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Minutes of the OPSEU Convention 2019
May 23 – 25, 2019
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

Thursday, May 23rd – Morning Session

“We Are OPSEU” video played

President Smokey Thomas and First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo Almeida were introduced to Convention.

President Thomas, called the Convention to order at 9:15 a.m.

The President welcomed all delegates, alternates, observers and guests to Convention, the highest decision-making body of OPSEU.

National anthem was sang by Whitney Otis, the 2017 OPSEU’s Got Talent winner.

Krista Maracle, Chair of Indigenous Circle, gave acknowledgement of Indigenous Lands.

Statement of Respect – video played.

The Harassment and Discrimination Policy was presented in video format. President Thomas referred members to a business card in their Convention bags should an Advisor be needed.

A Minute of Silence was observed in memory of all those who have passed away since our last Convention.

President Thomas announced names of floor staff.

General announcements were made on events and services available at Convention. (Video)

Michael O’Shea from Freeman Audio/Visual gave short tutorial on electronic voting process. Video Played.

President Thomas introduced the head table:

• Nicole Glass, Back up Recording Secretary
• Sherry Bader, Recording Secretary
• Karlene Henry, Back up Recording Secretary
• Jeff Arbus, Constitution and Rules of Order Advisor
• Maria Wysocki, Procedural Advisor
• Eduardo Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer

Introduction of Credentials Committee

The members of the Committee are:

Region 1 Ian Magcale Local 105

Region 2 Kathryn Richards Local 238

Region 3 Bill Carson Local 369

Region 4 Janet Heyman Local 4104

Region 5 Anthony Marinucci Local 549

Region 6 Kimberley Kazur Local 665

Region 7 Terri Morris Local 714

EBM Janel Perron Local 720

Staff Advisor Fran Borsellino/Linda Mariani

Secretary Richard Meagher

Credentials Committee Report

Moved: Kazur, L. 665 / Seconded: Magcale, L. 105

Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 8:53 a.m.

Delegates 896

Alternates 425

Observers 167

Retirees 7

EBMs 20

Committees 51

Solidarity Guests 29

Guests 3

Total 1,598

Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED

Section A – Convention Agenda

Moved: Finucane, EBM, Region 2 / Seconded: Balogin, L. 206

Adoption of the Convention Agenda as distributed.

Vote on adoption of the Agenda CARRIED

Section B – Minutes of Last Convention 2018

Moved: Finucane, EBM / Seconded: Balogin, L. 206

Adoption of the Minutes of Convention 2018 as printed in Section B.

Moved: Perron, EBM, Region 3 / Seconded: Gillies, L. 303

Amendment to Page 2, Credentials Committee: change EBM Ed Arvelin to Janel Perron on the Credentials Committee

Andrea Horwath, Leader of the NDP, addressed Convention.

Year in Review Video played – highlights of some of the accomplishments over the past year

President’s Address

Keynote Speaker

President Thomas introduced David McDonald, professor and anti-privatization activist

David McDonald addressed the Convention

Orders of the Day

Nominations for the Office of President and First Vice-President/Treasurer

As per orders of the day, the Nominations for Office of President and First Vice-President/Treasurer commenced.

The chair was turned over to Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees, (NUPGE) who explained the nomination procedures to be followed.

Nominations for the Office of President

Larry Brown, President, NUPGE, chaired the election process. One written nomination properly signed by the nominee and nominators was filed with the Chair of the Credentials Committee.

Nominees Nominators

Warren (Smokey) Thomas Sheila Sak, L. 4104

Sara Labelle Nancy Pridham, L. 500

There being no further nominations, nominations for the Office of President closed.

Nancy Pridham was given up to two minutes to introduce Sara Labelle, as her nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU.

Sara Labelle accepted the nomination for the Office of President.

Sheila Sak was given up to two minutes to introduce Warren (Smokey) Thomas as her nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas accepted the nomination for the Office of the President.

Nominations for the Office of First Vice-President/Treasurer

Larry Brown, stated that the same rules and procedures apply to the nomination process for the Office of the First Vice-President/Treasurer.

Nominees Nominators

Eduardo Almeida Heather Giardine-Tuck, L. 240

There being no further nominations, nominations for the Office of First Vice-President/Treasurer closed.

Eduardo Almeida accepts his nomination for the Office of the First-Vice-President/Treasurer.

Eduardo Almeida was acclaimed as First Vice-President/Treasurer of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

Convention recessed at 12:00 p.m

Thursday, May 23rd – Afternoon Session

Section C – Audited Financial Statements and Note

Section F – Report on Remuneration

President Thomas introduced Terri McKinnon, our external auditor from PricewaterhouseCoopers and Maurice Gabay, Administrator of Financial Services, OPSEU. Terri McKinnon referred the delegates to Section C and gave a brief overview of the financial statements.

Questions were taken from the floor.

President Thomas thanked Terri McKinnon on behalf of the Convention.

Credentials Report

Moved: Kazur, L. 665 / Seconded: Magcale, L. 105

Adoption of Credentials Report as at 1:58 p.m.

Delegates 983

Alternates 505

Observers 199

Retirees 7

EBMs 20

Committees 60

Solidarity Guests 36

Guests 3

Total 1,813

Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED

Donchev, L. 559 – amend the order of the resolutions (no seconder)

President Thomas advised this cannot be done.

Brother Donchev challenged the Chair.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Almeida in Chair.

President Thomas gave rationale.

First Vice-President/Treasurer Almeida back in Chair

Chair upheld.

Resolutions Committee

Introduction of Resolutions Committee

Region 1 – Gino Franche L. 130

Region 2 – Karen Clark L. 212

Region 3 – Elaine Bagnall L. 362

Region 4 – Daryl O’Grady L. 456

Region 5 – Joseph Healy L. 571

Region 6 – Ron Lavigne L. 633

Region 7 – Michael Lundy L. 708

EBM – Laurie Nancekivell EBM L. 116

Staff Advisor – Steve Saysell

Secretary – Enrico De Matteo

Resolutions Committee

Statutory Resolution A1 – Financial Statements

Submitted by: Executive Board

Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: FOR

Moved: Bagnall, Res. Ctte., L. 362 / Seconded: Franche, Res. Ctte., L. 130

BE IT RESOLVED THAT in compliance with Article 26.2 of the Constitution and Section 97 of the Corporations Act, the Financial Statements for the 12-month period ending December 2018, including the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures, the Statement of Fund Balances and the Statement of Cash Flows, together with the Auditors’ report thereon, and all transactions reflected thereby be approved and that the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer be authorized to sign the financial statements on behalf of the Executive Board.

Vote on Statutory Resolution A1 – Financial Statements CARRIED

Resolutions Committee

Statutory Resolution A2 – Endorsement of Executive Board

Submitted by: Executive Board

Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: FOR

Moved: Bagnall, Res. Ctte., L. 362 / Seconded: Franche, Res. Ctte., L. 130

BE IT RESOLVED THAT in compliance with Section 129 of the Corporations Act, the Convention endorse the actions of the Executive Board from the closing of the last Convention until the closing of this Convention.

Vote on Statutory Resolution A2 – Endorsement of Executive Board CARRIED

Resolutions Committee

Statutory Resolution A3 – Appointment of Auditors

Submitted by: Executive Board

Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: FOR

Moved: Bagnall, Res. Ctte., L. 362 / Seconded: Franche, Res. Ctte., L. 130

BE IT RESOLVED THAT in compliance with Article 26.2 and 28.4 of the Constitution and Section 94 of the Corporations Act, PWC, PricewaterhouseCoopers; be Auditors of OPSEU for the fiscal year January 1, 2019 through to December 31, 2019 and the Executive Board fix the Auditors’ remuneration.

Vote on Statutory Resolution A3 – Appointment of Auditors CARRIED

Section D – Budget 2018

Moved: Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer / Seconded: Thomas, President

Adoption of the 2019 Budget as printed in Section D.

Eduardo Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer, presented the budget on behalf of the Executive Board.

Moved: Strachan, L. 546 / Seconded: Anwar, L. 546

Amend Regional Meetings budget line – increase from $500,000 to $570,000

Vote on amendment to Budget CARRIED

Moved: Donchev, L. 559 / Seconded: Muscatello, L. 559

Amend Local Time Off fund budget line from $1,500,000 to $2.3 million

Vote on amendment to Budget CARRIED

Moved: Palmieri, L. 206 / Seconded: Irving, L. 288

Closure on Budget

Vote on Closure to Budget CARRIED

Vote on Budget as amended CARRIED

Executive Board Report – Section E

Moved: Finucane, EBM, Region 2 / Seconded: Perron, EBM, Region 3

Vote on Executive Board Report CARRIED

Resolutions Committee

J2 – Expenses – Section G

Submitted by: Thunder Bay Area Council

Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: FOR

Moved: Bagnall, Res. Ctte., L. 362 / Seconded: G. Franche, Res. Ctte., L.130

Whereas there remains to be financial barriers for locals further away from Toronto, to send alternate delegates to Convention, while locals in Regions 5, and parts of Region 2 and 3 can send alternates at little additional cost; and

Whereas Locals with only one delegate must send their President or designee, and deny all other interested activists the experience; and

Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board create a committee, including at least one Local President from each Region, to review the funding formula for locals and to make recommendations from each region to review the funding formula for locals. The Executive Board to make recommendations to Convention 2020 that would allow locals further away from Toronto to be able to afford to send at least one alternate delegate to Convention each year.

Moved: Nasello, L. 5111 / Seconded: Ariza, L. 5111

Referral back to Committee with instructions to change “local president” to “Executive Board Member”.

Vote on Referral to Committee CARRIED

Committee recommends AGAINST amendment

Moved: Beaumont, L. 309 / Seconded: Burton, L. 309

Closure on Resolution J2

Vote on Resolution J2 as in Section G CARRIED

Orders of the Day

Awards Presentation

Health and Safety – Individual

Recipient: Stuart Wilson, L. 234

This year’s winner of the Outstanding Individual Health and Safety Award goes to Stuart Wilson, Local 234. Stuart is from the Maplehurst Correctional Complex and has been a tireless advocate for improved Health and Safety in his workplace.

Stuart accepted the award and addressed Convention.

Leah Casselman Award – Individual

Recipient: April Paton, Local 112

This award is given to the individual who excels in mobilizing members. This year’s recipient is April Paton, Local 112.

As an OPS Child Care Worker, April kept up the fight for herself and her colleagues for the reclassification of the Child Care Worker to Case Worker in the mental health and social services sector in April 2018. This was a landmark victory thanks to her dedication and commitment to mobilizing to win.

Leah Casselman Award – Local

The winner of this year’s Leah Casselman Award (local) is the 2017 CAAT Academic Bargaining Team.

The CAAT A Bargaining Team was a champion for the interests of full time and partial load faculty at the bargaining table.

JP Hornick, Chair of the 2017 Bargaining Team introduced the members of the team, addressed Convention and they accepted their award.

Constitution Committee

Introduction of Constitution Committee

Region 1 Naz Binck L. 137

Region 2 Dave Wakely L. 277

Region 3 Tim Hannah L. 308

Region 4 Dave Doran L. 462

Region 5 Janice Hagan L. 561

Region 6 Leanne Pold-Dellavedova L. 607

Region 7 Sophia Ambrose L. 736

Staff Advisor Pat Honsberger

Secretary Andrea Meunier

Article 27.1 The Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of those delegates present and voting at any Convention.

Constitutional Amendment A.1, Article 12

Submitted by: Locals 137, 243, 416, 561, Greater Toronto Area Council and Ottawa Area Council

Constitutional Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE

Moved: Binck, Const.Ctte. L.736 / Seconded: Hagan, Const. Ctte., L.561

Amend Article 12 to read as follows: (changes in bold)

12.1.1 All Members of the Union shall be organized into Units and no Member may be a member of more than one Unit, except where the Member is employed in more than one bargaining unit by a different employer.

Vote on Constitutional Amendment A.1 CARRIED

Constitutional Amendment A.2,

Submitted by: Locals 137, 561, Greater Toronto Area Council

Constitutional Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE

Moved: S. Ambrose, Const. Ctte L.736 / Seconded: Pold-DellaVedova, Const. Ctte., L. 607

A.2 Amend Article 13 to read as follows: (changes in bold)

13.6 Except for delegates under Article 13.4(b), (c), (d) and (e), no person may be a delegate unless s/he is a Member in good standing of the Local which elected him/her as a delegate. No person member may be a Member delegate of more than one Local at the same time or cast more than one vote at a Convention , except where the Member is employed in more than one Local by a different employer . Honorary Members may not be delegates.

Vote on Constitutional Amendment A.2 CARRIED

President Thomas turned the Chair over to Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees to conduct the Q&A

Questions and answer session was conducted with the two candidates, President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and Sara Labelle, 2^nd VP

Convention adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Friday, May 24th – Morning Session

Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees called the Convention to order at 9:11 a.m.

Credentials Report

Moved: Magcale, L. 105 / Seconded: Kazur, L.665

Adoption of Credentials Committee Report

Delegates 989

Alternates 513

Observers 201

Retirees 7

EBMs 20

Committees 53

Solidarity Guests 33

Guests 3

Total 1,819

Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED

Candidates for President of OPSEU – presentations

Draw for first speaker

Sara Labelle, 2^nd Vice-President, addressed Convention

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President, addressed Convention

Each candidate named their scrutineers.

Ballots handed out.

Total Eligible to vote – 1,069

Ballots cast – 1,044

Invalid – 3

Need 522 (majority)

Sara Labelle– 408

Smokey Thomas – 632

Warren Smokey Thomas declared President

President Thomas thanked delegates of Convention.

Ranking of RVP’s

Newly elected RVP’s came to stage.

Each RVP addressed Convention in order from region 7 to 1 (given one minute to speak)

Distributed ballots

Adjourned for lunch – 12 p.m.

Friday, May 24th, Afternoon Session

Donations Policy

Every year delegates can make an appeal for donations. The money collected will be distributed to the various causes after the appeals are reviewed by the Executive Committee.

OPSEU matches the donation up to a maximum of $5,000.

Staff collected donations from floor.

Ranking results

Sara Labelle, Region 3 (2^nd RVP)

Len Elliot, Region 1 (3^rd RVP)

Lucy Morton, Region 2 (4^th RVP)

Edie Strachan, Region 5 (5^th RVP)

Ed Arvelin, Region 7 (6^th RVP)

Tara Langford, Region 4 (7^th RVP)

Tara Maszczakiewicz, Region 6 (8^th RVP)

Moved: Ainsworth, L. 560 / Seconded: Paterson, L. 560

To destroy ballots – CARRIED

President Thomas returned to Chair

Credentials Report

Moved: Kazur, L. 665 / Seconded: Richards, L. 238

Adoption of Credentials Report as at 1:51 p.m.

Delegates 994

Alternates 516

Observers 204

Retirees 7

EBMs 20

Committees 53

Solidarity Guests 49

Guests 3

Total 1,846

Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED

Solidarity Guests

President Thomas introduced Solidarity Guests

Larry Brown, President, NUPGE

Carol Meyer, Managing Director, NUPGE

Susie Proulx-Daigle, President New Brunswick Union of Public & Private Employees

Paul Finch, Treasurer, BC Government and Services Employees Union

Karen Jackson, National Vice-President, PEIUPSE

Bert Bludon, Secretary-Treasurer, NUPGE

Marie Claire Walker, Secretary-Treasurer, CLC

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party

Rob Halpin, Director, OFL

Patty Coates, Secretary-Treasurer, OFL

Keith Jeffers, CEO, Employment Matters

Hildah Otieno, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Students

Kayla Weiler, National Executive Representative, Canadian Federation of Students

Megan Peck, President, Association of Law Officers of the Crown

Mark Mendl, Counsel, Mendl Workplace Law

Sandra Mullen, 1^st Vice President, NSGEU

Tammy Gillis, 3^rd Vice President, NSGEU

Hiona Murray, Executive Assistant, PEGO

Ben Hendry, President, PEGO

Wendy Hurry, Vice President, Public Service Association NSW

Kris Cruden, Business Public Service Association NSW

Ylber Kusari, Director, Stephen Lewis Foundation

Ilana Landsberg-Lewis, Senior Advisor, Stephen Lewis Foundation

Dennis Mawejje Wamala, Uganda Human Rights, Stephen Lewis Foundation

Kimbalin Kelly, Interim Executive Director, Feed Ontario

Naureen Rizvi, Ontario Regional Director, UNIFOR

Chris MacDonald, Assistant to the President, UNIFOR

James Whelan, President, Ontario Harness Horse Association

Hilary Campbell, President, Education Resource Facilitators of Peel

Kim Liddle, Treasurer, Education Resource Facilitators of Peel

Chris Buckley, President, OFL

Andrea Horwath, Leader, Ontario New Democratic Party

Earl Burt, Treasurer, Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation

David McDonald, Professor Queen’s University

Fred Hahn, President CUPE

Wynne Hartviksen, Executive Assistant, CUPE

John Fraser, Member, Standing Committee on Social Policy, Ontario Liberal Party

Joe Cressy, Spadina-Fort York, Toronto City Council

Pam Doig, OPSEU

Peggy Maybury, OPSEU

Victor Fung, Assistant to Administrator, OPSEU

Marilou Martin, A/Supervisor Special Projects, CAAT Support OPSEU

Lois Boggs, President, OPSSU

Alyssa Walker, 1^st VP, OPSSU

Iris Neagos, Assistant to 1^st VP/Treasurer, OPSEU

Tania Boisjoly, A/Assistant to 1^st VP/Treasurer, OPSEU

Mary Kalliontzis, Assistant to Administrator, OPSEU

Kaley Warner, Assistant to Administrator, OPSEU

Michelle Allonson, Assistant to Administrator, OPSEU

Guest Speaker

President Thomas introduced Ilana Landsberg-Lewis and Dennis Wamala, who attended as Solidarity Guests on behalf of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Both addressed Convention.

Award Presentation

Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award

Recipient: Harry Leslie Smith

OPSEU is pleased to present the Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award posthumously to Harry Leslie Smith.

Harry was known as the world’s oldest rebel. He spent the last years of his life spreading an important message; the continued existence of public services, accessible to all, like hospital, schools, and the social safety net, is not guaranteed. They are under imminent threat and nothing short of immediate and sustained action is needed to preserve them.

Although Harry is no longer with us, Harry’s spirit of defiance of austerity and corporate greed lives on.

His son, John Max Smith accepted the award on Harry’s behalf.

John addressed Convention.

OPSEU Retired and Deceased Staff (May 2018 to May 2019)

Video displayed names

Retired Staff Members

Name / Date of Hire / Retirement Date

Lancelot (Lance) Smith/ June 2, 1997 / July 16, 2018
Cleaner 2

Tracey Mussett / July 31, 1995 / August 1, 2018
Organizing Representative

Gregory Hamara / September 5, 2011 / August 28, 2018
Communications Officer

Marisa Forsyth / February 27, 2006 / September 1, 2018
Staff Representative

Carol Warner / February 1, 1988 / September 1, 2018
Staff Representative

Carol Wilson / April 26, 2004 / September 1, 2018
Convention Secretary

Demetrio (Nixon) Bernardino / January 5, 1998 / October 1, 2018
ISD Systems Technician – Software

Louise Beauchamp / July 14, 2008 / November 1, 2018
Secretary

Gloria Marcos / March 15, 1993 / November 1, 2018
Regional Office Secretary

Cynthia Mattai / October 3, 1994 / November 1, 2018
Assistant to Administrator

Audrey Williams / December 1, 2004 / November 1, 2018
Supervisor

Lori Dileo / October 19, 1987 / December 1, 2018
Assistant to General Counsel

Brian Gould / January 2, 1990 / December 1, 2018
Administrator

Pati Habermann / May 9, 2008 / December 1, 2018
Staff Representative

Geraldine Ryan / January 11, 2008 / December 1, 2018
Supervisor

Steve Crossman/ October 6, 1997 / December 3, 2018
Research Officer

George (Val) V.P. Patrick / June 23, 2008 / January 1, 2019
Regional Grievance Officer

Judy Storey / June 5, 1995 / March 1, 2019
Staff Representative

Brenda Howard / November 5, 2007 / April 1, 2019
Regional Office Secretary

Brenda Wood / December 4, 1995 / May 1, 2019
Staff Representative

Deceased Staff Members

Lisa McCaskell
Health & Safety Officer
Date of Death – February 19, 2019

Deceased Retired Staff Members / Retirement Date

James Fawcett
Staff Representative / September 1, 1989
Date of Death: March 1, 2019

Lucile Glover
Secretary / June 30, 1990
Date of Death: November 12, 2018

Jeannine Hanson
PPT Secretary / July 1, 1994
Date of Death – February 12, 2019

Michael Rowett
Staff Representative / January 1, 1997
Date of Death: March 26, 2019

Donald Stewart
Staff Representative/ November 1, 2005
Date of Death: October 24, 2018

Equity Updates

Equity Committees presented their updates for their work over the past year

Social Mapping Report

EBM Laurie Nancekivell gave her report on the work of the Social Mapping Committee

Award Presentations

Live and Let Live Award

President Thomas presented OPSEU’s Live and Let Live Award to Lyla Richard, Local 153, who was instrumental in supporting the London region region’s HIV/AIDS Red Scarf campaign.

Since 2012, local community members have been invited to knit or crochet scarves to donate to Regional HIV/AIDS Connection – a well respected AIDS Service Organization that has led the way in terms of advocacy and support.

President Thomas thanked Lyla for her local leadership and dedication to building bridges in the community.

Withering Trillium Award

The Withering Trillium Award goes to Doug Ford and his Cabinet

Doug “Fraud” accepted the award and addressed Convention.

Donations

$7,711.05 in donations were collected from the floor.

Executive Board to match up to $5,000

Moved: Billard, L. 598 / Seconded: Chicas, L. 545

OPSEU match the donation of $7,711.05 and round up to $15,000

Vote to match donations of $7,711.05 and round up to $15,000 CARRIED

Constitutional Committee

Constitutional Amendment A.3, Articles 13 and 14

Submitted by: Locals 362,446, 546, 549, 634, Oshawa Area Council and Thunder Bay Area Council

Constitutional Committee’s Recommendation: DEFEAT

Moved: Wakely, Const. Ctte, L. 277 / Seconded: Hannah, L. 308

A.3 Amend Article 13 and Article 14 to read as follows: (changes in bold)

Article 13.4 Delegate entitlement to Conventions shall be as follows:

a) Locals

b) Each Member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to be a delegate of his/her Region.

c) Each Member of a Convention Committee as stipulated under Article 13.9.1 shall be entitled to be a delegate of his/her Region.

d) The Members of the Executive Committee of the Retired Members’ Division, or their alternates, to a maximum of seven (7) persons, shall be entitled to be delegates.

e) The Member of the Provincial Women’s Committee and the Provincial Human Rights Committee and the Provincial Young Workers Committee and the Provincial Francophone Committee and one Member of the Indigenous Circle per Region, shall be entitled to be delegates.

f) All chairs of the Ministry and Sector Divisions as outlined in Article 21.2.1 shall be entitled to be delegates.

13.6 Except for delegates under Article 13.4(b), (c), (d) and , (e), and (f), no person may be a delegate unless s/he is a Member in good standing of the Local which elected him/her as a delegate. No person may be a Member of more than one Local at the same time or cast more than one vote at a Convention, except where the Member is employed in more than one Local by a different employer. Honorary Members may not be delegates.

14.4 The number and qualifications of delegates entitled to attend a Regional meeting, and the quorum thereat, shall be laid down in Article 13, the necessary changes being made . , except that Article 13.4(f) does not apply.

Moved: Billard, L. 598 / Seconded: Joe, L. 576

Closure on Constitutional Amendment A3

Vote on closure of Constitutional Amendment A.3 CARRIED

Vote on Constitutional Amendment A.3 DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment A.4, Articles 14 and 16

Submitted by: Locals 102, 546, 571 and Greater Toronto Area Council

Constitutional Committee’s Recommendation: DEFEAT

Moved: Pold-DellaVedova, Const. Ctte, L. 607 / Seconded: Wakely, Const. Ctte, L. 277

A.4 Amend Article 14 and Article 16 to read as follows:

(changes in bold)

14.1.1 Members of the Executive Board shall be elected by majority vote of all delegates casting valid ballots at Regional meetings held prior to every second regular Convention, with the first such meetings to be held in 1976.

14.1.1 The Executive Board shall consist of 23 Members. Three Regional Board Members shall be elected per Region, and two Equity Board Members shall be elected by the Provincial Committees under Article 19 and the equity caucuses/coalitions.

14.1.2 A Member of the Regional Board Member may be removed from the Board only by a properly convened meeting of the delegates in his/her Region. An Equity Board Member may only be removed by a properly convened meeting of the members of the Provincial Committees and the equity caucuses/coalitions.

14.1.3 The President or First Vice- President/Treasurer may be removed from office, but not from the Board, only by delegates in a regular or special Convention.

14.2.1 Regional meetings to elect Members of the Board shall be convened in the Region the Members are to represent. All such meetings shall be convened not more than 30 days or less than 15 days prior to the opening of every other regular Convention. The place shall be as designated by the President or Executive Committee.

14.2.2 The Provincial Committees and the equity caucuses/coalitions shall meet prior to the Regional meetings, for the purpose of electing two Equity Board Members.

14.3 The Notice of the Convening of Regional meetings shall be included with the Convention call required under Article 13.2 and shall be issued in both official languages.

14.4 The number and qualifications of delegates entitled to attend a Regional meeting, and the quorum thereat, shall be as laid down in Article 13, the necessary changes being made.

14.5.1 Any Member in a Region may be a candidate for Member of the Executive Board, including Regional Vice-President, even if s/he is not a delegate to the Regional meeting provided, however, that his/her nomination is signed, supported by at least two Members from the Region and submitted to the President at least one week before the scheduled opening of the Regional meeting.

14.5.2 Any delegate may be nominated by one other delegate of the same Region. The nomination may be in writing, signed by the candidate, or it may be oral, at the Regional meeting, in which case the candidate will rise and signify acceptance of the nomination.

14.5.3 No person may be nominated before the issuance of the Convention call.

14.5.4 Delegates to Regional election meetings shall be provided with a financial statement showing the expenses incurred during the previous fiscal year by the regional Board Members, the Provincial Women’s Committee, the Provincial Human Rights Committee, the Provincial Young Workers Committee and the Indigenous Circle.

14.5.5 Only members of the Pr ovincial Committees or the equity caucuses/coalitions, at the time of their election meeting, may be candidates to be elected as one of the Equity Board Members.

14.6.1 At each Regional election meeting in an election year, the delegates shall elect three persons to be Members of the Executive Board and one person to be their alternate. Following the election of the three Board Members, there will be a subsequent election, in which the delegates will nominate from among the three elected Board Members a Regional Vice-President. Following election of the Regional Vice-President, there will be a subsequent election, in which the delegates will elect from among the remaining two Board Members an alternate Regional Vice-President. No person may hold more than one office on the Executive Board.

14.6.2 Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot. To be elected to any office, a candidate must obtain a majority, which is more than 50 percent of the valid ballots cast. If no candidate, or an insufficient number of candidates, receives a majority of votes, a run-off election will be held from which any candidate who has obtained a majority, and the candidate who received the fewest votes, and any other candidate who voluntarily withdraws, will be eliminated. The process will be repeated until the required number of candidates has been elected.

14.6.3 When more than one office is to be filled in one election, each delegate shall have one vote for each office to be filled and ballots may be marked for fewer candidates than are required to fill all offices.

14.6.4 The results of the election from each Region and from the meeting of Provincial Committees and equity caucuses/coalitions, including the number of votes obtained by each successful candidate, shall be conveyed to the President before the opening of the Convention by the respective Chairpersons. Chairperson of the Regional meeting.

14.6.5 In a non-election year, a one-day regional meeting shall be held at the Union’s expense if requested by a majority of the Board Members or local presidents from that Region. The purpose of such meetings shall be to discuss regional issues and make recommendations to the Executive Board.

14.7.1 A person elected to the Board shall be known as a Member-elect of the Board for the period of time from his/her election until the adjournment of the next Convention.

14.7.2 The Member-elect shall take the following oath during the Convention immediately following his/ her election:

I, , promise that I will uphold and obey the Constitution and duly-authorized policies of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, fulfil the obligations and responsibilities of my office to the best of my ability, and promptly deliver to my successor all monies, records, and other property of the Union in my possession at the close of my term in office.”

Moved: Belanger, L. 642 / Seconded: Breton, L. 642

Closure on Constitutional Amendment A.4

Vote on closure of Constitutional Amendment A.4 CARRIED

Vote on Constitutional Amendment A.4 DEFEATED

Constitutional Amendment A.5, Articles 12 and 29

Submitted by: Locals 137 and 561

Constitutional Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE

Moved: Hannah, Const. Ctte, L. 308 / Seconded: Binck, Const. Ctte, L. 137

A.5 Amend Article 12 and Article 29 to read as follows:

(changes in bold)

12.1.2 “Unit” as used here and in Article 29, means a group of Members from a single ministry, department, institution or agency of Government of Ontario or from any other single employer. A Unit groups Members for purposes of electing Local Officers and Stewards and for conducting negotiations on a ministry level and on fringe benefits and working conditions on a province-wide level.

12.2.4 In the case of Members who are Crown employees Locals shall be defined and established as follows:

a) Single-Unit Local as a group of Members from one ministry, department, institution or agency of the Government of Ontario or Crown in Right of Ontario who work at the same place or in close proximity to one another;

b) Multi-Unit Local is a group of Members from one ministry, department, institution or agency of the Government of Ontario who work at two or more locations within a given geographical area but who have separate relations with management based on the different locations;

c) Composite Local is a group of Members from two or more ministries, departments, institutions or agencies of the Government of Ontario within a given geographical area;

d) A Local may have Units in not more than two different Regions and any such Local shall decide on which of the two Regions the Locals as a whole shall function.

12.2.5 In the case of Members who are not Crown employees, a Local will normally consist of a group of Members recognized as a bargaining unit under the Ontario Labour Relations Act or the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act and may be referred to as a Single-Unit Local. Nothing shall prevent the merger of such a Local with another such Local or a Local of Crown employees to form what may be termed a Composite Local.

29.1.2 The government of Locals shall be based on the Shop Steward system and election of Officers of Local Executive Committees shall be from among the Shop Stewards. Each Local shall decide how many Shop Stewards it will have. Each Shop Steward is automatically a Member of the Local Executive Committee. At a general membership meeting of the Local, the members shall elect the Officers of the LEC from among the Shop Stewards. All Stewards not elected as Officers of the Local shall be known as LEC members-at-large. All elections of Stewards and Local Executive Committees shall be based on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots, if necessary.

29.1.3 The Single-Unit Local

Each Local shall decide how many Shop Stewards it will have. Each Shop Steward is automatically a Member of the Local Executive Committee. At a general membership meeting of the Local, the members shall elect the Officers of the LEC from among the Shop Stewards. All Stewards not elected as Officers of the Local shall be known as LEC Members-at-large.

29.1.4 The Multi-Unit and Composite Locals

29.1.4.1 Each Unit shall decide how many Shop Stewards it will have. The Shop Stewards will form the Unit Committee. The membership of each Unit shall elect one of the Shop Stewards as Unit Steward and as such s/he shall be chairperson of the Unit Committee and shall also be that Unit’s Member of the LEC. The membership of the Local shall then elect the Officers of the LEC from among the Unit Stewards.

29.1.4.2 Normally there shall be only one Unit Steward from each Unit on the LEC, but where Units in the same Local vary greatly in size, additional Unit Stewards may be elected using the number of Members in the smallest Unit as the mathematical unit for calculating representation by population.

29.1.4.3 The Unit Committee shall meet at least once every three months. The Unit Steward may call a meeting of the Committee at any time to deal with the business of an urgent nature. It may elect one or more of its members to act as secretary, treasurer, or secretary-treasurer of the Unit. The duties of the Unit Committee shall be to police all collective agreements, to be responsible for Unit negotiations, and to act as a channel of communications between the Members and the LEC.

29.1.5 All elections of Stewards and Local Executive Committees shall be based on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots, in necessary.

29.1.4 The Multi-Unit and Composite Locals

29.1.4.1 Each Unit shall decide how many Shop Stewards it will have. The Shop Stewards will form the Unit Committee. The membership of each Unit shall elect one of the Shop Stewards as Unit Steward and as such s/he shall be chairperson of the Unit Committee and shall also be that Unit’s Member of the LEC. The membership of the Local shall then elect the Officers of the LEC from among the Unit Stewards.

29.1.4.2 Normally there shall be only one Unit Steward from each Unit on the LEC, but where Units in the same Local vary greatly in size, additional Unit Stewards may be elected using the number of Members in the smallest Unit as the mathematical unit for calculating representation by population.

29.1.4.3 The Unit Committee shall meet at least once every three months. The Unit Steward may call a meeting of the Committee at any time to deal with the business of an urgent nature. It may elect one or more of its members to act as secretary, treasurer, or secretary-treasurer of the Unit. The duties of the Unit Committee shall be to police all collective agreements, to be responsible for Unit negotiations, and to act as a channel of communications between the Members and the LEC.

29.1.5 All elections of Stewards and Local Executive Committees shall be based on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots, it necessary.

29.2.1 The Officers of the Local, together with the remaining Shop Stewards (in a Single-Unit Local) or Unit Stewards (in a Multi-Unit or Composite Local) shall constitute the Local Executive Committee. Every Local shall have a President and at least two of the following Officers: Vice-President; Secretary; Treasurer or Secretary-Treasurer; or such other Officer(s) as it may, by by-law bylaw , decide to have. In addition, a Single-Unit Local shall have a Chief Steward as an Officer of the Local Executive Committee. Local may have a Chief Steward or Unit Stewards as Officers of the Local Executive Committee. On the Invitation of a Local, the immediate past President of the Local may serve on the LEC as an ex-officio Member with voice but no vote. Each Local may designate one of its Local Executive Committee members as responsible for equity issues.

29.2.2 The Local Executive Committee shall administer the affairs of the Local in accordance with this Constitution, the Bylaws of the Local and the wishes of the Local. The Committee shall meet at least once every three months. The Local President may call a Committee meeting at any time to deal with business of an urgent nature.

29.3.3 Any Member of the LEC may stand for re-election , provided that a Unit Steward must first have been elected or re-elected as a Shop Steward, and . An Officer must first have been elected or re-elected as a Shop Steward. (and, in a multi-unit or composite local, as a Unit Steward)

29.5.5 Chief Steward or Unit Stewards

The Chief Steward s shall, like or the Unit Stewards in Multi-Unit or Composite Locals, shall coordinate and assist the Shop Stewards.

29.7.1 General membership meetings of all members of a Local shall be convened at least twice each year. Meetings of members of each Unit in Multi-Unit and Composite Locals shall be convened at least twice each year.

29.10.5 The LEC Shall present a budget to the annual general membership meeting of the Local. The budget in multi-unit and composite locals shall include budget lines for each unit, based on the number of dues paying members in the unit and the projected unit activity for the year.

Moved: Bilard, L. 598 / Seconded: Chicas, L. 545

Closure on Constitutional Amendment A.5

Vote on closure of Constitutional Amendment A.5 CARRIED

Vote on Constitutional Amendment A.5 DEFEATED

Moved: Morton, EBM Region 2 / Seconded: Palmieri, L. 206

To reconsider Constitutional Amendment A.3

Convention adjourned at 4:59 p.m.

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Convention called to order at 9:21 a.m.

Credentials Report

Moved: Kazur, L. 665 / Seconded: Richards, L. 238

Adoption of Credentials Report

Delegates 994

Alternates 512

Observers 204

Retirees 7

EBMs 20

Committees 53

Solidarity Guests 50

Guests 3

Total 1,843

Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED

Daycare Parade

Children from Convention child care paraded onto Convention floor and up to stage.

Joshua Goldthorpe, 13 years old, addressed the Convention about his struggles with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Oath of Office for Executive Board

President Thomas turned Chair over to Larry Brown to administer the Oath of Office for the 2019-2021 Executive Board.

Region 1 – Jennifer Van Zetten, Laurie Nancekivell, Len Elliot

Region 2 – Eduardo Almeida, Lucy Morton, Drew Finucane

Region 3 –Janel Perron, Joel Usher

Region 4 – Dave Doran, Smokey Thomas, Tara Langford

Region 5 – Anna Ainsworth, Edie Strachan, Kingsley Kwok

Region 6 – Tara Maszczakiewicz, Nathalie Rondeau, Kenneth Steinbrunner

Region 7 – Ed Arvelin, Kenneth Maclam, Erin Smith-Rice

Constitution 14.7.2

The Member-elect shall take the following oath during the Convention immediately following his/her election:

“I, ________________, promise that I will uphold and obey the Constitution and duly-authorized policies of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of my office to the best of my ability, and promptly deliver to my successor all monies, records, and other property of the Union in my possession at the close of my term in office.”

Larry turned Chair back to President Thomas, who welcomed the new Executive Board

Keynote Speaker

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party addressed Convention

Award Presentations

Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards

The Honorary Lifetime Membership Awards were presented by President Thomas

John Hanson, Local 416 – Algonquin College

John started his career at Algonquin College in 2007, quickly embracing the opportunity to become Steward, then Vice-President, then President.

John is a true activist and an ambassador for solidarity. He constantly encouraged and mentored new stewards and activists.

John also played a huge role in the largest organizing campaign in OPSEU’s history, the addition of 20,000 new college support part-time members.

He was recently elected to Chair of the Retirees Committee.

Donald Wright, Local 557 – George Brown College

Donald has been an active member of OPSEU for more than 30 years fighting on the frontlines for better working conditions. He served in various capacities in the local including Steward, Trustee, Treasurer, Vice-President and A/President.

Donald has also served on numerous committees. He is a champion for human rights, working to support equity seeking groups within OPSEU and the College.

Pam Smith, Local 455 – Ministry of Community & Social Services

Pam worked as a Case Worker in the provincial social assistance program with MCSS and as a Developmental Services Worker at D’Arcy Place in Cobourg for a combined 37 years.

She has held many different positions and sat on numerous committees, all the while supporting and serving as a mentor to union members and stewards across Ontario.

Her contributions at work and in the Quinte Area have made a lasting impact.

Outgoing Board Members Recognition

President Thomas offered sincere thanks to the eleven outgoing Executive Board Members.

The Board came to the stage to accept their plaques and each addressed Convention.

Julius Arscott Region 5

Michael Bisaillon Region 6

Gareth Jones Region 4

Myles Magner Region 5

Jean-Luc Roy Region 6

Philip Shearer Region 1

Jessica Sikora Region 5

Carl Thibodeau Region 7

Chrisy Tremblay Region 4

Erin Thorson Region 2

Tracy Vyfschaft Region 3

Raffle Draw

Carol Mundley, Chair of the Social Justice Fund helped President Thomas with the draw.

All the money raised from the raffle will benefit the Live and Let Live Fund.

President Thomas thanked the Enterprise partners who donated the prizes.

1^st prize – 50 inch TV – Winner: Manny Feigo, L. 502

2^nd prize – pair of Raptor tickets and pair of Toronto Maple Leafs tickets – Winner: Judy Gough, L. 613

3^rd prize – five $100 dining gift cards – Winner: Lauren Fong, L. 629

4^th prize – Ricoh camera – Christine Wilson, L. 131

5^th prize – PS4 and VR audio system, Michelle Morrison, L. 222

Three additional Presidential prize draws:

$100 gift card – Joe Dimaria, L. 559

$250 gift card – Owen Smith, L. 731

$500 gift card – Judy Gough, L. 615

Orders of the Day

President Smokey Thomas declared Convention adjourned at 12 noon

President Thomas thanked everyone for a great Convention and bid them a safe trip home.

As per OPSEU policy, in the event there are resolutions outstanding from Convention, the Resolutions Committee shall be reconvened to make recommendations on the disposition of these; and brought to the first regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting after Convention, for debate.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Sherry Bader, Recording Secretary
Ontario Public Service Employees Union