April 6-9, 2022
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
Wednesday, April 6 – Morning Session
“Frontline -Thank you 2022” video played in both English and French.
President Warren Thomas and First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo Almeida were introduced to Convention.
The President welcomed all in person, virtual delegates and alternates to Convention, the highest decision-making body of OPSEU/SEFPO.
Call to Order
President Thomas, called the Convention to order at 9:18 a.m.
President Thomas gave acknowledgement of Indigenous Lands and a moment of reflection to acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and to consider how we can each, in our own way, move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration was observed.
National anthem – video played. 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. For those joining virtually, this information is located on the left- side panel, near the bottom, under OPSEU/SEFPO Support.
A Minute of Silence was observed in memory of all those who have passed away since our last Convention.
President Thomas asked the floor staff to stand if able, or otherwise signify, so that folks know where they are, should assistance be required.
David Elgear from Encore gave short tutorial on the Chime platform and electronic voting process. Video Played.
A Safety video was played with important reminders to keep in mind over the next few days to make sure we all stay safe and healthy during our time at Convention.
President Thomas introduced the head table:
- Riese Stuber, Backup Recording Secretary
- Amber Danbrook, Recording Secretary
- Jamie Corner, Recording Secretary
- Fridmar Facunda, Rules of Order Advisor
- Mandy Dumais, Procedural Advisor
- Eduardo “Eddy” Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer
- Filomena Lofranco, Procedural Advisor
- Jeff Arbus, Constitution and Rules of Order Advisor
Krista Maracle, Chair of the Indigenous Circle, introduced Elder Ethel Birkett LaValley, who guided our reflections.
“Lost Souls” video by Tom Jackson was played
Introduction of Credentials Committee
The members of the Committee are:
| Region 1 | Natalie D’Onofrio | Local 102 |
| Region 2 | Kathryn Richards | Local 238 |
| Region 3 | Cindy Kraakman | Local 302 |
| Region 4 | Cynthia Ladoucer | Local 439 |
| Region 5 | Angela Lockhurst | Local 590 |
| Region 6 | Johanne Bourgeois | Local 669 |
| Region 7 | Phillip Cooze | Local 711 |
| EBM | Tara Langford | Local 435 |
| Staff Advisor | Gord Longhi | |
| Secretary | Jayme Giles |
Credentials Committee Report
Moved: Kathryn Richard L238 / Seconded: Johanne Bourgeois L669
- Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 9:03 m.
| Delegates in Person | 697 |
| Delegates Virtual | 171 |
| Alternates | 294 |
| EBMs | 21 |
| Guests | 1 |
| Total | 1184 |
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
Section A – Convention Agenda
Moved: Warren (Smokey) Thomas / Seconded: Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
- Adoption of the Convention Agenda as
Moved: Tracey MacMaster, L561 / Seconded: Laura Thompson L503
- Amendment to Page 5, Thursday Q & A session for the President and Treasurer be amended as follows:
o 3pm start time will remain unchanged.4 pm will be changed to 4:20pm. The 5pm Equity Start time will remain the same.
Vote on adoption of the Agenda as amended CARRIED
A motion was made on the floor and ruled out of order by the Chair.
Moved: Eric Davies L642 / Seconded: Mike McMeekin L665
- Therefore be it resolved that masks become voluntary at the OPSEU/SEFPO 2022 Convention
Moved: Melanie Powers L228 / Seconded: Betty Palmieri L206
- Motion to move CLOSURE
Vote on Closure: CARRIED
Vote on Motion: Mask are Voluntary AGAINST
Section B – Minutes of Last Convention 2019
Moved: Shawn Spencer L499 / Seconded: Adam Ly L499
- Adoption of the Minutes of Convention 2019 as printed in Section
Vote on adoption of 2019 Convention Minutes CARRIED
President’s Address
President Thomas addressed Convention with an overview of the last two years, the impact of the pandemic, organizing efforts, fight against privatization and the fight ahead.
Convention recessed at 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6 – Afternoon Session
Report: Financials-Auditors
Section C – Audited Financial Statements and Notes Section F – Report on Remuneration
President Thomas introduced Terri McKinnon, our external auditor from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Terri McKinnon, via Chime, referred the delegates to Section C and gave a brief overview of the financial statements.
Questions were taken from the floor and virtual platform.
President Thomas thanked Terri McKinnon on behalf of the Convention.
President Thomas spoke on the procedure regarding speaking at microphones during a hybrid event.
President Thomas invited the Resolutions Committee on to the stage. Mary Cator, L245, Chair, Resolutions Committee, introduced the Resolutions Committee
Resolutions Committee
Introduction of Resolutions Committee
| Region 1 | Gino Franche | Local 130 |
| Region 2 | Mary Cator | Local 245 |
| Region 3 | Elaine Bagnall | Local 362 |
| Region 4 | Veronica Attard | Local 416 |
| Region 5 | Joseph Healy | Local 571 |
| Region 6 | Kimberly Kazur | Local 665 |
| Region 7 | Jody Tsubouchi | Local 710 |
| EBM | Laurie Nancekivell | Local 116 |
| Staff Advisor | Lori Davis | |
| Secretary | Enrico De Matteo |
Statutory Resolution A1
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE Moved: Elaine Bagnall, L362 / Seconded: Gino Franche, L130
- Therefore 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 A1 CARRIED
Statutory Resolution A2
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE
Moved: Elaine Bagnall, L362 / Seconded: Gino Franche, L130
- Therefore be it resolved that in compliance with Articles 26.2 and
28.4 of the Constitution and Section 94 of the Corporations Act, PWC, PricewaterhouseCoopers, be Auditors of OPSEU/SEFPO for the fiscal year January1, 2022 through to December 31, 2022 and the Executive Board fix the Auditors’ remuneration.
Vote on Statutory Resolution A2 CARRIED
Statutory Resolution A3
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE Moved: Elaine Bagnall, L362 / Seconded: Gino Franche, L130
- Therefore 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 2021, 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 A3 CARRIED
Executive Board Report – Section E
Moved: Warren Thomas / Seconded: Eduardo Almeida
Vote on Executive Board Report CARRIED
Credentials Committee Report
Moved: Cindy Ladouceur, L439 / Seconded: Cindy Kraakman, L302
Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 2:04 pm. Delegates in Person 773
Delegates Virtual 179
Alternates 351
EBMs 21
Guests 1
Total 1325
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
Moved: Rasho Donchev, L559 / Seconded: David Pearce, L559
- Therefore be it resolved that observers for Local 559 that are here at Convention can be on the floor and sit in the Alternate section
Moved: Nils Anderson, L500 / Seconded By: Tony Ivanoff, L500
- Amendment- for “all observers” that are here at Convention be able to attend and sit in the Alternate section
Moved: Chantal Breton, L642 / Eric Davies, L642
- Motion to move CLOSURE
Vote on Closure: CARRIED
Vote on Amendment to the motion: DEFEATED
Moved: Shawn Pentecost, L415 / Seconded by: Oliver Obagil, L446
- Motion to move CLOSURE
Vote on Closure: CARRIED
Vote on the main motion: DEFEATED
Equity Update
A video was presented on the Equity report outlining the year’s activities.
President Thomas, on behalf of the Executive Board and the 180,000 members of OPSEU/SEFPO’s incredibly diverse union, thanked all the equity groups for the outstanding work they do. They help ensure human rights and diversity are respected and upheld in our workplaces, our communities and in our province.
Social Mapping Update
EBM Laurie Nancekivell, gave a report on the work of the Social Mapping Committee and introduced the committee; Peter Thompson, Tara McIntosh, Tina Stevens, Bonnie Eddy, Eddie Strachan, Sara Labelle, Ed Arvelin, Janet Billy.
Laurie invites Celina Caesar-Chavannes to talk virtually to OPSEU/SEFPO Convention about Equity Diversity and ways to create safe spaces in Celina’s presentation on the Future of Equitable Leadership: Leading with Empathy
Peter Thompson, Chair of the committee gave a report on Equity Seats to the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention. Peter spoke on the history of the constitutional amendment of Equity Seats on the board and the Equity Seats amendment before the Convention 2022.
Section D – Budget 2022
Eduardo Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer, presented the budget on behalf of the Executive Board.
Moved: Eduardo Almeida / Seconded: Warren Thomas
- Adoption of the 2022 Budget as printed in Section
Orders of the Day
President Thomas deferred the debate and vote on the 2022 Budget to first thing Thursday April 7, 2022.
Awards Presentation
Fred Upshaw Social Justice Award of Merit
Recipient: Kola Iluyomade, L5117
Kola’s sudden illness and untimely passing in June 2021 was a shock, but the legacy will live on. Kola moved the union forward – to a place of serious reflection on OPSEU/SEFPO’s common purpose and responsibility in challenging anti-Black racism and discrimination, not just in our workplaces and province, but within our own union and its structures.
The Award was accepted by Kola’s wife Funke and son Ore in Kola’s honour.
Young Worker of the Year Award
Recipient: Kaylee Heath, L329
Joseanne Job-Chair of the Provincial Young Worker Committee presented the award.
Kaylee has been actively engaged in helping Locals, continuously showing initiative to support its members, the labour movement, and the community. After a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace that resulted in dozens of members being isolated in hotels away from their families, Kaylee showed support to members by organizing gift bags for the one-hundred-plus staff working on the outbreak program.
Health and Safety – All Locals
Recipient: All Locals in OPSEU/SEFPO
OPSEU/SEFPO’s Executive Board voted that this year’s Local Health and Safety Award winner should be every Local in our union. The work done on Health and Safety during this pandemic was one of the greatest achievements that has ever happened in our union and one that everyone should be proud of.
Leah Casselman Award – Individual
Recipient: Tischa Forster, L133
This award is given to the individual who excels in mobilizing members. This year’s recipient is Tischa Forster, President of Local 133 at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Elgin/Oxford. Under Tischa’s leadership, the bargaining unit has achieved one of the best CMHA contracts in the entire province. These solid gains have been used as comparators across Ontario.
Convention adjourned at 4:51 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2022 – Morning Session
Call to Order
President Thomas, called the Convention to order at 9:14 a.m.
“We are OPSEU/SEFPO” video played.
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/SEFPO matches the donation up to a maximum of $5,000. Staff collected donations from floor.
Credentials Committee Report
Moved: Kathryn Richards, L238 / Seconded: Philip Cooze, L711 Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 8:32 a.m.
| Delegates in Person | 781 |
| Delegates Virtual | 183 |
| Alternates | 349 |
| EBMs | 21 |
| Guests | 1 |
| Total | 1335 |
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
Nominations for the Office of President and First Vice-President/Treasurer
The Nominations for Office of President and First Vice-President/Treasurer commenced on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 9:00am
The chair was turned over to Bert Blundon, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) who explained the nomination procedures to be followed.
Nominations for the Office of President
Bert Blundon, Secretary-Treasurer, NUPGE, chaired the election process. Four written nominations, properly signed by the nominees and nominators were completed with the Chair of the Credentials Committee.
Nominees Nominators
Sara Labelle Neil Martin, L.546
JP Hornick Annette Bouzi, L415
Ed Arvelin Dianne Clarabut, L497
Tara Maszczakiewicz Neal Moss, L.613
There being no further nominations, nominations for the Office of President closed.
Neil Martin was given up to two minutes to introduce Sara Labelle, as their nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU/SEFPO
Sara Labelle accepted the nomination for the Office of President.
Annette Bouzi was given up to two minutes to introduce JP Hornick as their nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU/SEFPO.
JP Hornick accepted the nomination for the Office of the President.
Dianne Clarabut was given up to two minutes to introduce Ed Arvelin as their nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU/SEFPO.
Ed Arvelin accepted the nomination for the Office of the President.
Neal Moss was given up to two minutes to introduce Tara Maszczakiewicz as their nominee for the Office of President of OPSEU/SEFPO.
Tara Maszczakiewicz accepted the nomination for the Office of the President.
Nominations for the Office of First Vice-President/Treasurer
Bert Blundon, Secretary-Treasurer, NUPGE, chaired the election process and stated that the same rules and procedures apply to the nomination process for the Office of the First Vice-President/Treasurer. Two written nomination properly signed by the nominee and nominators was filed with the Chair of the Credentials Committee.
Nominees Nominators
Eduardo Almeida Taryn Persaud, L548
Laurie Nancekivell Janel Perron, L303
There being no further nominations, nominations for the Office of First Vice- President/Treasurer closed.
Taryn Persaud was given up to two minutes to introduce Eduardo Almeida as their nominee for the Office of First-Vice-President/Treasurer of OPSEU/SEFPO.
Eduardo Almeida accepted the nomination for the Office of the First-Vice- President/Treasurer.
Janel Perron was given up to two minutes to introduce Laurie Nancekivell as their nominee for the Office of First-Vice-President/Treasurer of OPSEU/SEFPO.
Laurie Nancekivell accepted the nomination for the Office of the First-Vice- President/Treasurer.
Section D – Budget 2022 (cont.)
Moved: Warren Thomas / Seconded: Eduardo Almeida
- Adoption of the 2022 Budget as printed in Section
Questions were taken on the floor and the virtual platform.
Vote on Budget CARRIED
Moved: Shawn Pentecost, L415 / Seconded: Neil Martin, L546
- Therefore it be resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO suspends regular orders of the day and reconvene at 1:30pm to attend the Wet’suwet’en protest outside the Convention Hall.
Moved by: Oliver Obagi, L446 / Seconded: Paul Lahaise, L416
- Motion to move CLOSURE
Vote on Closure CARRIED
Vote on Motion to suspend regular orders of the day DEFEATED
Constitution Committee
Introduction of Constitution Committee
Naz Binck Region 1
Dave Wakely (Chair) Region 2
Tim Hannah (Vice Chair) Region 3
Adam Ly Region 4
Janice Hagan Region 5
Arlene Proulx Region 6
Stacy Grieve Region 7
Ken Steinbrunner EBM, Region 6
Pat Honsberger Staff Advisor
Hasnain Abid Secretary
Article 27.1 The Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of delegates at any Convention.
OPSEU Name Change- H1, Article 1 Submitted by the Executive Board Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved: Adam Ly / Seconded: Arlene Proulx
- Amend Article 1.1 to read as follows: (changes in bold)
- The Union shall be known in the English and French languages as “Ontario Public Service Employees Union/Syndicat des employées et employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario” as the “Ontario Public Service Employees Union and in the French language as “Syndicat des employées et employés de la fonction publique de l’Ontario.”
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H1 CARRIED
Order of Business – Addition of Land Acknowledgement – H4, Article 29
Submitted by Local 102, and Region 1 Area Council Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved: Naz Binck / Seconded: Dave Wakely
- Amend Article 29.7.2 to read as follows: (changes in bold)
The Order of Business at a general membership meeting shall be:
- Call to order.
- Land Acknowledgement.
- Statement of
- Adoption of
- Minutes of previous
- Business
- Treasurer’s
- Initiation of new
A motion was made on the floor and ruled out of order by the Chair.
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H4 CARRIED
Gender Neutral Language- H12, Articles 1 through 31
Submitted by the Executive Board Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved: Naz Binck / Seconded: Adam Ly
- Amend Article 1 through 31 to use gender neutral language throughout the entire document.
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H12 CARRIED
Convention Agenda- H8, Article 13 Submitted by Region 1 Area Council Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved: Dave Wakely / Seconded: Tim Hannah
- Therefore be it resolved that Article 13 of the Constitution be amended to require that Convention agendas shall include an allocation of one and a half (1.5) hours per full day, or 45 minutes per half day, to the Resolution Committee and an equal amount of time to the Constitution Committee, for their
A Referral Motion was made on the floor and ruled out of order by the Chair. The Chair was challenged.
First Vice President / Treasurer, Eduardo Almeida is in the Chair
Challenge the Chair-Vote(for: uphold / against: not uphold) CARRIED
The Chair was upheld.
President Thomas is back in the Chair.
The question was called on Constitutional Amendment H8
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H8 CARRIED
President made an announcement on the Q & A session and how virtual members can make donations for the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention.
Video played: “Who is OPSEU/SEFPO”
Convention recessed at 12:00 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2022 – Afternoon Session
Credentials Committee Report
Moved: Natalie D’Onofrio, L102 / Seconded: Kathryn Richards, L238 Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 1:45 p.m.
| Delegates in Person | 783 | |
| Delegates Virtual | 182 | |
| Alternates | 356 | |
| EBMs | 21 | |
| Guests | 1 | |
| Solidarity Guest | 15 | |
| Total | 1358 |
Vote on adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
Award Presentation
Stanley H. Knowles Humanitarian Award
Recipient: Buffy Sainte Marie
Buffy’s nominator Dana Copeland, from OPSEU/SEFPO Local 109 along with Tina Stevens, Local 102 are here to accept the award on Buffy’s behalf.
A beloved folk hero, iconic songwriter, tireless advocate for Indigenous rights and freedoms, and a disruptor of the status quo. Established among the ranks of folk greats, Buffy has released more than twenty albums, survived being blacklisted by two
U.S. presidents, and received countless accolades – including the only Academy Award ever to be won by a First Nations artist.
Constitution Committee
Provincial Committees (addition of Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel) – H3, Articles 13, 14, and 19
Submitted by: Local 102, Local 228, Local 454, Local 446, Local 503, Local 571, Local
608, Local 649, Local 669, Local 4106, Ottawa Area Council, Region 1 Area Council, Thunder Bay & District Area Council, Greater Toronto Area Council, Kingston Area Council, Indigenous Circle, Provincial Francophone Committee and the Executive Board
Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
- Amend the below sections of Article 13, 14 and 19 to read as follows:
19.6 There shall be a Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel Committee composed of two (2) members from each Region where they are represented within the Region. The Members of the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel Committee shall be selected by the Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel Committee from interested members who apply to fill vacancies within their Region. The full membership of the Alliance will be renewed on a biennial basis. The function of the Alliance shall be to assist in creating networks within the Regions, to develop and promote programs to encourage TBLGIAPQQ2S (trans, bisexual, lesbian, gay, intersex, asexual, pansexual, queer, questioning, two spirited) members to participate in Union activities, and to increase the awareness and understanding of TBLGIAPQQ2S issues throughout the membership.
Therefore be it further resolved that Articles 13.4, 13.8, and 14.5.4 be amended as follows (changes noted in bold and underlined):
Article 13.4 (4)
The Members of th