President Power welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that the members of the BOD have been working on a lot of initiatives in preparation for the AGM 2010. He stated that this would be the third meeting since the AGM in Whitehorse and the continuing main objectives of the coming year was to have the Constitution and Bylaws revised and ready for the AGM 2010 in Regina. President Power welcomed Murray Milne, the incoming replacement for Director Nick Shaigec and Alex Geddes the incoming replacement for Secretary Bill Maxwell.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES BOD#7:

Moved/Seconded: Power / Morris as amended APPROVED

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Moved/Seconded: Power / Hoban APPROVED

5. TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer’s report accepted with no additions/deletions. Religa stated that payment of per capita assessments by Divisions is very erratic and slow in forwarding their dues not meeting the diary dates throughout the year as required. General discussion followed. President Power instructed Religa to draft a notice to all Division Presidents’ to ensure that all per capita dues be forwarded to the Treasurer by the 31st of March 2010. Moved/Seconded Religa/LeBlanc. CARRIED

Veterans Benefit Trust Fund Moved/Seconded Religa/LeBlanc APPROVED

Reserve Fund Moved/Seconded Religa/Hoban APPROVED

6. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director’s report dated 24th November 2009 was circulated to all Board Members prior to this meeting and is held on file. The President asked whether there was anything else to add from the update reports. Mr. Gidley advised the VIP issue is being addressed by D/Commr. Martin and has the full support of Commissioner Elliot as well as the Minister. Gidley stated that he attended the Mental Health Committee on the 30th November 2009 along with Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Brian Ferguson, Veterans Affairs Canada. Gidley stated that he will need one of the BOD’s to attend future meetings. The National Operations Committee will continue to monitor the situation.

A discussion followed on the History Project and in particular the School Program initiative that was advocated by Sandy Ramos, past Force Historian. Ramos has not been replaced as yet and Morris stated that he talked to Insp. Carol Bird on the 30th November 2009 and she stated that two (2) Positions are being hired in the near future to supplement the part time work at present. LeBlanc stated that Ramos had been encouraging the Veterans to go to school but no organized program had been forthcoming. Further follow-up to be made once a new Historian is in place.

7. REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY

About three weeks or so ago, Heritage Canada contacted us seeking further information to support our application. As you will recall, the magazine submitted a request for financial support under their "Support for Editorial Content" Program. Basically, we felt that the added cost to produce the French version of the Quarterly justified our application. In this regard, the cost to produce an edition of la Trimestrielle is $40,000 with $10,000 being recouped in revenue from sales. Other than the request for more information, we have no idea whether or not our application will be successful.

Circulation remains the same; this is in spite of the many initiatives we have taken to increase it. Perhaps we should take some credit for being able to maintain circulation at its current level, if we had done nothing, circulation might be much lower. Our latest marketing initiative involves giving an opportunity to 200 randomly selected retired members to avail themselves of a one year's free subscription. There has been some interest, but whether or not we will be able to call it a success will depend on whether or not they renew their subscriptions.

It was our intention to make a distribution of our profits this year but that undertaking appears to be in jeopardy now as we just recently learned that the Subscription Tracking System used by the Quarterly requires replacing. With respect to replacement, there are three possible options, all of them expensive. These options are briefly described below.

With respect to replacement of the Subscription Tracking System (STS): Option 1: "Rewrite the application for common services". This option would likely require an eight month effort and cost approx. $80K. This would be too expensive for us. Option 2:"Upgrade to a later version of Cold Fusion and move the application to a virtual machine environment". This option would take 2-3 months and cost approx. $25K. There are however drawbacks. It is not a long term solution as support for the application will become increasingly difficult and within three years would likely be having a similar discussion to what we are having now. Option 3: "Implement a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) replacement for STS". This initiative can be achieved in a couple of months and should cost approx. $20K. From an implementation, cost and long term perspectives, this appears to be our best option.

Small stated that at this time they are not sure about any distribution of profits this year due to costing implications.

After discussion John Religa stated that the Quarterly will probably go with Option #3 with a stand-alone computer (our own system) and administrated by HQ Informatics personnel. Small stated that they are meeting with the Quarterly Trustees next week and he will have a better idea as to whether they will be able to make donations or not. Being at arms length, Power asked whether Royal Canadian Legion or FSNA should be investigated as to how they publish and distribute their products. These organizations have automatic payroll/membership deductions and the Legion contracts outside publishers. This was discussed and Small stated that presently the Quarterly is in a five (5) year contract with Print West for publishing.

8.REPORT FROM THE ADVOCATE

Dale Lively reported on his continuing meetings with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, RCMP and the Veterans Association and Lively’s Advocate Report #4 is as follows:

QUOTE:

On 25 Sep 09 I met with Veterans Affairs Minister, the Honourable Greg Thompson in his

constituency Office in St. Stephen, NB. At that meeting I emphasized the need for the VIP

program and asked for his support when it reached Cabinet.

The demographics of the RCMP Veterans were addressed as well as communication, or lack of it,

with VAC. The need for enhanced assistance with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and

Operational Stress Injuries and (OSSIS) clinics was requested. Additionally I requested more and

better representation by the RCMP Veterans Association (RCMPVA) on Committees where our

benefits were discussed, specifically the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) and other

VAC committees dealing with RCMP Veteran issues.

Minister Thompson was sympathetic to our cause and felt a need to have RCMP Veteran

representation on committees as well as the VRAB. He was unaware of the number of former

and retired members of the RCMP who would be potential clients, which I was able to address.

He suggested a meeting of RCMP Veterans, RCMP and members of VAC. This meeting took place

at Minister Thompson’s Office on 8 Nov 09 in the East Block of Parliament Hill. Present

were-Minister Thompson and his Executive Officer, VAC Legal Affairs Chair and her Assistant,

D/Commissioner Peter Martin CHRO of the Force and from the Veterans Association Cal Small,

Director, Board of Directors and Chair Benefits Committee, Dale Lively, National Advocate and

Bill Gidley, Executive Director of the Association.

D/C Peter Martin suggested the meeting might have been scheduled prematurely as several of

the points were to have be discussed by himself and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister

Brian Ferguson of VAC in the coming weeks. We were able to bring up all the points previously

mentioned and again the Minister was asked to support the VIP package that the RCMP was

taking to Cabinet via Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan. When discussion arose over our

perceived lack of understanding of the Force and its veterans by VAC, the Minister assured

us this was the purpose of the meeting to broaden their understanding of the needs of RCMP Veterans.

He also pledged to look into RCMPVA members and RCMP Members representation on Boards

and committees. I certainly felt we were well received and got a sympathetic ear.

Subsequent to this, D/C Peter Martin advised he and members of the Force were going to

Charlottetown PEI to meet with senior VAC official and invited the 3 members of the RCMPVA

to attend at the Force’s expense.

CHRO D/C Peter Martin, Inspectors Rich Boughen, Eric Simard and Parker Kennedy along

with S/Sgt. Murray Brown, SRR Health Services Chair, represented the Force along with the

three of us from the Association.

Senior ADM, Brian Ferguson, of VAC and a large contingent of VAC personnel welcomed us.

The topics discussed were – Strategic Advisory, Policy, Programs and partnerships, program

management, Contract Administration, Disability programs, Bureau of Pensions Advocates,

Policy and Research and Communications. Personnel from each of these departments noted

outlined their responsibilities, how cases were handled, Advocacy, Appeals Committees and

the VRAB. There was full and open discussion with all participants and I felt there was a

sincere effort to listen with empathy to our concerns. We learned 5% of the VAC caseload

comes from serving or former members of the RCMP. Our message to them was clear –

“don’t lose sight of us as clients”.

I felt we left the meeting with the following assurances:

More and better communication with VAC
Training in handling disability claims for the RCMPVA members in their applications
by members of VAC across Canada
An opportunity to apply for seats on the VRAB and appointments to Committees affecting
our retired and former members
An article in “Salute” magazine – a publication of VAC – concerning the RCMP and its
veterans. A photo op of participants was taken to accompany such an article
A VAC-RCMP – 2009-2010 Joint Priorities Document was signed by D/C Peter Martin,
RCMP and Deputy Ministers Brian Ferguson and Keith Hillier of Veterans Affairs Canada.

I felt the meeting was a valuable educational experience for us all. Obviously the RCMP VA

must work closely with the Force, and in particular with the Office of the CHRO to ensure the

issues discussed become priorities leading to policy. If we follow up on our quest for enhanced

disability claims, assisted by trained members, this will soon lead to a VIP program for our

disabled veterans and quicker response times to our needs in other areas as well.

UNQUOTE:

A thorough discussion was conducted as a result of the Advocate Report #4. Lively stated that we may have an opportunity to see where this stands at the luncheon with the Commissioner and D/C Peter Martin and Powers stated that we need to have an agenda to cover important questions to ask of the Commissioner.

Powers suggested that the Operational Manual should reflect that every Division and Districts must have a Benefits Officer / Officers. The resources are not there yet and have to be operationalized. Power stated that we need a National Advocate and policy will need to be developed around these positions. Dale Lively and Bill Gidley will set up the policy. Cal Small suggested that his Committee could look at this as well. Bill Maxwell suggested that this could be a Communications Strategy. (e.g.: What’s New - Did you Know???) This could be a best practice and placed under the Director of Communications Committee, Dave LeBlanc.

Lively stated that the members will have to be trained and Powers stated that they will have to be very proactive for the RCMP Veterans. Cal Small stated that the benefits of advocacy and Benefits Officer should be at least one position and possible more. Power instructed that this be placed on the next BOD’s Meeting Agenda.

Maxwell / Power stated that there is a need for a Veterans Advocate / RCMP Liaison and that a strategy and that a strategy and communications package needs to be developed on policy for advocacy and disability. Cal Small’s committee was assigned this responsibility.

Maxwell felt that the new resource (Management of Administrative Services) that is being pursued by D/C Martin’s office may be a very good resource in assisting the Executive Director in communication, liaison and contact for the Veterans and the Human Resources Directorate. The job description is before Classification Branch.

Power stated that a meeting is being held with the Veterans Ombudsman on the 2nd December 09 and this subject will be discussed. Cal Small stated that the Benefits subcommittee will develop formal terms of reference.

Bill Maxwell advised that Lorne Hall had provided some material on the definition of veterans which basically covers this discussion and will distribute this to BOD members.

9. NATIONAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Report from the Chair:

John Religa advised the Committee has accepted the report on By-laws from Nick Shaigec and his subcommittee of Divisional representatives and along with that report and some recommended changes by the Board members they have now been completed and distributed to all Board members today so that they can be finalized, brought up to date and placed in the Operational Manual upon final edit and subsequent translation.

The Committee will concentrate on the Operations Manual and continue its development. The objective is to have the Operations Manual ready when the By-laws are approved at the AGM 2010 and placed on the website.

President Power also requested that in the interim, any amendments to the Constitution & By-laws and the Operations Manual passed at previous Annual General Meetings be incorporated into a revised version for the interim.

10. COMMUNICATION & MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Report from the Chair

Dave LeBlanc advised that Committee has held their first meeting via Video / telephone Conference calls on the 25th November 09 through HQ NOC., from 1200h – 1415hrs. LeBlanc sent out a mandate to the group and prior to the meeting an agenda to follow. The Committee is represented by the Chair, Rick Morris, Alex Geddes, Cal Small, John Religa, Andy Anderson, George Savage, Terry Ryan (assisting as President of Nova Scotia Division), Doug Langevin and Brian Neville, Webmaster. LeBlanc’s report was distributed to the BOD’s and is held on file.

a. Website Update: Webmaster Brian Neville

Dave LeBlanc advised the Webmaster currently has Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick and Kingston Divisions on the National Web Site either fully operational or almost operational. Doug Langevin asked that Edmonton Division be included as well. Neville has password protection for the sites he is administering at this time. Rick Morris indicated London Division’s website has gone down and he will contact them to arrange inclusion of they so desire. The present server can handle all of the Division websites while Divisions would retain publishing rights.

National Liaison to Webmaster:

We are getting submissions on a regular basis and they are placed on the website. With Bill Maxwell’s departure as the National Liaison it was recommended that Cal Small be the representative at this time. Small agreed for the time being to ensure that timely material is being placed on the site.

Newsletter

Rick Morris stated that he tries to keep the newsletter to four pages and he is doing his best to try and get Divisions / Veterans to send him articles on a timely basis so that breaking news items and information can be uploaded on the National Website and not always hear it from other sources first. Various ways and means were discussed by the BOD’s to increase timeliness.

Bill Maxwell stated that translation is not an issue as it is done by Jean Roux, Montreal Division Veteran, and the turn around time is very short.

Power stated that it is very important to ensure that updates get out to members in a timely manner. Power wondered if we could information share with the RCMP on issues such as VIP where we could get the benefit of being able to be the first responder to breaking news on this initiative with the Government of Canada. This will be a luncheon meeting item to discuss with Commissioner Elliot and his Deputies that we would like to be first in the cue on newsworthy items for RCMP Veterans.

A discussion ensued about being able to place articles in Jim Forsyth website and Frank’s Fact and Funnies to allow National Veterans Association the opportunity to be given full credit for the work we do. Power sees this as a possible alternative as these sites have a very broad audience and it would be a way to promote the National Veterans Association. The Secretary (Alex Geddes) will be the point of contact to ensure that the Divisions are made aware the Newsletter is on our website.

President Power stated that we need a National Communications Person to pursue issues of common sharing of information flow with the RCMP and other partners. Power directed this to be added as an Agenda Item for next BOD’s meeting. Dave LeBlanc Director of Communications to monitor.

Development of Membership Form:

Dave LeBlanc advised that along with Alex Geddes they will gather the current form from across the country and produce a form for our web site that can be used uniformly.

RCMP Retirement Package Distribution Form:

Dave LeBlanc stated that Alex Geddes has been assigned to review the Retirement Package form or system that Human Resources and Development Directorate (HRDC) has in place and network with HRDC to modify the process presently utilized and include a disclosure area for Veterans’ access to information. This could include a Veterans Association brochure or a tri-fold to be included within the retirement distribution package or Regular Members pay envelopes.

f. Payroll Deductions for RCMP Veterans Dues:

Dave LeBlanc stated that the Communications Committee members had an open discussion regarding payroll Deductions. Uniform dues would have to be in place to make this a viable option. A review will be conducted of all Division dues to see if the collection of dues can be administrated uniformly and disbursements be made easier. After discussion Alex Geddes is following up on this item and report back to the Communications Committee and BOD’s.

11. BENEFITS COMMITTEE & BENEFIT TRUSTS COMMITTEE

Report on Insurance Committee from the Chair:

Director Small, Chair, was out of town and Bill Gidley attended in his place at a meeting of the RCMP Insurance Committee on the 17th November 2009 chaired by Treasury Board as they are now the policy holder for the Force. Gidley followed up on our efforts to improve the Basic Insurance Policy and the Optional Dependent Policy. As per our discussion, Bill Gidley asked that the Committee follow up on efforts to increase the residue value of the Basic Plan from $10,000 to $15,000 and possibly $20,000 and to pursue our interest in having a residue value for the Optional Dependent Policy at the time of death. Currently at age 60, the value of this plan is reduced to $5,000 and is terminated at age 70. Ideally, this plan should be somewhat aligned with the Basic Plan and have the same residue value at the time of death. If a residue value of $5,000 could become policy, this would be considered a worth while achievement.

The problem with making improvements in these plans is that it increases the premiums both for retired members as well as serving members. It is expected that TB will consult with Great West Life to determine the premium implications. The DSRRs are interested in this initiative and will discuss it at their next caucus. A general discussion was held by the BOD’s and we will be awaiting the outcome of this meeting with interest.

BENEFIT TRUSTS COMMITTEE:

1. Report from the Chair:

Tim Hoban advised there are five (5) continuations and one (1) case and several applicants have been denied. Hoban will cover this in more detail in his annual report. Hoban stated that one member who is in dire straits had a dental problem and the end result this could well be a VAC issue. A New Brunswick Division Advocate is to interview this veteran to see if indeed VAC could be the avenue to pursue this matter.

Benefit Trust Fund:

The issue at present is the slow return of monies from the RCMP. Religa advised there is a new Officer in Charge who is learning the procedures and he (Religa) continues to monitor. John Religa stated that we are spending RCMP money and the Force can renege on payments and we would have to repay the Fund from the Association’s Benefit Trust Fund. Religa stated that the RCMP provides $50,000 contingency fund to support Veterans in need. The average output per annum is $25,000 / yr. Religa stated that a $25,000 grant per annum would satisfy funding which the Association directly administrates. The benefit of this is the Veterans Association would take total responsibility and the RCMP would not need to be involved.

Forsyth proposed that from the Force's Benefit Trust Fund that the RCMP makes an annual grant of perhaps $25,000.00 to The Association's Benefit Trust fund with the Association reporting at year end as to how the money was spent. The RCMP Benefit Trust Fund Committee would then become redundant and could be disbanded. Forsyth, Hoban and Religa are to follow up this proposal.

Religa stated that the current system was good until 2008/2009 until a current case became problematic. There is a need to be independent. Tim Hoban will draft a report with recommendations and cost over the year and a proposal will be put together as a result.

MARKETING COMMITTEE:

Report from the Chair:

Morris stated that he is investigating more marketing strategies and is presently negotiating with Aviva Insurance, Tip Top Tailors (offering 10% over any current running in-store discounts) and he will look at other suggested targets and report his findings. Morris stated that Nerds on Site (remote or on site service) is an excellent resource which he has used personally. Apple Auto Glass provides a service that can be used across Canada and Avis/Budget is anywhere in the World. All you have to do is register on their website and you qualify for their discount.

Morris stated that Aviva Insurance Company stated that they are interested in attending the next AGM to advertise their insurance programs. They may be able to sponsor bursaries for Veterans relatives. Morris stated that Aviva already has a national contract with the RCMP on house and car insurance. This was discussed and President Power stated that Morris should continue to investigate the possibility of Aviva attending the AGM 2010.

Morris was encouraged to pursue other businesses and corporations for discounts for all Veterans. President Power complimented Morris on his initiatives to date.

2. Update on the RCMP Foundation:

Morris stated that he was unable to attend the previous BOD’s meeting in September 2009 as he was attending the Foundation meeting in Ottawa at the same time. Morris stated that the Foundation has been able to raise a tremendous amount of money through RCMP Annual Gala’s and in September this year they raised over $80,000. The next Foundation board meeting will be February 26th 2010.

Morris stated that the Foundation is planning a major RCMP Annual Gala to be held around the same time as the Calgary Stampede in July 2010. This will be held at Spruce Meadows Equestrian facility and the Musical Ride will be in attendance.

MORRIS ADVISED THE BOD’S THAT THE RCMP FOUNDATION OFFICES ARE NOW LOCATED AT SUITE 400, 595 Montreal Road, Ottawa. This is a very good working office and they now have added one (1) more staff member.

The Foundation can be contacted at Email: info@rcmp-f.ca or website www.rcmp-f.ca.

13. OLD BUSINESS

1. Donation RCMPVA BTF (Heritage Centre):

Jean Religa introduced a briefing note (BN) (RCMP Veterans’ Association Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) dated 18th November 2009. Religa stated that the objective of this BN is to amend the policy of donating $50 from the RCMP Veterans’ Association BTR on the death of a former RCMP BTF, when the matching donation is requested by a division.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is moved by John Religa and seconded by Tim Hoban that the BOD table the following

resolution at AGM 2010.

“That the policy to increase charitable donations from the RCMP Benefit Trust Fund and the RCMP Veterans’ Association Benefit Trust Fund to a maximum of $100 be rescinded and replaced by the following policy: That the RCMP Veterans’ Association Benefit Trust Fund donate $2,500 to the RCMP Heritage Centre, a registered charity, at the Association’s Annual General Meeting each year in memory of all members recorded on the Memorial Page displayed at the Meeting, and that the RCMP Veterans’ Association, in consultation with the RCMP Heritage Centre, obtain a suitable plaque for display at the RCMP Heritage Centre to honour the members of the Association who have passed away.”

CARRIED. (To be tabled at AGM 2010)

2. Officers, Directors & General Liability Insurance:

Jean Religa presented a Briefing Note (BN) on “Officers & Directors & General Liability Insurance” and that the objective of this BN is to ensure sufficient money is collected from the divisions to pay the annual Insurance premium for the Officers & Directors and General Liability Insurance.

BACKGROUND:

The following resolution was approved at AGM 2009:

“Be it resolved that capita dues be increased from $22.00 to $24.00 per annum to include the costs of the Officers’ and Directors’ and General Liability Insurance premiums and any other line expenses that the Per Capita dues revenue are intended to cover.” Prior to AGM 2009, the Board invoiced the divisions for their portion of the Annual insurance premium based on the number of Active Members in good standing and Life Members in the division who were entitled to vote at the previous AGM.

The approval of this resolution means that the only money paid by Divisions in future towards their portion of the insurance premium would be that collected from Active Members with their per capita dues. Since Life Members do not pay per capita dues, they would not be paying for insurance although they would be covered by the insurance.

This was discussed by the BOD’s and the following from the BN was introduce by John Religa and seconded by Cal Small:

RECOMMENDATION:

Moved by John Religa and seconded by Cal Small that the following resolution be tabled at AGM 2010 based on the rational in this Briefing Note. That the per capita dues be increased from $24 to $25 to provide for an increase in the insurance premium portion of per capita dues from $2 to $3.

Carried. (To be tabled at AGM 2010)

3. Report on the AGM 2009:

The BOD’s were advised that Hank Moorlag, President Yukon Division will present a report at the AGM 2010 on the AGM 2009 held in Whitehorse. Ron Pond has advised John Religa that Yukon Division has met there financial obligations.

Cypress Hills Division:

The Cypress Hills Division Charter was presented to this Division by Jack Lee-Knight, President of Calgary Division. Cypress Hills Division asked for a grant of $500 from the Veterans Association to supplement their bank account of $500. John Religa moved that Cypress Hills Division be given a grant of $500 and seconded by Tim Hoban. Carried.

Rewrite of Constitution and By-laws:

The General By-Laws of the Association were tabled by John Religa and he provided everyone with a copy of the purposed by-laws by email and some of the BOD’s forwarded their comments and the amendments were discussed by all the BOD’s. All the amendments were agreed upon and the amended copy will be forwarded to Mr. Jean ROUX, translator, Montreal Division. Once translated the General By-Laws of the Association will be forwarded in bilingual format.

14. NEW BUSINESS

Salary of Executive Director (Board Only):

Bill Gidley, Executive Director left the room while we debated his present salary. After discussion John Religa moved that the Executive Director’s salary be increase by 2.5% for the year 2009 and increased by 0.5% for the upcoming year 2010. Seconded by Cal Small. Carried.

a. Ian Cooper: Administrative Assistant (2 days / wk):

After discussion Tim Hoban made a motion to increase Cooper’s hourly wage by $1.00 per hour retroactive to 1st. January 2009. Seconded by Murray Milne. Carried.

Veterans Badge:

Bill Maxwell advised that he was part of the Use of Uniform Committee and the following is details relate to the Veterans Badge:

PRESENT DEVELOPMENTS:

To arrive at a design that would be acceptable to all parties, there were several discussions between Insp. Carole Bird and President Gaston Desormeaux of Montreal Division and his executive and subsequently with Bill Maxwell, President Desormeaux and Insp. Bird. Several variations of badges were considered and it was felt that our membership would want a badge as close to the one they had during their service as possible. The recommended design was distributed to the Board members. Members of the Use of Uniform Committee including Insp. Bird, Maxwell and President Desormeaux are recommending this badge design be accepted as the template for such replica badges being issued by various Divisions and individuals. Supt. Greg Peters and Assistant Commissioner Bernard Corrigan are also in agreement with the design and reinforced that the RCMP would not approve RCMP-GRC on any replica badge.

RECOMMENDATION:

 In view of the fact that the RCMP will not authorize the use of RCMP-GRC on any replica badge, a design acceptable to all groups is necessary to address their concerns

 The RCMP-Veteran-GRC template attached is suitable in both official languages and maintains the same shape and detail as the previous replica badge.

 The use of <<VETERAN>> has been accepted by Montreal Division as acceptable in both Official Languages as shown on the design distributed to the BOD’s.

 Any use of the RCMP Veterans’ Association Badge (Crest) must be approved by the Board. Such approval would resolve this issue with the RCMP.

 The RCMP and Montreal Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association have agreed on the design distributed to BOD’s.

 Recommendation:

 1. that the design and the use of the RCMP Veterans’ Association Badge (Crest) as illustrated be approved by the Board of Directors as submitted by Montreal Division.

 2. that Montreal Division is advised accordingly.

Maxwell stated that Insp. Bird will concur with this recommendation. Dave LeBlanc made a motion to give RCMP Veterans Association Montreal Division the right to use our Insignia on the badge. Seconded by Bill Maxwell. CARRIED.

3. Realignment of Committees (inc. Use of Uniform Com):

President Power stated that Murray Milne will replace Nick Shegaic on the National Operations Committee and take responsibility for the Constitution and By-Laws. There was a general discussion as to who would form the following committees.

National Operations Committee: John Religa (Chair), Cal Small, Murray Milne and Alex Geddes.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee: Chaired by Murray Milne (replacing Nick Shaigec.

Communications & Membership Committee: Dave LeBlanc (Chair), Alex Geddes, Cal Small & Rick Morris.

Editor Newsletter Marketing Committee: Rick Morris.

Benefits Committee: Cal Small (Chair).

General discussion took place regarding activities regarding benefits and it was decided that there would be a Benefits Subcommittee that would develop policy and report on their activities.

Benefits Subcommittee: Cal Small (Chair), Dale Lively (Veterans Advocate) & Bill Gidley, Executive Director.

Benefit Trust Fund Committee: Tim Hoban (Chair), Jim Forsyth and John Religa. It is planned to have Jim Forsyth take over as chair of this Committee once Tim Hoban becomes President at the AGM 2010.

Website Liaison: Alex Geddes.

Use of Uniform Committee: Alex Geddes

Advocate for the Association: Dale Lively.

4. Notice of Motion By-Law 118.3(2):

John Religa made a motion to borrow $10,000 from the Reserve Fund at no interest for six (6) months to cover ongoing financial management. Seconded by Tim Hoban. CARRIED.

5. Board of Director Positions AGM 2010 (info. Item):

Rick Morris is the Chair of the Nominating Committee and members are Terry Ryan and Bill Patton.

Murray Milne will make a decision to continue as a Director after AGM 2010. There may be a requirement to fill two (2) Director’s positions (Hoban & LeBlanc).

7. Increase in Honorarium National Secretary & National Treasurer:

Bill Maxwell forwarded a Briefing Note (BN) to all Board members prior to this meeting and he presented information to the BOD’s on the amount of time and effort that is required to fulfill all the duties and work of both the National Secretary & National Treasurer. The honorariums have been $500 / each for several years and at one time there was no honorarium and the workload for both positions has increased over time.

For the Treasurer, it takes about 25 to 40 hours a week to maintain the books, banking, cheques and

filing returns with Canada Revenue Agency for payroll deductions and GST/HST deductions. The

monitoring of charitable donations from the Benefit Trust Funds also creates extra work. Other

responsibilities include the annual Charity and Tax Returns, balancing financial records

and providing statements and recommendations to the Board of Director and to the Annual General Meeting also take additional time.

The Secretary is required to manage the business of the Board of Directors such as minutes of meetings,

agenda and other issues and correspondence being handled by the President and the Board. This has been more pronounced lately with additional complexity of issues coming to the Board. The Secretary also participates on National Standing Committees as does the Treasurer and both are required to coordinate activities in our National Operations including the Executive Director and other staff.

It is moved by Jim Forsyth and seconded by Cal Small that the honorariums for both the National Secretary and the National Treasurer are increased to $1000 for each position effective

January 1st, 2010. CARRIED.

John Religa indicated that the honorariums will be paid out in two (2) portions every six (6) months throughout the year to the National Secretary and the National Treasurer.

8. Installation of Director Milne and National Secretary Alex Geddes:

President Larry Power installed Murray Milne as Director and Alex Geddes as National Secretary up to and including the AGM 2010 in Regina.

GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION:

National Secretary Bill Maxwell:

President Larry Power made a special presentation to Bill Maxwell for his work as the National Secretary. Maxwell in now working full time in his present position as Senior Program Officer, The Royal Canadian Legion at the Dominion Command, Ottawa, On. The President thanked Bill for his help to himself and the Board.

Dale Lively:

President Larry Power presented Dale Lively with a beautiful painting in recognition of his dedicated service as President & Past President of the Veterans Association and his continuing service is most appreciated.

Director Nick Shaigec:

Nick Shaigec has resigned his Director’s position with the Board of Directors. Shaigec will receive a presentation in his Division on behalf of President Larry Power for his valuable work with the Board of Directors.

d. Life Member Recognition:

Hank Moorlag President of the Yukon Division has requested that the BOD’s recognize Ron Pond as a Life Member for his work with the Veterans Association. Moorlag will be writing on this. Tabled for the Agenda at our next BOD Meeting.

e. Use of RCMP Vets Insignia:

Jim Forsyth asked for permission to display the RCMP Veterans crests on his website. Moved by Dave Leblanc that permission be given to Jim Forsyth to use the RCMP Vets Insignia as displayed on our National Website. Seconded by Tim Hoban. Carried.

16. NEXT MEETING: *BOD # 9: Video Conference on February 25th, 2010 at noon Ottawa time.

17. CLOSING REMARKS:

President Power closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their participation.

Alex Geddes

National Secretary

Ottawa

2009.12.09

alexgeddes@sympatico.ca

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans' Association

Board of Directors Meeting 8 Tuesday 01 Dec 2009 - At 0830hrs - Ottawa, ON

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Veterans' Association

Board of Directors Meeting 8
Tuesday 01 Dec 2009 - At 0830hrs - Ottawa, ON