Minutes of the Equal Opportunities (EO) Committee

UTE National Office – Large Boardroom

Present:

Bob Carpenter – Chairperson
Madonna Gardiner – Co-chairperson
Jennifer Phillips – Presidents’ Representative
Emma Bertamini – Aboriginal Representative
Cheryl Seymour – Women’s Representative
Ahmed Kayka – Racially Visible Representative
Gesine Campbell – Persons with Disabilities Representative

Erik P. Gagné – Labour Relations Officer
Sylvie Bastien – Administrative Assistant 

Regret:

Mel Lucier – GLBTQQI Representative

1. Welcoming Remarks

1. Housekeeping
   
   1. Bob welcomed the members of the Committee.
   2. The attached agenda was outlined by Bob.

2. Annual Events

1. Review of the Current Annual Events
   
   1. Erik mentioned that in the past, each equity group member was assigned to review the annual events page and determine if the web links are accurate, if the description-s is accurate and if an additional event-s must be posted to the Committee’s website. The equity group members will therefore review their respective events and update accordingly.

3. Equity Networks

1. The lists will be updated with the electronic addresses received subsequent to the EO Regional Conferences.

4. Equal Opportunities National Conference

1. Review of the Evaluation Forms
   
   1. The Committee reviewed the evaluation forms received subsequent to the EO Regional Conferences.
2. Review of the Costing
   1. The Committee reviewed and discussed the costing for the impending EO National Conference
3. Select Theme
   1. After much discussion, the Committee selected the theme “Equality Wins”
4. Select Objectives
   1. After much discussion, the Committee selected the objectives below:
      1. Build active participation and;
      2. Expand your knowledge of equity groups and;
      3. The next step for you…
5. Discuss Format
   1. The Committee selected a preliminary agenda that includes guest speakers, workshops and other activities. No fruit will be served Friday and Saturday mornings.
6. Alcohol in Hospitality Suite
   1. The Committee agreed to observe the formula utilized for the EO Regional Conferences. In other words, no alcohol will be served Thursday and Friday evenings. Alcohol will however be served Saturday evening. Also, the suite will open at 17:00 Friday and Saturday evenings and close at 23:00 Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Registration will be held between 19:00 and 21:00 Thursday evening.​
7. Review of the Registration and Call Letter
   
   1. The Committee briefly reviewed the registration and call letter. The Committee agreed that an additional option in the registration form will be included for those who wish to receive a printed copy of a presentation, if available.
8. Other Items
   
   1. The Committee will create and request that an insert be posted with the UTE Newsletter reminding potential participants of the date of the EO National Conference. Also, one (1) sticker will be affixed to the envelopes containing the “commitment card” completed by the participants during the EO Regional Conferences. The sticker will remind participants of the impending EO National Conference.

ACTION ITEMS:

The Committee agreed on the following action items: