Jacob racialized member representative. She thanked them for their hard work.

She gave information on the upcoming Equal Opportunities Conference. The committee has completed a review of the EO Bylaws and Regulations to identify barriers. The recommendations were sent to the National President.

The theme of the conference is: Equity is the only acceptable goal.

Eddy Aristil Co-Chair of the committee stated that Kristina Cooke has worked very hard in collaboration along Kimberley Koch to plan with PSAC the Anti- Racism Course. He encouraged locals to take the training.

The committee answered questions.

Marc Brière, National President took over the Chair.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL PRESIDENTS

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042 (continued)

  1. Local WFA Committees: When are the letters sent to affected members. Union representatives should be made aware. Members are sometimes given misinformation. Members are not getting letters from the PSAC.

Speakers: Ashley Rae-Snape (20026), Zita Lambert (20007), Sharon Cowie (20027),

Heather Kenny (20029), Jennifer MacPherson (00018), Kyle Pharand (00042)

Kristina Cooke (LRO-Technical Advisor of the WFA Committee): When there is a possibility of being affected by WFA, the PSAC-UTE and the member get notified.

Jamie vanSydenborgh (Chair of the WFA Committee): The RVPs have the information and should share with their locals. The employer is not required to ensure a local representative accompanies the members when they are met for WFA.

Marc Brière (National President): Stated that the employer has no right to dictate if a local union representative should attend or not. If the member wants to be accompanied, they should. He will follow up with the commissioner and PSAC.

  1. Accommodation denials: The employer seems to be currently denying all accommodation request relating to in- office requirements, regardless of validity of the request. There is no consistency. The OFAF’s are being ignored.

Speakers: Kyle Pharand (00042), Zaineel Braun (00016), Caitlin Marganelli (20003), Alexandre Dumont (70035)

HEALTH BREAK

The session resumed at 3:30 p.m. with President Brière in the Chair.

SUDBURY TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 00042 (continued)

  1. Accommodation denials: ROOP is problematic and is at the root of the problem.

Speakers: Alexandre Dumont (70035), Heather Kenny (20029), Gina Degner (00014), Josh Atwood (80003), Manda Dmytriw (observer 00042), Zita Lambert (20007), Ashley Green (90000), Ryan Ward (observer 70004), Kyle Berry (50021), Chris Gorman (90001), Tracy Marcotte (70001), Doron Jacob (00051), Josh Atwood (80003)

Henri Vodon (LRO):  Grievances should be brought forth. The situation is consistent through every region. An accommodation must be reasonable, documentation is the best tool for locals, encouraged to use the reporting tools at their disposal. If you are in an interim accommodation, the only assessment they should be offering is unable to assess.

Marc Brière (National President): Will follow up with the RVPs.

Doug Gaetz (Chair of the Health and Safety Committee): Accommodations do not fall under the purview of Health and Safety according to the legislation.

Manon Desormeaux (SLRO): Statutory freeze. UTE wants to equip the locals for training on accommodations. The accommodation issues are always evolving and always in a grey zone.

PACIFIC REGION CALL CENTRE – LOCAL 20050

  1. Letter of Understanding- New Vacations request for Contact Centre members: Issues in Contact Centres, many members are concerned about the time frame to request vacation. Agents are to request vacation one (1) year ahead of time.

Speakers: Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050), Michelle Spencer (00048)

Manon Desormeaux (SLRO): Stated the language of the Letter of Understanding, it does not state that you have to request vacation one (1) year in advance, but the rest of the language related to deadlines do make request time go up. This is an interpretation problem with the language; this was not the intent.

The session adjourned at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025

MORNING SESSION

The meeting reconvened at 9:00 a.m. with National President Brière in the Chair.

He gave announcements.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE PRESENTATION     

Brother Jérôme Martel, Chair of the Political Action Committee presented the committee members David Lanthier, Julien Nobert. He acknowledged the help of Daniel Camara and Mohamed-Ali Fakhfekh and Marc Brière. They offered a presentation on the Political Action Campaign. The campaign was based on the service aspect. The publicity was strategically used. The statistics show that the campaign is successful, it is reaching the targeted market. Brother Martel encouraged locals to contact their MPs’.

The participants asked questions and shared their thoughts.

HEALTH BREAK

The session resumed at 10:30 a.m.

ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCALS’ PRESIDENTS

PACIFIC REGION CALL CENTRE – LOCAL 20050 (continued)

  1. Letter of Understanding- New Vacations request for Contact Centre members: Judging exceptional circumstances for vacation request is not working and is not a just process.

Speakers: Tony Mc Fetridge (30025), Chris Gorman (90001) Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050)

Manon Desormeaux (SLRO): Clarified the Memorandum of Understanding. Call out period for vacation.

Marc Brière (National President): The language is not perfect. It was meant for the employer to recognize exceptional circumstances. He encouraged locals to speak to their RVP.

Brother Doug Gaetz took over the Chair

  1. Use of Union time in Contact Centres: Management giving members a hard time to access Union representation on Union time. Team leaders push back.

Speakers: Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050), Michelle Spencer (000048), Tony McFetridge (30025), Ashley Green (90000), Kyle Berry (50021), Josh Atwood (80003), Chris Gorman (90001)

Henri Vodon (LRO): He recommended to be careful about article 19.01 as we have to recognize how our Contact Centres are treated differently. He encouraged them to use their Union time, to use it carefully and to talk to the RVP.

Brother Marc Brière took over the Chair.

ST. CATHARINES – LOCAL 00016

  1. Virtual attendance for educational components at President's Conference.

Speaker: Zaineel Braun (00016)

Marc Brière (National President): All conferences are in a hybrid format. When we have training it is more difficult because there are different break-out rooms.

  1. Members are being denied 6990 during building closures: Management is asking members to WFH or use another leave, even if the member is not set up to work from home. Security criteria. 

Speakers: Zaineel Braun (00016), Caitlin Marganelli (20003), Marc-André Gobeil (10004), Tony McFetridge (30025), Chris Gorman (90001)

Kristina Cooke (LRO): Enforce members rights under 53.01. The case law is clear; it is at the employer’s discretion, but the leave cannot be unreasonably withheld.  Directive on workplace arrangements talks about exceptional circumstances, this must be approved as it is a security-safety issue. She encouraged local to grieve on article 53.01.

OTTAWA EAST / EST – LOCAL 70001

  1. Microsoft Co-pilot: Asking unilingual members to use it for translation of French work / reduce cost of translation. Co-pilot should not be used for confidential information.

Speakers: Tracy Marcotte (70001), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Alan Craig (observer 70001), Julien Nobert (10005), Kyle Berry (50051), Zachary Currie (observer 70004)

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION

The session resumed at 1:15 p.m. with President Marc Brière in the chair.

OTTAWA EAST / EST – LOCAL 70001 (continued)

  1. Microsoft Co-pilot: Asking unilingual members to use it for translation of French work / reduce cost of translation. Co-pilot should not be used for confidential information.

Speakers: Tracy Marcotte (70001), Zachary Currie (observer 70004)

Chantale Mercier (LRO): She explained that we have to be careful about this tool. AI generated translation should be verified.  A recourse would be to file a complaint to the Official Languages Commissioner. 

  1. Building Emergency Evacuation Team (BEET) requirements: CRA does not understand or care about requirements for coverage leaving members and all employees open for injury in emergency situations such as evacuations. Should Union leaders be recruited for BEET. They are liable for the lives of our members.

Speakers: Tracy Marcotte (70001), Sharon Cowie (20027), Alexandre Dumont (70035), Heather Kenny (20029), Stephanie Smylski (50032), Kyle Berry (50021), Josh Atwood (80003), Ken Bye (00052), Melanee Jessup (00015), Jennifer MacPherson (00018)

Shirin Amiri (LRO): The employers’ procedures are clear, if the BEET requirements are not respected, bring it to Local OSH Committee or the Internal Resolution Process.

Doug Gaetz (Chair of the Health and Safety Committee): There is nothing in the Regulation that states wardens and deputies cannot be Union members.

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1. Agent burnout at the Contact Centre: Burnout is at a high level, due to vacation and leave requests being denied, especially for terms who are instructed that there will be no vacation approved as a verbal stipulation of their extension. Multiple layers of management all over. Constant updates and changes in procedures, no time for training. Psychologically abusive. Micromanaging is bad. Members are afraid of reprisals if they speak up about psychological abuse. The Collective Agreement should be more specific for Contact Centres. Members are afraid to grieve or speak up. Lack of recognition. It is suggested to have a National Call Centre Day.

Speakers: Chris Gorman (90001), Michelle Spencer (00048), Martial Amedone Azea Zounon (Alt.10008), Gina Degner (00014), Caitlin Marganelli (20003), Terrie Lynn Fowler (observer (90000), Tony McFetridge (30025), Jodie Miller (observer 00018), Candace Dobbin (90001), Kandra Bertin (60006), Deoraj Mahabirsingh (20050), Tony Yee (observer 30022), Tracy Marcotte (70001), Rebecca Corley (60008), Lee Pallotta (70000), Heather Kenny (20029)

Brian Oldford (Chair of the Call Centre Committee): We must keep pushing hard. He encouraged participants to share information with him.

Eddy Aristil (Chair of the Well Being Committee): The committee asked of a Call Centre employer representative at the meeting. Members of Call Centres are treated as second-class workers.

Marc Brière (National President): Concerns will be brought to the Secretary of State of the CRA. A follow-up will be done with the committee.

HEALTH BREAK

The conference resumed at 3:20 p.m. with President Brière in the chair.

ST. JOHN’S – LOCAL 90001

  1. Vacation denial in the NL Contact Centre: It is the highest rate of denied leave in the country, with the employer regularly having conversations with the membership regarding the amount of unpaid leave being utilized. This is clearly a systemic issue; this needs further investigation.

Speakers: Chris Gorman (90001), Michelle Spencer (00048), Gina Degner (00014), Darlene Bembridge (60005), Ashley Green (90000)

Richard Weintrager (LRO): Will do everything in his power to ask the Call Centre Committee to share the information about operational requirements at the locals.

ST. JOHN’S TAXATION CENTRE – LOCAL 90000

  1. Presidents' Conference agenda items from presidents: Follow up items, items not dealt with at the conference, speaking order /order of submission. What happens to the president’s Items that do not get to be covered at the conference? It could be perceived that, by design, submitted Items are but below in the list for them not to be dealt with. 

Speaker: Ashley Green (90000)

Marc Brière (National President): Items not dealt with are not actioned. They would have to be brought regionally and if not sufficient nationally if urgent. The submitted Items are placed on the agenda by order received. It is difficult to go through every item.

  1. Submission deadlines for Council and Presidents' conferences: Agenda items, observers, motions. It would be helpful to have standardized opening date, reminders.

Speakers: Ashley Green (90000), Kyle Berry (50021), Caitlin Marganelli (20003)

Marc Brière (National President): We try internally to make the deadlines similar. We have to work around other deadlines related to the event such as the rooming list. We will try to make it easier for everybody. He encouraged delegates to provide suggestions on the evaluation form.

HALIFAX – LOCAL 80003

  1. New office tour for presidents

Speakers: Josh Atwood (80003)

Marc Brière (National President): It needs to be during a Presidents’ Conference, after hours. Open house type of visit. Logistics are to be planned. March 2026 Presidents’ Conference is the targeted period.

  1. Political Action Committee with job losses and CRA management bonuses and commissioner travelling the country: Where is the campaign the for the rest of affected members? Why isn’t more being done for cuts in other CRA departments other than Call Centers?

Speaker: Josh Atwood (80003)

Jérôme Martel (Chair of the Political Action Committee): The bonuses are a bargaining item.

Marc Brière (National President): There was a lot done internally. We are more impacted than other Components. It was decided with Executive Council that the campaign should be aggressive. Call Centers were affected badly, the cuts were affecting the public directly, it was a sound decision for the first phase to use the Call Centres.

Kevin Welgush (RVP Rocky Mountains Region): UTE has discussed the cuts in the NUMCC. Bonuses were questioned.

Adam Jackson (2nd Vice-President): Commissioner traveling the country, that is a big expense.

CONVENTION 2026 UPDATE

Brother Eddy Aristil, RVP Montréal Region offered an update on the 2026 Convention.  The Convention logo was presented. He thanked Francis Snyder and Mohamed-Ali Fakhfekh for their help in creating it. The Host Committee Chair is Pierre Wilfrid; the Co- Chair is Céline Germain. He gave information on the progress of the planning from the Host Committee.

LIST OF ACTION ITEMS – SEPTEMBER 2025

Remuneration CRA

Job Description Call Centres

Official languages – unilingual

WFA- Local committees

Barriers for accessibility at the Marriott Hotel

Accommodations requests being denied.

Other follow ups:

3 new courses on Mental Health training are coming

CLOSING REMARKS

President Brière said he received the following nomination notices:

2nd National Vice-President: no one came forward

1st National Vice-President: Ken Bye

National President: Adam Jackson and Marc Brière

He thanked all participants, for their ongoing commitment. He appreciated the discussions and acknowledged the emotionally charged topics.

He spoke on the challenges with the employer.  He reiterated how proud he is of the UTE leaders and the members.

He asked to bring urgent matters forward between conferences.

He thanked the UTE staff, in this busy period everyone worked hard to put this conference together.

He encouraged participants to take care of themselves.

The thanked the interpreters and the technicians.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.