Robin Johnson
I attended the second and third Regional EO Conferences in Montreal and Winnipeg respectfully. The second conference was by far the largest and after some major problems with translation devices, the event was a success. I want to thank my co-chair JP Fraser for doing an excellent job of hosting the event and Bill Blair for facilitating one of the conferences modules. I also want to thank Luc Tailleur for providing the opening and closing aboriginal blessing. I also want to thank the RVP’s who helped with taking care of the hospitality suite and of course to the members of the Equal opportunities committee who helped make this conference a success, Chris Lansdell and Bonnie Polchies.
The third and final regional conference took place in Winnipeg and after practice from the first two, ran the most smoothly. I also need to thank the members of the committee who did so much work, Debbie Willett and the alternate Elizabeth Converey who stepped in at the last minute to help replace Mary Lucier who resigned from the committee. Gary Esslinger needs to be thanked as well for providing facilitation for one of the modules. A big thank you to the RVP’s Adam Jackson, Jamie Van Sydenborgh and Gary Esslinger for helping in the hospitality suite. JP Fraser was always there to help do anything that he is told. But of course the biggest thank you needs to go to the Labour Relations Officer Erik Gagne for keeping us in line and on schedule, even though he doesn’t carry money for tips.
On May 28, 2012, I attended the National Union-Management Employment Equity Meeting with Jean-Pierre Fraser and Erik Gagne. The following are the highlights of what was discussed.
The name of the committee at the National level is The Official Languages and Employment Equity Division (OLEED). This is the combination of the Official Languages and Employment Equity. We were assured by the employer that this will not change the current meetings or dealings in the area of Employment Equity.
We were also advised that Linda Lizotte-MacPherson is the Deputy Ministers’ Champion for Federal Employees with Disabilities.
The Annual EE report is due to the Treasury Board Secretariat by September 30, 2012 they will provide a copy of this report once it is completed.
The March 1st self-identification campaign was successful and resulted in a national rate of 86.1%. (A national return rate of 80% is required in order for the workforce analysis to be considered valid)
Strategic Direction for Employment Equity- Management indicated that the last Strategic Direction will be extended to cover fiscal year 2014-2015 to take it to when the new census data will be available in 2014. The goals and objectives will be updated as required.
New members for the Employment Equity committee are to be chosen this fall. Applications will be sent to all locals by the middle of September and returned a month later. If you know of someone who has shown interest in becoming a member of the National committee, please advise them of this information.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Johnson
Chair of the Committee