Edmonton Human Rights Committee

Call to Order

In the absence of Cara More, Grace Pottinger agreed to chair this meeting. The meeting was called to order @ 5:18.

Adoption of Agenda

Oneil reminded us that the Treasurer Statement and Bank Account need to come forward as Old Business. This item was added first on the agenda. The agenda was adopted as amended.

Approval of previous meetings' minutes

March 10, 2005

• Summary of discussion read; no quorum at that meeting

April 5, 2005

• Record of discussion read to give background to Old Business on agenda for this meeting.

New Business

Treasurer Report and Bank Account

Currently our bank account is held with the PSAC account for which May does all of the banking. Oneil reminded us that a bank account needs to be opened to handle our own funds. Three signatories, being the elected executive, should open an account. The minute of the February meeting when elections were held are needed for approval and to take to the bank to open the account. Oneil indicated that he will have the minutes from Nyna Gee for the next meeting.

The current balance is around $1000.00 and Brother Corey Nash is going to work to gather a statement and start a treasurer statement for EHRC funds.

National Day of Mourning

Sister Tamara Kozlowska reported on the event on April 28 when 150 bookmarkers and black ribbons were distributed at canada Place between 11:15 am and 1:45 pm. An additional 100 bookmarks and black ribbons were distributed at National Defence.

Over all this event was a success. Sister Kozlowska also attended the evening event at City Hall and reported that it was well attended and PSAC was recognized for our support of the day. Capital Taxi was there in support of their fallen Brother, and Sister Kozlowska said they did an excellent presentation.

Thanks go to Sister Cara More for preparation work, and to Sister Jo Chelick, Sister Barb War, sister Barb Sayers, Sister Terry Miller and Sister Tamara Kozlowska for assisting on the day of the event.

The costs associated with the day were for the ribbon and pins and for the printing of the 250 bookmarks (about $1.03/each), and Oneil indicated that Sister Benson had identified some funds available for special projects. This is the funds which cover the costs of things like International Day of Mourning. Receipts for reimbursement and payment will follow.

Possible improvements for future events: a placard identifying the cause which is easily visible/readable from a distance (people can know the cause before approaching); a pamphlet with info about the day and statistics plus contact info for someone to learn more about our committee to distribute, spot ribbon prizes at day end.

Pride Day / National Day Against Homophobia

• General discussion

• UFCW Local cannot provide for a BBQ for Pride Week but can get an excellent price on ice cream Dixie cups (1500 cups for about $300.)

• Sister Jo Lafleur is starting a GLBT group under UTE's EO Committee and this group will work with EHRC for this event - possible dates include June 15: Pride Week, or, June 1: National Day Against Homophobia. Members present feel that June 1st is the better choice.

MOTION:

Sister Tamara Kozlowska Moves:

THAT the EHRC will expend funds obtained from the Special Events Fund to purchase and distribute ice cream for International Day Against Homophobia, June 1st, to raise awareness of issues among members and the public.

Seconded: Real Labbe

CARRIED.

All

Members

Events during Pride Week will include Pride Parade June 18th, a flag raising at City Hall, and other events. Details to follow via email or at next meeting. All EHRC and PSAC members are encouraged to attend events and show support for our Sisters and Brothers.

PSAC NAIM Circle

Sister Barb Sayers has recently become aware of the selection of the NAIM Circle members and reported on current info available to aid group awareness and knowledge of aboriginal issues and concerns.

General discussion of NAIM (National Aboriginal, Inuit and Metis) background and information currently available on the PSAC website, including list of participants in 2004 and new list for 2005 with only 1 of the 14 appointed being from the original group.

General discussion: the selection of committee members in Brother Nash's workplace, and the ignoring and stalling of ongoing issues of racism and discrimination.

Sister Sayers is currently waiting to get more information on the selection and will bring any new information back to the committee next meeting.

Sister Sayers and Brother Nash both indicated an interest in forming an aboriginal group to meet to support specifically aboriginal issues and an availability to meet with Brothers or Sisters who may have concerns but either not wish to face a group or be unable to attend meetings.

Motion:

Sister Jo Lafleur moves:

THAT the EHRC support a subcommittee for Aboriginal Sisters and Brothers to form to support each other and to report back to the EHRC and bring issues arising to the EHRC for discussion

Seconded: Real Labbe

Carried

Sister Sayers reminded the members present that May 24-27 is Aboriginal Awareness Week and May 26th is National Day of Healing and Reconciliation. She is unsure of any events currently being planned but these should be advertised throughout departments. Also, June 21st is National Aboriginal Day. Events are planned at Canada Place throughout the day and in the city during the entire week. sister Sayers encourages members of EHRC and PSAC to attend and show support for their Aboriginal Brother and Sisters

Round Table

Sister Kozlowska reminded members that applications for delegates and alternates to the 2005 PSAC National Unity Conference are due May 11th.

Adjournment: 6:35 pm

Next meeting to be held Dec. 7 at 5:30 pm at the PSAC office.