President Power stated that this was his last AGM as President and asked that the Division Delegates keep their remarks to the point and allow others to make their comments and then we can end the day and socialize.

b) Introduction of Members of the National Council and Board of Governors (Self Intro)

The Presidents, Governors, Delegates from Divisions and National Executive Members introduced themselves.

Proxy votes: Bill Helland, President London Division stated he was representing the proxy votes for Golden Horseshoe. Jack O’Reilly, President, Toronto Division stated that he was carrying the proxy votes of Thunder Bay Division. Jan Wolynski, Vice President, Manitoba Division stated he was carrying Yukon Division proxy votes.

c) Housekeeping remarks by Host Division Chair

Bill Greenslade appeared later and updated the National Council on slight changes to the schedule and upcoming social events.

d) Approval of Agenda. (Secretary)

Secretary read the agenda and informed the Delegates that members will be updated on a new item on a meeting held with D/C Al Nause, Chief HRO as well as a note on the rules for voting for this AGM.

e) Meeting with D/C Al Nause 27th May 2010:

Secretary, Alex Geddes and Director, Cal Small gave the attendees an update on our initial meeting with the new D/C, Chief, Human Resources Officer. Geddes advised that D/C Al Nause was very happy to meet with the RCMP Veterans’ Association BOD and stated that he was very interested in supporting and continuing the cooperation with our Veterans’ as well as with Mr. Bill Gidley, Executive Director who sits on Committees of mutual concerns for both RCMP members and RCMP Veterans’. Geddes stated that the BOD were most impressed with Nause’s knowledge of pension benefits, VIP issues, Marriage after Sixty and VAC liaison and applications of VAC. Bill Gidley gave an update on Form 1487.

This report is attached as Appendix “A”.

f) Voting: President Power advised that the voting for the AGM will be as per normal with Division Delegates being given a card with the number of eligible votes that each Division will be able to put forward. The members in good standing and life members, in attendance, at the AGM will have their votes deducted from each Divisions total on resolutions. RCMP Regina Veterans’ Association members will act as scrutinizers and have completed index cards for each Division Delegate and Division Proxies of the final total votes available for each Division as completed by Treasurer, John Religa.

3. New Business

1) Resolutions 1 to 5:

1) RCMP Veterans’ Association Bylaws (BOD)

President Power stated that all the Divisions have received a copy of these proposed Bylaws and it was agreed that they did not have to be read. Motion made by Rick Morris be it resolved that the attached copy of the General By-laws of the Association be carried forth to the AGM. SECONDED Dave Leblanc. For 30, contrary 2. CARRIED.

2) Officers & Directors and General Liability Insurance (BOD)

This resolution was read by President Larry Power. Be it resolved 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. Bill Helland moved that the resolution proceed to the AGM. SECONDED by Tim Hoban. Vote: for 30, contrary 2, CARRIED.

3) RCMP Veterans’ Association Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) – (BOD)

Tim Hoban presented this resolution and moved that it be brought to the AGM. Be it resolved 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, with $50 coming from each Fund, 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.” SECONDED by Peter Sorensen. After discussion, it was decided that this resolution needs to be reworked to clarify the donations being made to the Heritage Centre vs. The Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Centre. Point raised by Pres, Ron Ferguson, Regina Division about being able to place plaques in the Heritage Centre. Rick Morris will clarify this matter and discuss this with the Heritage Centre Management and report back to the AGM. Motion WITHDRAWN

4) Increase to Spousal Pension - (NL Division)

President Wayne Burry, NL Division presented this resolution and stated that a similar resolution was TABLED at the AGM 2009 Whitehorse and would like to present the resolution with no percentage increase past 50% other than discussing what can be reviewed regarding Spousal Pensions. President Power advised Burry that since the resolution was TABLED in 2009 AGM he must ask that it be withdrawn at the AGM 2010 at tomorrow’s meeting on the 5th June 2010, and that this resolution be considered.

Burry read the resolution and asked that it be considered at the AGM 2010 Saturday the 5th June 2010. BE IT RESOLVED that the RCMP Veterans’ Association negotiate with the RCMP, Canadian Forces and FSNA and solicit their support in having the legislation as it relates to increasing spousal pension amended; and

BE IT RESOLVED that the RCMP Veterans’ Association in conjunction with the RCMP, Canadian Forces and FSNA; or alone, take the necessary action to have the current legislation be amended increasing spousal pension.

After discussion Burry still felt that he would like to present this resolution to the AGM.

5) 2011 – 125th Anniversary of the RCMP Veterans` Association – (Lethbridge Division)

Lynn Spring, President Lethbridge Division read this resolution and made a motion to present it to the AGM.

Be it resolved that the RCMP Veterans’ Association Lethbridge Division resolution is that: "The year 2011 be recognized as the 125th Anniversary of the NWMP, RNWMP, and RCMP Veterans’ Association." SECONDED by Dave Leblanc. Vote: Unanimous. CARRIED.

2) Winnipeg AGM 2008/Whitehorse AGM 2009 minutes (Retiring of Mace/Introduction of Tip Staff issue (National President)

President Power gave an overview of this issue and advised the members that a RCMP Veteran stated that the procedure to retire the Mace at the Winnipeg AGM 2008 and introduce the Tip Staff was in error of our Constitution in that the amended Bylaws were not approved to allow the Mace to be replaced with the Tip Staff. Therefore the minutes of the AGM 2008 Winnipeg are to be rescinded with a motion to correct these minutes that were approved at the AGM 2009 Whitehorse. A second motion will be made that the AGM 2008 Minutes minus the reference to the retirement of the Mace and replacement of the Tip Staff be approved.

A further motion will be made at the AGM Regina 2010 to correct and adopt the minutes of the AGM 2009 Whitehorse.

Dave Leblanc read the following:

Whereas the minutes of AGM 2008 in Winnipeg on the 7th June 2008 and approved at the AGM 2009 Whitehorse on the 30th May 2009 are in not legitimate according to Roberts Rules of Orders for meetings. They are in error stating that the Mace was retired and replaced with the Tip Staff at the closure of AGM 2008 Winnipeg. In fact the resolution for amendments to the bylaws of the RCMP Veterans’ Association Constitution was not approved to introduce the Tip Staff as a replacement for the Mace at the AGM 2008 Winnipeg.

To correct this matter a Motion is being made by Dave Leblanc to:

(a) Rescind the motion that approved the minutes of the 2008 AGM, in Winnipeg at the AGM 2009 in Whitehorse on the 30th May 2009 that included the action of retirement of the Mace and replacement by the Tip Staff.

SECONDED by Bob McKee. Vote: Unanimous. CARRIED.

It is further moved by Dave Leblanc that:

(b) That the AGM 2008 Minutes minus the reference to the retirement of the Mace and replacement of the Tip Staff be approved. A further motion will be made at the AGM Regina 2010 to correct and adopt the minutes of the AGM 2009 Whitehorse. SECONDED by Al Rivard. Vote: For: Unanimous. CARRIED.

3) Syndicate Case Study: (National Executive)

“What should the RCMP Veterans’ Association be focused on in the next three years?”***

***Division Delegates will form 4 syndicates and be lead by, Cal Small, Dave Leblanc, Jim Forsyth and Murray Milne. The syndicate results will be facilitated by Tim Hoban and each syndicate will be required to discuss the direction of the RCMP VA. What should the RCMP VA priorities be? (National Executive, Committees, Division Presidents, Benefit strategies (VAC, VIP, Insurance, Spousal pensions), Communications, Recruitment, Organization of the Executives’, Operating Budgets and any new innovative Best Practises).

LUNCH (Executive and Delegates) - 1130 – 1300hrs.

1300hrs:

Syndicate Case Study Continued: Each syndicate reported on their findings/discussion.

NOTE: President Tim Hoban will provide a summary of the (4) syndicates for possible priority identification and strategies going forward for the next (2) years.

SUMMARY attached as APPENDIX “B”

Syndicate #1: Cal Small. (Partnerships/Benefits).

Focus /prioritize on Benefits
RCMP VA should not be absorbed by the Royal Canadian Legion
RCMP VA should support the Legion with Red Blazers.
Note: Important roll for Deputy Commissioner Al Nause, Chief, HRO to liaise with VAC
Note: Important to meet with and liaise with DSSR Caucus on issue by issue for benefits.
Very Important: RCMPVA need to identify better Communications.

Partnerships

FSNA - Powerful voice for mutual benefits
VAC - strengthen liaison and relationship with VAC Ombudsman
Advocacy: RCMP VA need to be advocates for our Membership

Syndicate #2: Murray Milne. (Constitution, bylaws and Modernization of Business Procedures).

Constitution and bylaws
Roberts Rules of Order (either adopt or disregard)
Proxy vote – exception
Vote: Only count the votes of those in attendance at meetings.
No Votes: If members do not attend meetings (AGM) they do not have a vote.
Divisions: One (1) vote/Division.
AGM’s: Institute more social events for the good of the Association.
NEC: This is unnecessary duplication and should be replaced with an informal social function promoting friendship.
AGM’s: Hold AGM’s every two (2) years instead of yearly.
Location: Consider holding the AGM’s in one place to save money (i.e.: Ottawa)
Yearly functions: Promote attendance for meaningful occurrences throughout Canada.
Burden of work placed on members located at Ottawa on Executive Committee.
Streamline business through email contact.
Better Communication from the National RCMP VA to what is being done for the benefit of all Members. (VIP, VAC, Liabilities and Budgets).
Clarification: Responsibilities and accountabilities of the BOD.
Life Membership: Clarify the policy relating to Life Memberships.
Support Staff: National RCMP VA need more support staff to complete tasks. Burden to perform business placed on a very few.
Conventions: Important to promote the AGM as a convention of a fraternal group of Veterans getting together for socialization and friendship.
Video Conferences: Hard to manage but should consider from time to time to save on the Financial costs.

Syndicate #3: Dave Leblanc (Communications)

Membership Programs – promote Divisional strategies and programs
Membership Applications – Standardize the Application forms.
Communication – Establish uniform guidelines for transparency of communication to membership through RCMP (Commissioner down) and RCMPVA (National President down to Divisions) and taking advantage of opportunities to blend in to reduce duplication.
Membership – Try to increase the desire for retiring members of the Force to join
Communications - Protocols for combined strategies with the RCMP and the RCMP VA
Quarterly – Use the Quarterly more to promote the RCMPVA
Website – Constant updating and advanced communication to be the niche for real time marketing of the RCMP VA.
Shoe String Operation – Try to improve our definition of what we are (Corporate Branding/Definition).
New President – Issue guidelines for 2010 and beyond to increase our Membership
Q. Why did you join? (Survey conducted by Nova Scotia VA would look after my spouse if I died).
Liaison – Increase liaison with our communities and show retired members that belonging is to their advantage.
Redefine our Communications Strategy.

Syndicate #4: Jim Forsyth. (Pension strategies)

1st. Priority. VIP
2nd.: Pensions
3rd. : FSNA
4th: Public Service/RCMP
Pensions - Surviving spouse - 50% pension of members pension when pensioner retires.
Widows Pension – We appear to be spinning our wheels and going nowhere with this issue.
Wife (after age 70) – Zero (should bring this forth for review)
Medical – Adequate.
Dental - Increase coming to our Dental Plan (1st October 2010 50/50 split) (increase 10%)
VIP – Constant and ongoing issue of resolving this issue (before Cabinet at this time)
Summary: VIP is the most important issue for this syndicate and should be the main focus above all else identified.

4. Good of the Association:

Challenge Coin Design 125th Anniversary RCMPVA (Secretary)

Alex Geddes gave a short presentation on the challenge/commemorative 125th Anniversary Coin. A display of several types of coins of various colours was made available for all of the National Council and Board of Governors to view. After a lengthy discussion it was felt that the RCMP VA should focus on having coin with Col. James McLeod on one side and the RCMPVA Crest on the other side with the words RCMP Veterans’ Association – Association des Anciens de La GRC on the other side. Several Division Delegates stated that we need to do this for pride in the Veterans’ Association and marking this significant date in history. It was decided that Alex Geddes, Secretary would chair a Committee made up of Al Rivard, President Ottawa Division and George Savage, President, Nova Scotia Division review the coin selection and cost factors. Two companies gave cost estimates that were extremely close. The more you order the less it costs. 1000 – 3.95 and 2500 – 3.65 and 5000 – 3.50. The Committee will do a quick review and report via email for an electronic vote. All Divisions will be asked to commit to buying these coins.

It was suggested that the Committee look at a Veterans’ Pin and or a Tie Clip as well. The Committee will investigate the costs and report their findings.

Veterans’ Badge (Resolution Montreal Division #6) - (Gaston Desormeaux)

On behalf of Vice President Jean Pierre Girard, Montreal Division Delegate, Past President Gaston Desormeaux gave an in-depth presentation on the Montreal Veterans’ Badge (RCMP – Veteran – GRC) with the Crest of the RCMP Veterans’ Association. Desormeaux was allowed to present this late resolution, by the BOD that was forwarded on the 6th May 2010 because he had been out of the country for an extended period of time. Desormeaux asked the Division Delegates permission to forward this resolution to the AGM for a motion to approve the sale of the Veterans’ Badge by Montreal Division.

Desormeaux read the complete resolution which is noted hereunder:

Montreal Division Resolution #6:

Quote:

WHEREAS the RCMP does not have the right to interfere in the sale of our veteran's badge,

WHEREAS Montreal division holds the rights and privileges since September 15th 2003, as mentioned in volume IV, page 311, of The Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada ,

WHEREAS Montreal division presented Insp. Bird in September 2009 a sample badge with letters

RCMP-GRC removed,

WHEREAS Montreal division of the RCMP Veteran's Association known hereinafter as Montreal, will take responsibility of the sold veteran's badge and that the RCMP Veteran's Association, known hereinafter as National will not be held liable for the sold veteran's badges,

WHEREAS Montreal has been selling that souvenir veteran's badge for over nine (9) years,

WHEREAS Montreal will be the holder of the working moulds and obligations for the sale of the souvenir veteran's badge, Montreal will be sole responsible for the marketing of the said badge,

WHEREAS Montreal will be the holder of a liability insurance policy and that the National will not have any rights on sale, distribution and responsibilities

WHEREAS Montreal will abide to article 104 of the Association's Constitution and By-laws,

WHEREAS royalties will be handed over to the RCMP Foundation,

BE IT RESOLVED that Montreal is the only Division of the RCMP Veteran's Association to promote, sell and distribute the souvenir veteran's badge to any former member of the RCMP that asks for one. Unquote.

Desormeaux gave a briefing to the National Council meeting and began by relating to March of 2009 stating that Insp Bird, Intellectual Branch, RCMP HQ, came to Montreal and told the Montreal Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association to discontinue selling the Veterans Badge. The RCMP was afraid that the Veterans’ of the RCMP might use the badge freely during the Vancouver Olympics. Montreal agreed to stop selling the badge at this time. Desormeaux stated that he was advised by email from Alex Geddes that the meeting scheduled for 17th December 2009 was cancelled. However, 1st December 2009 at the BOD meeting the RCMP National Association gave the Montreal Division could sell this badge. We were told on the 27th February 2010 by President Power that the RCMP Veterans’ Association could not give permission for the sell the badge to Montreal Division due to insurance liability that would be placed on the National RCMP Veterans’ Association to support the sale of the badge put on the National RCMP Veterans’ Association by the RCMP.

Desmoreaux wrote to President Power and read the following : Quote : – Mr. Power upon my return from a winter vacation it is with regret that I read the BOD meeting minutes on the 25th December 2009 paragraph #9. 4. (Veterans Badge) Mr. Geddes advised the BOD that the RCMP Intellectual Property Branch will only deal with the RCMP Veterans’ Association on the approval of the RCMP Veterans GRC Veterans’ Badge or any property that is identical to the RCMP GRC Crest or Logo for approval. Unquote.

The Constitution of the RCMP GRC Veterans’ Association paragraph 104.1 and 104.2 says very clearly that “Association Armorial (Badge) of the Association, which consist primarily of the original features of the Badge used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police prior to 1952 and given to the RCMP Veterans’ Association by Her Majesty Queen”. If the present RCMP Intellectual Branch of the RCMP believes that our Crest or Logo belongs to the RCMP; I think they should be reminded that they could have presented an objection to the creation of our Crest which was approved by her Majesty the Queen herself.

The RCMP does not seem to believe that we are a separate Corporate entity and they do not have the right to order us to the line. We must live in cooperation with their wishes when feasible but we are not their endured servants. Furthermore, our Veterans Badge is different because it has a buckle surrounding the Buffalo with the wording of “Veterans Association Association des Anciens”. You could probably remind the Force members who express this displeasure in our business of using this badge, our young officers who have no knowledge of our Badge, it’s history or charter. Perhaps you should ask them their knowledge of the Association. It really comes to a surprise to the members of the Montreal Division and other Veterans that the Association has taken such a negative attitude.

We intend to continue with our new Badge – Veterans’ Badge logo 0003 which was approved by the BOD at the BOD meeting on the 1st December 2009. The present new Veterans Badge does not have (Police) wording on it and cannot be confused with the regular members badge. The proper identification for an active member is an (ID) Card which is issued by the Commissioner of the RCMP.

As you know we have been issuing this badge and now amended for over nine (9) years and not one has been lost or misused by our Veterans. Those who have requested a badge with their regimental number on it are proud carriers and much more proud to show it as a souvenir badge to their friends, family members and relatives. Think of it as a Veteran of the RCMP. This is the only souvenir as ex-member has to show for and be proud of it. In conclusion Mr. President, please accept my best regards and I hope that you will support our proposal « Once a Mountie always a Mountie ».

Desormeaux was questioned by several Division Delegates on the purpose of the Badge and the controls for the sale and accountability for the sales. He answered all their questions and Desormeaux stated they have sold this Badge for nine (9) years and they have never had any difficulty or complaints that anyone who purchased the Veterans Badge abused or wrongfully used the Veterans Badge. He stated that Montreal Division keeps records of each sale of the Veterans Badge and they have never duplicated a member’s Regimental Number and they have never received any complaints of misuse or abuse. He stated that he has checked with the RCMP Veterans’ Association Insurance provider and was told that a clause or a rider attachment can be placed on the RCMP Veterans’ Insurance Policy. Montreal Division will pay for this clause/rider for a few hundred dollars per year to accept total liability for the sale of the Veterans Badge.

Desormeaux stated that the RCMP is about the only Police Force in Canada that does not provide a retirement badge to its members in the same way that they do and other major Police Departments do in Canada. To his knowledge he has never heard of any issues of concern regarding the distribution of these retirement badges.

Desormeaux stated that Montreal Division will provide royalties to each Veterans Division and the RCMP Foundation if they are given permission to be the only Division to produce and sell the Veterans Badge.

A motion was made by Vice-President, Jean Pierre Girard, Montreal Division Delegate for permission for this motion to be carried forward to the AGM. SECONDED by Lynn Spring. Vote: For 9 contrary 19. Defeated. Girard stated that he still would like to present this motion to the AGM. This resolution was added to the AGM agenda for Saturday, 5th June 2010.

iii) Veterans’ Identification Card - (Edmonton Div /Exec. Director)

Bill Gidley was unable to attend to comment on this matter and Alex Geddes updated everyone on the complaint from an Edmonton Division Veteran. It was agreed after a short discussion that there was no need to take any further action on this issue as the complaint in question was not the RCMP VA ID card but that it was the recently issued RCMP Identification Card signed by the Commissioner of the RCMP. We have no control over the administration of the RCMP retirement Identification Card.

iv) Items from the Floor for Discussion:

a. Clarification of Life Membership: Jack O`Reilly, Toronto Division President asked for clarification on how the Life Membership policy is being applied as it is not clear in the Bylaws, as they are having some difficulties in the Toronto Division with some older Veterans leaving the Division because of logistics and not being readily available to participate on their executive or committees thus eliminating them from Life Membership. Larry Power reminded O`Reilly that policy on Life Membership is clearly stated in the Operational Policy. Each Division can in turn interpret Divisional policy on Life Membership that best meets their needs and expectations.

b. Withdrawal of Calgary Division for AGM 2015: Jack Lee-Knight, President Calgary Division asked if this issue will be discussed. President Power stated that this was on the Agenda for the AGM on 5th June 2010.

v) AGM 2012 Vancouver: Bob McKee, President of the Vancouver Division advised that they are in the preparation stages for the AGM 2012 Cruise. McKee stated that they are marketing, with permission from the BOD and NL Division, attendance and early registration for the upcoming 2012 Cruise Ship AGM throughout this weekend. McKee encouraged all members to view their website for information on the 2012 AGM and complete the Registration form. There are specific dates for registration and everyone is reminded to read up on details so they can be part of AGM 2012. If anyone has any question regarding registration please contact the RCMP Veterans’ Association Vancouver Division AGM 2012 Committee members and they will be happy to assist.

5. Adjournment:

Closing Remarks: Power advised everyone that the President’s Reception would be held at 1900hrs this evening and looked forward to seeing everyone this evening.

ii) Motion to Adjourn: President Larry Power made a motion to adjourn this meeting.

1500hrs 2010-06-04

Alex Geddes,

National Secretary

RCMP Veterans Association

APPENDIX “A”

Meeting D/C Nause, Chief HRO / RCMP Veterans’ Association

Rm. G323, Thursday, 27th May 10 at 1400hrs.

A meeting was held on the above time and date with D/C Nause, Chief, HRO RCMP and Alex Geddes, National Secretary, Cal Small, Director and Bill Gidley, Executive Officer of the RCMP Veterans’ Association National Executive.

Generally, this meeting was to introduce ourselves to D/C Nause and welcome him into his new position as Chief, HRO. We advised Nause that President, Larry Power and members of the Board of Directors (BOD) for the RCMP National Veterans’ Association have been enjoying an ongoing and extremely good working relationship with D/C Martin and his Executive Officer, Insp. Eric Simard, and indeed all members in the Human Resources area of the RCMP.

An excellent round table discussion was held with D/C Nause and it was very apparent that the Chief, HRO is very aware of VIP, insurance and benefits for active members and retired members of the Force.

Topics discussed with D/C Nause are as noted hereunder.

Veterans Independence program (VIP):

D/C Nause indicated that he was restrained in what he could say on this issue without breaching the content of the Memorandum to Cabinet that had been submitted by the Force. He did say that he had requested the Minister to support this initiative and was confident that would be the case. He further stated that the benefits the Force was seeking would apply to both serving and retired members, where circumstances justified. He indicated that such benefits, although similar to the Veterans Independence Program, would not necessarily be referred to as such. Further, that similar benefits to those being sought were already available to large segments of Canadian Society. Finally, he pointed out that at this time of severe financial constraint, the financing of any new program will be problematic. D/C Nause indicated that the Commissioner would be addressing this issue with the Vets at the AGM in Regina.

Marriage after Age Sixty:

There is nothing new on this file. Initially, the Canadian Armed Forces were actively engaged in this issue but other priorities have overtaken it, as a result nothing appears to be going on now. At one point there existed the possibility a joint submission involving the CAF and the RCMP would be prepared for Cabinet. It is fairly clear that at this time the Federal government has no appetite for any new programs, certainly programs that will have to be funded.

Personal Insurance (Basic Life Plan and the Optional Dependent Life Plan):

The RCMP Veterans' Association is interested in improving coverage under the Basic Life Plan and the Optional Dependent Life Plan.

The residue value of coverage under the Basic Plan is $10,000. This amount is available to cover end of life expenses. There is interest in having this amount increased to $15,000, even $20,000.

Under the Optional Dependent Plan, coverage is reduced to $5,000 at age 60 and terminated at age 70. There are a couple of options that could improve coverage under this plan. Increasing the $5,000 to $10,000 while retaining the existing age limits would be an improvement. A better option and one I believe would be preferred would be to continue the existing $5,000 coverage to end of life, similar to the Basic Plan. This could even be increased to $10,000.

The costs associated with both initiatives are being determined by the Office of the Superintendent of

Financial Institutions (OSFI) and Great West Life. The success of these initiatives will be influenced by the amount of support received from the Force as well as from the Staff Relations Representatives. Although, costs will be a key factor and perhaps the most important one, there are others such as how the enhanced plans would stack up against similar plans available to Public Servants, as well, whether or not the nature of the plans, in particular the Optional Dependent Plan, would permit such changes, etc.

Access to Retired Members / Membership Applications:

Geddes informed Nause that he is working with Supt. Gilles Moreau on ways and means to gain access to retiring members. It was explained, and D/C Nause is quite aware, that at this moment we have been prevented from promoting RCMPVA Membership to retirees due to Privacy Act concerns on release of information on retiring members. D/C Nause was advised that many other Veterans’ Divisions have a working relationship with Division RCMP Comp. Branches where they are made aware of employees going to retirement. This allows the RCMPVA the ability to proactively promote the benefits of joining the RCMP VA and enhances our opportunity for recruiting. As an example, the Ottawa Division of the RCMP VA are unable to gain access to many prospective candidates for membership as Privacy Act is sited on access to information.

The goal would be to have uniformity right across all 30 RCMP VA Divisions in Canada to build on our numbers and actively recruit new members.

Form 1487 – Deputy Commissioner Nause brought up this subject wherein a couple of elderly Veterans with the assistance of a younger Veteran wrote our Association and the Commissioner about what they perceived as a threat of cutting off their pension cheques if they did not complete the Form 1487 which Morneau Sobeco utilizes to ensure the pensioner has not passed away and the cheque falling in the wrong hands. Cal Small and Bill Gidley along with Michael Cape from National Compensation Section (since retired) worked on the Form 1487 and have the approval of the three (3) Veterans referred to above for the 1487 now meets with their approval as a decent and respectful document with no “threat” to anyone whatsoever. The 3 veterans also asked for a copy of the covering letter which was sent to them. They have now come back saying the Form 1487 is fine but the partial sentence in the covering letter they find out of order and disrespectful. Cal Small and Bill Gidley will take this under review and report on their findings regarding this covering letter’s purportedly partial sentence which is now in dispute and which accompanies the amended Form 1487.

CR-4 Position in National RCMP Veterans’ Association Office:

Prior to March 2010, the National RCMP Veterans’ Association Office at RCMP HQ was manned almost solely by our Executive Director, Bill Gidley who was involved heavily in RCMP and Government of Canada Working Groups. The Executive Director had no administrative support. Assistance was rendered on an ad hoc basis of two (2) days or less per week for several years. Feedback from our membership and RCMP members when asking for assistance and responding to requests for information was quite critical of our operations. The RCMP VA was in the position of missing several opportunities to responding to and improving working relationships with our retired members, active RCMP members, RCMP Directorates and other Government of Canada Agencies.

Former D/C Martin, Chief HRO, recognized this weakness and gave us full support by sponsoring the CR-4 position. As a result, Ms. Jennifer Elliott was hired on the 15th March 2010. Improvements were noticed immediately with more efficient administrative and operational support on real time basis. This has allowed our Executive Director to operate on a more efficient and effective basis. Our BOD has received very positive feedback on the support given them from this office. The RCMP VA members and the BOD are extremely grateful to the Chief, HRO for this value-added support. D/C Nause stated that he would continue to support this position.

Alex Geddes

National Secretary

RCMP Veterans’ Association

APPENDIX “B”

SUMMARY: President, Tim Hoban.

REPORT ON SYNDICATE STUDIES FROM 2010 AGM - REGINA

COMMUNICATIONS (Dave LeBLANC)

- Who operates membership - Division va National

- RCMP V.A. – Stand for/what do they do?

- Standardized Form for Membership

- Productive relationship with the Force 7 Divisions - Report to divisions

- Not getting veterans coming out of Force

- Consistent communication between Force & BOD

- Quarterly – Use as communication tool

- How to use Webb site productively/increase use

- Shoestring operation - Investigate ways to upgrade

- Guideline “Membership growth: 2014 increase by 1,000 members

- Social - Spousal & Membership Care

- Improve upon community connections/Force/Veterans

- Esprit de Corps – Inspire future

- National approach – What we are Division Executive

- National & Division Communication persons

CONSTITUTIONAL ( Murray MILNE)

- Roberts Rules of Orders - Either adopt or disregard

- Apply all areas except Proxy Voting

- Only count votes of those present (AGM)

- One Division = one vote

- AGM - Social event

- NEC/BOD - Unnecessary -

- Replace with meaningful social event

- Hold AGM every second year - Ottawa

- Alternate years - various

- Reduce business

- Streamline via e-mail done prior to AGM

- Better communication from National

- Clarification of Responsibilities BOD

- Clarify policy for Life Membership

- More support staff

PARTNERSHIPS ( Cal SMALL/Rick MORRIS)

- R.C.L. - Strong verbal, common interest

- Not become part of R.C.L. (Royal Canadian Legion)

- Encourage support R.C.L.Events

- F.S.N.A. – Discussions to build bridges common issues

- V.A.C. - Continued dialogue with VAC (Note to “NAUSE” supporting efforts for liaison position

- S.R.R. - Work with SSR’s with issues to support each other

- Become vehicle to support issues

BENEFITS (Jim FORSYTH)

- V.I.P.; PENSIONS; MEDICAL; DISABILITY:

- VIP – What procedure to follow

- Work with FSNA, Public Servants to push through

- Pensions - Forget

- Wife - Insurance after 70 years $5,000. – 0

- Medical Dental - Good Deal

- Disability - Tied into VIP

- Membership - Liaise with new retirees

- Include regular members

Tim Hoban, Syndicate Chair

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans' Association

MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL REGINA, SASK FRIDAY, JUNE 4th 2010 MINUTES

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Veterans' Association

MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
REGINA, SASK FRIDAY, JUNE 4th 2010
MINUTES