President Power welcomed all the members of the BOD to the meeting and noted that we are now focused on preparing for the upcoming AGM 2010 in Regina.

Power advised the BOD that Nick Shaigec had contacted him to thank the BOD for his certificate of service to the BOD and his lovely framed print of the March West. Shageic stated that he was elected to the BOD as a director at the AGM 2006 in Halifax and enjoyed his time in the office and particular the work completed on the amendments to the Constitution and the Bylaws. He wished the BOD a Happy New Year.

3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES BOD # 8

Moved/Seconded: Morris/Hoban as amended APPROVED.

4 Approval of Agenda

Moved/seconded: Hoban/Regila APPROVED.

5. treasurER’S REPORT

Treasurer’s report was presented covering the General (Operating Fund), Reserve Fund, Veterans’ Benefit Trust Fund and the Draft Budget for 2010/2011 ending the 30th June 11for approval. Religa stated that the loans from the Reserve Fund of $10,000 and the Vets BTF for $5,000 is 0% interest to be paid next year but there is no need to repay them next year. Religa stated that we could have a balanced budget if we deferred the loans. This would be shown as a liability in the general ledger. Religa stated that the financial report is ready to go to the AGM 2010 expect for the budget which must be approved today. This will show a surplus of $3,100.

Moved/Seconded: Hoban /Milne to defer the loans. CARRIED.

Financial Report: Moved/Seconded: Religa/Forsyth APPROVED.

6. eXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (REPORT CIRCULATED)

Executive Director’s report was circulated to BOD on the 2010 02 21. Bill Gidley is at home recuperating for his heart operation and doing much better. Gidley hopes to be able to start working part time on the 8th March 2010 on approval of his surgeon.

Ian Cooper has been working extra days at the Veterans’ Office when necessary on approval from the National Operations Committee (NOC). Sgt. Geoff Garceau has been monitoring all telephone and email messages and passing the along to the NOC for follow-up.

The RCMP Veterans’ Office & Quarterly staff will move to area B1 during the week of 1st March 10. This will afford everyone a much larger working area and separate office for the Executive Director.

Rick Morris will include the notation about the RCMP Veteran in his Newsletter, who received approval of benefits from VAC and will receive a life time pension from results of illness from working in the Forensic Labs. This will be very important to the RCMP Identification Members.

7. REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY (Report only) – Small AOL))

Cal Small was absent on leave and his report on the Quarterly was circulated to the BOD on the 4th February 2010. Report accepted as submitted.

Religa stated that the Subscription Tracking System for the Quarterly is still in the works and should be finalized soon and was discussed at the BOD meeting 1st December 2009.

On the 22nd February 10, Cal Small received a call from the Canadian Magazine Fund that we will be receiving a grant of $21,167.00 as a result of our SEC presentation. John Religa elaborated on this point and the money will have to be used for Canadian content.

8. REPORT FROM ADVOCATE (Report only – Lively AOL)

Short report from the Veterans’ Advocate circulated on the 22nd February 10. Power/Hoban referred to four ongoing cases that have been referred to the VAC Ombudsman for action. Accepted as reported.

9. national operations Committee

1. Report from the Chair:

Religa stated that the NOC is dealing with the issues noted hereunder and that Geddes would elaborate. Stated that the bylaws have been distributed and said the NOC would not consider Jack Kenny’s new concerns. This was discussed at length and Pres. Power directed the NOC to make two (2) amendments of the Constitution that he suggested to the Committee in an email 24th Feb 10. The Committee under Religa’s guidance will write up these amendments on Proxy voting and Roberts Rules of Order and circulate them to the National Council, Board of Governors and Secretaries to amend their copies already received. These will be included in Constitution and bylaws Resolution for the AGM 2010.

2. Operations Manual (Updating Chapters):

Geddes stated that 24 chapters of the Operations Manual were divided equally amongst Religa, Small, Milne and Geddes to verify and update each Chapter where necessary. Once the Chapters are complete they are shared with the NOC members and edited if necessary. They are not quite completed as yet.

Admin Assistant (Interview / hiring):

Geddes advised that he and Sgt. Geoff Garceau (delegated to represent John Religa) interviewed two (2) candidates for the CR-04 Administrative Assistant position for the National Veterans’ Office. Ms. Jennifer ELLIOTT was offered the position and she accepted. Human Resources of the RCMP completed the paper work and same was signed off by Sgt. Garceau on our behalf for funding to begin for this position from the 1st March – 31st December 2010.

Ms. ELLIOTT will begin the CR-04 position on the 15th March 10. Sgt. Garceau will get all her accounts for GroupWise and other RCMP systems and train her on these systems. I have advised Ian Cooper on the 18th February 2010 that we were going to offer Ms. Elliott the CR-04 position and I again informed Cooper that Ms. Elliott indeed accepted the offer and would begin on the 15th March 10. Ian Cooper has been asked by NOC to work full time with Ms. Elliott to the end of March 2010 and train her on the job requirements. Cooper will advise NOC if he will be available to assist. NOC will continue to monitor this situation. President Power thanked Geddes and Sgt. Garceau for their successful work on hiring Ms. Elliott. Ms. ELLIOTT has her enhanced reliability clearance.

The funding for this position is supported by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of the RCMP from 1st March – 31st December 2010. If we need the CR-04 position beyond this end date we will have to go back to the CHRO for further funding.

4. Veterans’ Badge:

Geddes advised the BOD that the RCMP Intellectual Property Branch will only deal with the RCMP National Veterans’ Association on approval of RCMP Veterans’ Badges or any property that is identical to the RCMP logos or crests for approval. Legal Branch has advised that the RCMP National Veterans’ Association would be held accountable for the administration and sales of any such items that the RCMP Veterans’ Association approved. They further stated that the RCMP NVA will agrees to indemnify the RCMP for any third party liability and / or damage arising from any claims of any kind for any loss, damage, demands, actions or causes of action, including legal costs, brought by any third party arising from the publication or use of the RCMP Intellectual Property.

Rick Morris and I met with Insp. Carole Bird, OIC Strategic Partnerships & Heritage Branch & Supt. Greg Peters this date and reviewed the protocol and discussed the letter received from RCMP Veterans’ Association Montreal Division on the 24th Feb 10. Supt. Peters stated that the RCMP Legal Branch has been asked to forward their letter outlining this protocol asap and Peters stated that the RCMP will not support the marketing or sale of a RCMP Veterans’ Badge that looks identical to the RCMP Police Badge and identical copyright markings. Peters stated that he has already advised Montreal and Toronto Divisions to cease and desist from sales of the RCMP Identification Badge and they will follow-up on anyone producing anything that is a copyright violation of RCMP patents through legal means. The RCMP will only approve this Badge if the RCMP National Veterans’ Association approves and takes responsibility for the administration of any Division wanting to market and sale such Badges.

This was discussed at length and President Power stated that a letter will written to all Divisions that if they are selling any RCMP Veterans’ Badges or intending to sell any such Badge that they stop forthwith as the RCMP National Veterans’ Association will not support the sale of these items. The RCMP Veterans’ Association is not equipped to take any responsibility for civil/criminal liability on the misuse or loss of Badges and that our Insurance does not cover anything of this nature nor can we get insurance for this purpose.

President Power stated that his take on this is that we as a Board should say that we are not granting permission to anyone to produce an identification badge using our logo and should send that to all Divisions and certainly to Carol Bird. We should advise Montreal and Toronto Divisions that if they are not happy with this decision they can bring it up at an AGM for a vote but should bear in mind that the Buffalo Head is legally part of the Force crest and should they use it without permission from the Force they might be acting contrary to the RCMP Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. Power is prepared to state this at the AGM in Regina as well.

Power stated if Toronto or Montreal do not agree with this and want to bring it to the AGM in Regina then we can have Supt. Peters and or Insp. Bird attend and advise the AGM regarding the Force policy.

MOTION: Jim Forsyth moved that the RCMP Veterans’ Association do not support the production or sale of identification badges, due to ramifications of the civil and criminal liability, by any Division that replicates the badge of the Force and or replicates the RCMP Veterans’ Association badge, and or name of the RCMP Veterans’ Association. That the RCMP Veterans’ Association write to all Divisions and advise them that the RCMP Veterans’ Association is not supporting any Division in the production or sale of any of these Badges and that they may be liable to civil and or criminal proceedings.

Seconded by Tim Hoban. CARRIED.

10. Communications & Membership COMMITTEE

1. Report from the Chair (No Report LeBlanc (Absent)

Geddes gave a verbal update to the BOD on ongoing issues with Communications and Membership. A report will be forthcoming on the 23rd April 10 BOD Meeting.

2. Website Update

Efforts are being made to ensure that items of interest are uploaded to the website on a timely basis. The website banner page is being reviewed and the menu needs to be more “user friendly” when persons are searching for information. Bryan Neville, Webmaster continues to track and upload documents in a very timely manner.

3. Membership Strategies /Dues

Ongoing efforts are being made to streamline the membership application forms as well as negotiating with the National Compensation Branch (NCB), RCMP on gaining access to retiring members so that they can be contacted directly and given first hand information on joining the RCMP VA anywhere in Canada. The information in the “Discharge Package” is grossly out of date on the RCMPVA and will be updated promoting the benefits of becoming a member of the Association. The NCB are very cooperative on updating our information but they will not give out information on the members due to Privacy Act concerns. I have enlisted the assistance of Hank Moorlag, Yukon Division (10 yrs as Privacy Commissioner Yukon) to research the Privacy Act concerns and report on possible options to consider bringing to the RCMP NCB for release of information.

More needs to be done on Membership and Transitional Membership as well as uniform strategies that other Divisions are doing. This has been reported to the Chair of the Committee and further action will be forthcoming from Dave LeBlanc and report next meeting.

3. (a) Dues Deductions:

Geddes advised that he has been in contact with the RCMP National Compensation Branch (NCB) and FSNA to ascertain what service fees would be charged for deduction of annual dues from the Veterans’ pension cheques. Geddes was advised that out of 170,000 members in FSNA approx, 60% have signed up for monthly deduction of their single and family member dues. For Morneau Sobeco and other Public Services pension managers FSNA is assessed a service charge of $1.50 /member. NCB stated this would be no different when Public Service takes over our pension fund 2013. FSNA stated the remaining 40% pay annually by cheque or credit card and it is a nightmare to administrate. It appears they have the same problems on collection of membership dues.

The second issue is our dues range from $30 - $60/yr, in the RCMPVA. We would have a very difficult problem to administrate such a process and the NCB stated that since the dues are not “one set fee” the RCMP probably would not accommodate the RCMPVA.

4. Newsletter

Morris will be producing a newsletter in next few weeks and he is adding the item on Bill Gidley’s involvement with the VAC benefits (Forensic Labs). The BOD all have my email address and any new items are welcome.

11. Benefits COMMITTEE & Benefit TrustS Committee

1. Report on Insurance Committee: Report only from Small already distributed to the BOD and covered)

2. Benefit Trust Fund (Hoban):

Hoban stated that they are receiving the usual applications. He stated that there is a problem getting the funding for the BTF from the RCMP. He stated that he was in a conference call with new O.C’s and Ms. Kim Veck, responsible for policy/administration of the BTF RCMP and she stated that they are working on revising policies and procedures. Veck stated that this has been on the backburner as members are busy involved with the Olympics. A conference call meeting will be set up in the near future. Religa stated that we are not spending our money but it is the RCMP’s money that is outstanding and could cause some problems if the RCMP did not pay. John Religa stated that there has been some concern when Divisions request donations made in memory of deceased members to the amount of $100. The RCMP BTF reimburses $50 and the Veterans’ Association BFT reimburses $50. This is a bookkeeping nightmare and Religa has a Briefing Note on this from the December BOD’s meeting on this issue and this will be the framework for a resolution at the AGM.

12. MARKETING COMMITTEE

1. Report from the Chair

Tip Top Tailors (TTT) continues to offer 10% off on clothing beyond sale discounts.
Developing guideline costs for tailoring of the Red Blazer with Tip Top Tailors and also Big and Tall (owned by TTT).
Tip Top Tailors may use an ID Sticker on Vets Retirement Cards or someone other means.
Aviva Insurance on board with household and car insurance for Veterans. Bryan Neville has adjusted the website and a better banner was developed to identify Aviva Insurance on benefits for Veterans.
Mr. Lube: Morris is still trying to get them on board.

2. Update on the RCMP Foundation:

Morris advised that he is attending a Foundation meeting tonight and will continue with meetings on the 26th Feb 10. Morris stated that Insp. Bird has offered to work with the Veterans to develop products that may be appropriate the Veterans to sell and generate some funds. Also mentioned was the possibility to develop clothing lines and other items for the Association. Challenge Coins can be developed as this is the new rage with organizations that meet and share their coins with business and or social partners. These coins are very professionally made and the RCMPVA could have a coin developed. The RCMP Foundation would help the RCMPVA in marketing and sales. Morris stated that the RCMP Foundation minutes will be produced in approximately two months.

13. OLD BUSINESS

1. Donation RCMPVA BTF (Heritage Centre)*: Briefing note to be converted to a Resolution by Religa and to be readied for the AGM.

2. Officer & Directors & General Liability Insc.*: Briefing note to be converted to a Resolution by Religa and to be readied for the AGM.

3. Rewrite of Constitution & By-laws*:

A discussion ensued on recent suggested amendments by Calgary Division on Voting Privileges and Roberts Rules of Order. It was decided to amend two (2) points on the rewrite of the Constitution a & Bylaws. John Religa, Chair of NOC will write these amendments and share with the NOC and President Power and then provide the Divisions with a fan out on these new amendments to all Divisions for their information and attention on the previously fan out / posted Constitution & Bylaw amendments to be included in the resolution at AGM 2010 Regina.

* (Briefing Notes for Resolutions for AGM Approved BOD Mtg 1st Dec.09 will be completed and reviewed by Murray Milne, NOC).

4. AGM 2010 Update:

The registration for the AGM is at approx , 160 persons at this moment. AGM contact is Clay Turner, RCMPVA Regina Division. Morris stated that the Insurance Committee wants to set up a booth at the AGM and they have been steered towards the Regina Division Veterans’ Committee to possibly sponsor a dinner.

AGM 2009 WHITEHORSE, YT:

1. Minutes National Council Meeting (09-05-29)*

2. Minutes AGM 2009 (09-05-30)*

* Power stated that these minutes have now been distributed to the BOD; they were fanned out to National Council, Governors, and Secretaries of all Divisions and posted on the National Website. The minutes for National Council and AGM meetings will be adopted at the AGM 2010.

15. NEW BUSINESS

1. AGM Expense Claims /Travel BOD’s:

Treasurer, John Religa, lead the debate on travel expense. After discussion it was agreed that all BOD’s would receive an accountable advance to travel. All expenses for flights, mileage and any other expenses will be justified by supporting documentation and receipts. All meals not covered by the AGM are to be claimed as per standard Treasury Board guidelines.

2. Board of Director Positions AGM 2010 Nominations:

Morris has contacted everyone on the BOD’s and they will be coming back for the next year. Morris advised that Tim Hoban is a candidate for President. No other nominations. Cal Small has been supported for Vice-President by Ottawa Division. No other nominations. Director’s position to replace Small: Morris has not had any success in obtaining candidates for this position as persons do not want to look after Insurance and the Quarterly responsibilities are far too much. Power asked the Nomination Committee to approach Small to see if he would continue with the responsibilities for the Quarterly and Insurance until someone is found to replace him. Morris will ask Cal Small if he will consider carrying on for the next year. Hopefully a candidate can be located in the Ottawa Division as all the meeting are in Ottawa. Power stated as per the Constitution the President can appoint someone as a Director.

3. 2015 CALGARY NATIONAL AGM (Withdrawal):

This will be brought up at the AGM for resolution.

4. Motion - Situation in Haiti:

S/Sgt Jean GAGNON, IOC approached RCMPVA asking if the RCMP Veterans' Association would donate $10,000 to supply tents to the Haitian Police.

Motion by Alex Geddes and seconded by John Religa that the Board approve a donation of $10,000 Canadian to a registered Canadian Charity through the RCMP International Operations Branch on the following provisions:

1. The entire amount of money donated is used by the registered Charity to provide for housing and other essential living requirements for the Haitian Police and that none of the money is used for administrative purposes.

2. The RCMP LO in Santo Domingo must approve all purchases from the $10,000.

3. The RCMP LO or the registered Charity must provide a report to the Association's of how the $10,000 is spent.

The RCMP VA BTF has just over $100,000 and a registered Canadian charity is a qualified donee under the terms of the trust.

This was discussed and the only way we can support this as if the donation is made to a registered Canadian charity. Concern was expressed about some of the monies being used for administration by a charity and not all of the money going to purchase tents. Rick Morris stated that he would approach the RCMP Foundation tonight at their meeting and see if the RCMP Foundation would be able to support this effort on our behalf.

Tim Hoban moved that the motion be TABLED. Seconded by Murray Milne.

16. NOTICE OF RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION AGM AGENDA

a. NL Division - Spousal Pension from 50%:* Power stated the resolution from AGM 2009 on Spousal Pensions that was Tabled will have to be rescinded and the new resolution then introduced at the AGM 2010.

b. 2010 per Capita Dues:*

Religa will complete a resolution to include the extra costs for Life Members that was not included in the Red Deer resolution presented at AGM 2009.

c. RCMP (Lethbridge Div) resolution that 2011 recognized as 125 th Anniversary of the NWMP, RNWMP.*

* Resolutions to be formatted and forwarded to Murray Milne for review.

Discussion:

d. Voting Privileges of Associate Members (Regina Div):

Bill Greenslade forwarded an email regarding vote’s privileges of Associate Members. Power stated that a resolution was already presented to the AGM 2009 by Yukon Division and Associate Members who belong to RCMPVA at the Divisions could vote on local matters and can only vote on their Division but not at AGM’s. Geddes will forward Greenslade an email advising that his discussion point has already been dealt with at AGM 2009.

e. RCMP Veterans’ Identification Card (Edmonton Div):

Edmonton Division member recently received an RCMP Veterans Identification Card from National Headquarters and was disappointed in the quality of the card. At one time, National Headquarters used to issue a good quality laminated identification card complete with a photo Edmonton Division agreed that the quality of the present identification card is not very good and that it should be replaced with a new and improved card. Edmonton Division agreed that a good place to discuss this would be at the AGM in Regina. After discussion there seems to be confusion as to which Identification card the Edmonton Division is alluding to. Most Divisions issue RCMPVA cards signed by the Secretary and President of each Division when members request an Identification Card. Clarification by the Secretary will be sought from Edmonton Division in this matter. A resolution will have to be made up on what Edmonton Division means exactly and will be placed for the Good of the Association.

f. Resolution Review (attached issue):

Tim Hoban stated the past several AGM’s, it has been noted that many of the “resolutions” submitted by Divisions were lacking in many ways. Some were extremely generalized, leaving them open to many interpretations once voted on and passed. Others were questionable in their legality as per our Constitution/By-Laws and poorly written.

Proposal –

“ALL RESOLUTIONS SENT TO THE BOD FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE UPCOMING AGM BE GIVEN TO THE BOD CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS COMMITTEE FOR CLARIFICATION, LEGALITY AND CORRECTNESS. THE COMMITTEE, WORKING WITH THE PRESENTING DIVISION, WILL ASSIST THEM IN PRESENTING A PROPERLY WRITTEN, CLARIFIED, AND LEGAL DOCUMENT FOR PRESENTATION AS A RESOLUTION TO BE BROUGHT UP AT THE UPCOMING AGM.”

RESULT –

The above should ensure that all resolutions in the future are correct, proper and clearly cover the objective of the resolution, thereby eliminating any grey areas of interpretation for the general membership.

After discussion, all resolutions will be given to Director, Murray Milne, NOC for review.

17. GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. Donation to General Fund (Commr. M. Nadon)

John Religa advised that a letter was received from the Nadon family that contained a cheque for $1,000 from Commr. Nadon to be given to the RCMPVA. Regila stated that he will communicate with the Nadon family and hopefully he will be able to place the cheque into the liability account rather than the general account.

2. Round Table Discussion on VAC:

The round table meeting was contained in Cal Small’s report circulated to the BOD on the 4th February 10. This was hosted by Liberal Party Veterans Affairs Critic, Robert Oliphant. Items covered issues surrounding the Veterans’ Charter and several speakers did include the RCMP as Veterans which is not always the case as most think it refers to Armed Forces Veterans.

3. A Nation Mourns:

Rick Morris mentioned that Insp. Bird, OIC Strategic Partnerships & Heritage Branch RCMP has approx., 2300 CD’s “A Nation Mourns” on the Maythorpe Memorial and these can be made available to all Veterans. It was suggested that they be distributed to Veterans’ at the AGM 2010. AGM Regina Committee will have to liaise with Insp. Bird on getting these CD’s. Geddes will contact AGM contact, Clay Turner, RCMPVA Regina Division.

4. Transitional Membership:

A discussion was led by Tim Hoban on the above subject. He has been advised by a member of the Nova Scotia Division that from his research anyone retiring from the Force would be a transitional member of the RCMP VA for a period of one year. It does not say that they would be a transitional member within the Division. This was not stated specifically in the Nova Scotia Resolution on Transitional Membership at AGM 2010. Hoban stated that he has sent this overview to Dave LeBlanc, Chair of the Communications and Membership Committee for his attention and any further action he may deem necessary with the his Committee. Like it or not Transitional Membership was approved by the RCMPVA and Divisions should remember that retirees can apply for transitional membership. Power stated that all members who have retired in the past year are now Transitional Members. Power stated that he thinks the Membership Committee will have to look at amendments as he does not think everyone would agree to be a transitional member as they do not know it and we do not know it. Divisions will have to articulate that to members that they have the right to become a transitional member of the RCMPVA. Geddes will be in communication with LeBlanc and LeBlanc can provide an update to the BOD at the next meeting scheduled for 23rd April 10.

18. NEXT MEETING (April 23rd, 2010)

19. CLOSING REMARKS

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

Alex Geddes

National Secretary

2010.03.01

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans' Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Veterans' Association