Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Veterans' Association

Minutes - Board of Directors #2
September 10, 2008

 
The following members were present:

National President                 Larry Power
Treasurer                               John Religa
Secretary                                Bill Maxwell                         
Directors:                               Cal Small
                                                Dave Leblanc
                                                Nick Shaigec
                                                Jim Forsyth
Immediate Past President     Rick Morris
Absent:
Vice President                        Tim Hoban
Advocate                                Dale Lively
Executive Director                Bill Gidley
                                            

1.  CALL TO ORDER

President Larry Power called the meeting to order at 12:00h.

2.  OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT:

President Power welcomed everyone and advised that Tim Hoban would not be able to attend because of his wife’s illness.  He then stated that because of the briefing notes provided in advance on the various issues on the agenda, that discussion should be limited prior to a vote on these issues by the Board.

3.  CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES BOD#1:    

Moved/Seconded:  Maxwell/Religa  APPROVED

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 
Item #15.8: December meeting with Commr. & Senior RCMP Mgmt. &
Item # 15.9: trip by President Power to Maritime Divisions were added.
Moved/Seconded Maxwell/Religa APPROVED.

5.  TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer’s report refers. Moved/Seconded Religa/Shaigec that the report & statement be accepted. APPROVED.

6.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In the absence of the Executive Director, Bill Maxwell provided an overview of the activities of the Executive Director and National Operations.  Mr. Gidley advised he has participated in many committee meetings including meeting with CF personnel on the Veterans Charter, RCMP Pension Finance Oversight Committee, Public Service Health Care Dental Board, and meeting with FSNA members.  He also met with Barry Gallant of Veterans Affairs.  Mr Gidley also participates on the Corporate Governance Study Group and has participated in several meetings.  He also met with the Quarterly Magazine Board of Trustees and the Quarterly Editorial Board.  He also advised that Geoff Garceau will be on assignment in the National Office until November 2008.  This assignment will greatly assist Mr. Gidley and the National Office.

7.REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY

Cal Small mentioned that the Quarterly was trying to arrange a meeting with Heritage Canada to discuss the possibility of a subsidy for the costs of translation for the French version of the Quarterly.  Without additional financial support, there is the possiblity that the French version could fold.  C/Supt.Dale Sheean has been transferred to Lyon, France but will remain on the QuarterlyEditorial Management Board. Insp Jamie Taplin will also join the Board. The Quarterly is continuing to look at the costs of producing colour editions.  Subscriptions are holding their own.
 
8.  REPORT  FROM ADVOCATE

Report from Dale Lively refers.  President Power commented that it was very encouraging to see the amount of activity that the Advocate was involved in since June. 

9.  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 

1. Report from the Committee Chair.

John Religa provided an overview of the activities of the Committee since last BOD meeting and advised that there was a meeting of the Committee scheduled for Sep. 30.  At that time, there would be discussion on how to proceed with the voting issue, the governance study and a review of the by-laws and Admin. Manual.

2. Governance Study Report

Bill Maxwell advised that the Corporate Governance Study Group has completed its review of the Governance Study prepared by Paulette Vinette last year and the report to the Board of Directors will be based on the response to issues raised in Appendix “A” of her report and a covering list of recommendations to the Board.  This report from the Study Group will be presented to the Corporate Governance Committee in October.

3. Ontario Class Proceeding Act

This is an information item from John Religa concerning the class action lawsuit brought against Canada Post by Lee Valley Tools.  Board members had been canvassed before and a motion that the Association “opt out” of this action was approved. 

4. Administration Manual- Standing Committees

Briefing Note refers.  Chapter 17 of the Administration Manual would outline the Standing Committees of the Board of Directors.  This Chapter was approved by the Board with the amendment under (a) Corporate Governance: deleting Nominating Committee.  The nominating process is covered under the by-laws of the Association. APPROVED

10.  COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE:
 
1. Report from the Committee Chair:  Dave LeBlanc advised that he was waiting until after this Board meeting to convene a meeting of the Communications Committee.  He advised that President Power had been interviewed by SRR communications and that he hoped there would be a series of articles explaining the Association to serving members.
 
2. Website Update:  Bill Maxwell advised he is continuing to work with the Webmaster to improve the site and its content.  Maxwell thanked the Webmaster for his efforts in having an electronic Association Directory posted on the website.  It has been received very positively.  Work will continue on improving the site and to enhance the availability of both languages on the site.  Personal information contained on the site will be reviewed to ensure privacy concerns are met.

3.  Newsletter:  Rick Morris advised that the next edition of the BOD Newsletter would go out as soon as possible. 

11.  BENEFITS COMMITTEE:

1. Report on Insurance Committee:  Cal Small advised there have been no new developments since last meeting in June.

1.  Benefit Trust Fund: 

President Power advised that Tim Hoban advised that the Benefit Trust Fund was processing one application from PEI.  John Religa advised that the Fund had received a letter of appreciation from a BTF recipient in Ottawa thanking the Fund for its assistance.

1. Veterans Independence Program:

Briefing Note refers.  There was agreement that the Association would continue to formally support this benefit for qualified RCMP retirees.  President Power advised that he would be preparing correspondence after the next election to the new Government ministers in this regard.  Discussions with the SRR’s indicate that they are in strong support of this initiative and that discussions with the Government are progressing well.
It was suggested that a notation on the National Website be made to indicate support for the VIP Program.  APPROVED

1. Marriage After 60

Briefing Note refers. This issue was brought forward as a result of a motion by Doug Langevin at the AGM in Winnipeg.  It was agreed that President Power would write to the appropriate Ministers stating support for this initiative and that this provision be eliminated.  The RCMP Superannuation Act which now terminates at 60 should be extended and the benefits and eligibility should be the same as any other marriage.
APPROVED

1. Veterans Charter

Briefing Note refers.  General discussion followed.  The recommendation from Cal Small, Chair of the Benefits Committee that the Association not take a position on this issue at this time was agreed to by the Board as the Force does not appear to be actively pursuing it.  However it was agreed that the Executive Director should remain current with developments in this area and continue to attend various information sessions.  APPROVED

1. MARKETING COMMITTEE:

1.  Report from the Chair

Rick Morris advised he had talked to the RCMP Foundation on licensing initiatives and was advised that considering the size of the Association and the limited amount of goods that the Association would be looking at would not be worthwhile.  However he will continue to explore the possibilities.  President Power also requested that the Marketing Committee present a position paper on sponsorships. 

2.  Update on the RCMP Foundation

Rick Morris advised that the Foundation would be holding its 3rd Annual Gala at the Greater Toronto Convention Centre and that Toronto Division would be involved.

1. MEMBERSHIP:

1. Report from the Chair

Dave LeBlanc advised that since the AGM in Winnipeg, Howard Kearley has received numerous enquiries on the membership kit from Divisions. 

 14.  OLD BUSINESS:

1. Vancouver Housing Association:   

Bill Maxwell requested that this matter be deferred as he had discussed the position of Vancouver Division on corporate liability for the Housing Association with Bill Schindler recently.  Schindler would be talking to the Housing Association and advised that he would get back to Maxwell. DEFERRED.
 
2 Translation: 
Briefing Note refers.  A draft chapter for the Administration Manual (Chapter 18) was discussed.  This Chapter was accepted with the following amendments:
Para. 1 on Divisional responsibility was eliminated and under 3(6) Reports and correspondence from the National President to the (all) Divisions. APPROVED

3. Status of NWT Division: 
Nick Shaigec advised that he had had discussions with members in the Northwest Territories and that they are interested in reestablishing the Division.  NWT Division had been suspended at NEC Meeting #294 under Sec. 127.3.1.  Once dues are received by the National Treasurer and some indication that an executive is in place, NWT Division will be reinstated through the appropriate motion at the Board of Directors.  APPROVED

15. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Past President’s Medallion:

Briefing Note refers.  A motion was made to extend the availability of the President’s Medallion to the Past Presidents of Divisions.  Moved/Seconded LeBlanc/Shaigec.  The National Treasurer will communicate to all Division Presidents advising them of this policy change and asking them to canvas their former presidents. Any purchase will be at the cost to the Past President. APPROVED

1. RCMP Veterans’ Wives insurance:

Briefing Note refers.  General discussion followed.  Cal Small advised that he would be discussing this with National Compensation of the RCMP to see what could be done.  DEFERRED

1. BOD email voting:

Briefing Note refers.  There was general discussion on the need to have policy on this as well as having a Board Policy Manual available to all members of the Board.  It was agreed that Rick Morris and Bill Maxwell would develop policy on email voting but there was consensus that such voting would be for urgent matters only and all such votes administered by the National Secretary with enough time for all Directors to consider the issues prior to a vote being taken.  All votes would be registered. Morris & Maxwell will report back to the next Board of Directors meeting on 25 NOV. DEFERRED

1. Advocacy:

Briefing Note refers.  This outlines the terms of reference for the Advocate. Moved/Seconded Religa/Small APPROVED

1. Salary Increase for Executive Director:

Briefing Note attached. This outlines the proposal to provide the Executive Director  with a salary increase.  Moved/Seconded Religa/Forsyth that the salary of the Executive Director be increased by 1.8% from January 1, 2007 and 1.8% from January 1, 2008.  Also that there be a Motion presented from the Corporate Governance Committee at the beginning of each calendar year to the Board of Directors recommending an appropriate increase for this position. APPROVED

1. Data Base Creation:

Briefing Note refers.  Cal Small reviewed the need for an electronic data base covering information relative to the Association such as membership, past executives, both Nationally and Divisionally.  General discussion followed and it was agreed that this matter should be explored further.  A study group comprising of Cal Small, Jim Forsyth and Nick Shaigec will report back at the next Board of Directors meeting on 25 NOV.  DEFERRED

1. Subsidizing of Small Divisions:

Briefing Note refers.  General discussion followed.  The Administration Manual was referenced in that there is provision to provide assistance to Divisions to attend the AGM and that Prince George Division had received such assistance to the Kelowna AGM.  It was also noted that the composition of the National Council was stated in the resolution approved by Industry Canada in that the National Council is comprised of the members of the Board of Directors and all Division Presidents. 

1. December meeting with Commr. & Senior RCMP Management:

President Power advised that we are planning on a joint luncheon with RCMP Senior Management on Tuesday, December 9th.  National Operations are arranging the logistics but as mentioned after last year’s event, the guest list will be prepared with input from the Board of Directors.  Power has requested the National Secretary to work with the Executive Director to develop the guest list. APPROVED. 
During his visit to Ottawa, Power will be meeting with FSNA and Royal Canadian Legion to discuss items of mutual interest.  Morris noted that in the recent edition of the Legion Magazine, the annual conference of the Royal Canadian Legion appeared to handle a significant number of issues in a short period of time and suggested that we could learn from the Legion (best practices).

1. Trip by President Power to Maritime Divisions

President Power will be visiting the Maritime Divisions 16/18 October.  It will be a great opportunity to meet and greet the membership of these Divisions.

16:  GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION: 

1. First Poppy Presentation to Governor-General

Bill Maxwell advised that the Association has received an invitation to attend the above noted event on 23 October, 2008 at Government House.  Cal Small, John Religa, William Maxwell, William Gidley, Gaston Desormeaux and Fred Lyle will be representing the Association.

1. Translation

Bill Maxwell advised that the translation service that we have been receiving from Jean Roux has been extraordinary and that the donation of his time in enhancing our National Website in French is greatly appreciated.

1. Betty Hoban

President Power advised that Tim Hoban was not able to attend this Board meeting as his wife, Betty, has been hospitalized.  It was agreed that a floral/fruit contribution would be sent to Betty with our best wishes.
Moved/Seconded Religa/LeBlanc.  APPROVED

1. Recognition of Awards

Bill Maxwell advised that there is now a “Gallery” feature on the National Website.  Nick Shaigec advised that the recognition award to Jack Whyte announced at the AGM in Winnipeg was presented to Jack recently.  Shaigec will ensure that a photo of the presentation will be made available to the Website. 

1. Manitoba Division- Change of Fiscal Year

Dave LeBlanc advised that Manitoba Division will be changing its’ by-laws to change its elections and financial year to reflect the recent change to National from 1 JUL to 30 JUN. 

17:  NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday November 25th at 12:00h (Ottawa time)

18:CLOSING REMARKS:   

President Power thanked everyone for their participation in this meeting.   He is very pleased with how things are moving along and that we are making progress on many issues.

Concluded: 15:45h
 
 W.E. Maxwell
 National Secretary
 Ottawa
bmaxwell@trytel.net

2008.09.13