Edmonton Area Council Meeting Minutes (September 20, 2023)

Area Council Committees engage with PSAC campaigns, lobby politicians and raise awareness of issues affecting our members, workers and the Canadian Public. Check out these minutes for current actions and events.

Edmonton Area Council Meeting Minutes – September 20, 2023

In attendance:

Darlene Lewis, Chair

Stasi L’Hirondelle, Secretary

Sabino Spagnuolo, Vice Chair

Lisa Cave

Virtual attendees:

Caitlin Fortier, Member at Large

Cathy Kohar,

Heather Rawlins, Treasurer

Madeline Lee,

Mike McLean,

Nicole Akhenak,

Surekha Jarugumali

  1. Call to Order:
    • Darlene called the meeting to order at 17:34
  2. Land Acknowledgement:
    • Darlene acknowledged that we were meeting on Treaty 6 lands.
  3. Statement on Harassment:
    • Stasi read out the PSAC Statement on Harassment. Oneil Carlier is the anti-harassment coordinator
  4. Adoption of Agenda:  
    • Moved by Stasi, Second by Sabino:
    • Stasi moved to amend agenda to include update from PRC. Seconded by Sabino.  Carried
  5. Approval of Previous Minutes:
    • Postponed until next meeting when copies could be available
  6. Roundtable of introductions
  7. Reports:
    • VP Update: Sabino advised not much to update. Wanted to mention how members step-up during the strike. Things have been busy with component convention. We should reach out to local presidents letting them know that AC exec can go to their AGM’s, we can help with campaigns and work together to get our various messages out.
    • Treasurer Report: Nothing new to up date
    • Member at Large: No update
    • Chair: This is the first meeting since spring for AC. Was busy with strike and PRC Prairies Convention and sat as co-chair for finance committee and resolutions. Participated at the Labour Day BBQ held at Commonwealth Stadium. This is a new location for the BBQ due to construction work happening at old location. There was a good turnout. EAC handed out water bottles to those in attendance. They were well received and went very quickly, as well rulers, pencils, and some tattoos stickers. Next year would like to put together something that will have more locals get involved with to support the community.
    • Secretary/PRC Geo Rep: PRC met virtually for introductions and to establish committee membership in early July. We had our first face to face meeting in Calgary the end of Aug. Was a very productive meeting. I will be on the Bylaws Committee as well as Health & Safety Committee. Reminded everyone in attendance to complete the registration for upcoming Regional Committee Training to be held Oct 12 & 13. Please attend if possible. Stasi asked everyone to think about what you would like from your Geographical Rep. Help me to help you.
  8. New Business
  9. Resolutions to PSAC National Convention
    • Phoenix National Public Inquiry:  Stasi read out the resolution and text was added to the ZOOM chat. Discussion on resolution.
      • Vote Approved– Unanimous
    • Self-Identification Form: Sabino read out the resolution. Paper copies were provided to those in attendance and the text of the resolution was added to ZOOM chat. Discussion ensued. 
      • Vote Approved 8 Y, 3 N
    • Responsibility for Membership Lists: Sabino read out the resolution. Paper copies were provided to those in attendance and the text of the resolution was added to ZOOM chat. Discussion ensued. 
      • Vote Approved 9Y, 2 N
    • Staffing Process:  Stasi read out the resolution and text was added to the ZOOM chat. Discussion on resolution.
      • Vote Approved– Unanimous
  10. Delegate to PSAC National Convention:  
    • Area Councils are able to elect a delegate to attend PSAC National Convention. Deadline to submit name is November 24, 2023.  To be fully transparent, and to ensure enough notice is given we added this to tonites agenda to schedule the meeting in which to hold the election.  PSAC National Convention will be May 26 – 31 in Ottawa.  
  11. Decision:  Next meeting will be November 1, 2023 and election for AC delegate will be held.
  12. Bowling Activity:
    • Darlene wanted to bring up the topic of having a bowling night to see if there was any interest in hosting an activity. Discussion followed and Darlene will look into some costs and bring that back to the next meeting.
  13. Roundtable:
    • Sabino thanked everyone for coming out. Spoke on the need to remember the discussions that we had tonight with these resolutions and for those who are going to be delegates to convention, be prepared to speak at the mic on these issues.
    • Stasi echoed what Sabino said. It’s good to have such a turn out. Let’s keep momentum strong.
    • Madeline is looking forward to the next meeting and working with everyone on events and items.
    • Oneil wanted to mention upcoming training. Check the PSAC Prairies Website for upcoming training and register to courses. November 16 is the Introduction to PSAC Prairies Regional Committees. We also are hoping to re-establish the Edmonton Young Workers Committee.  Notice to go out next week on that.
  14. Next Meeting:  November 1, 2023, at 17:30
  15. Meeting Adjourned:  7:10 pm

Agenda Items: Volunteer for Area Council Christmas Event

Election for Delegate to National Convention

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