Minutes of the OPSEU/SEFPO Convention 2023
the previous year’s actual non-rounded value).
Moved by: Gino Franche, L130 / Seconded by: Lisa Fewster, L166
- DIVIDE: Move to divide as follows and part 2 be debated first.
- Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be increased effective immediately to $83 per day ($20.00 Breakfast, $27.00 Lunch and $36.00 Dinner).
- Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be indexed annually on July 1st to the prior year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index as reported by Statistics Canada and rounded to the nearest dollar (based on the previous year’s actual non-rounded value).
Vote on DIVIDE CARRIED
Moved: Matthew Turner, L703 / Andrew Kurtz, L724
- Motion to move CLOSURE
Vote on Closure CARRIED
Order was called that there has to be a speaker before closure is called.
The Chair ruled the closure vote stands.
Moved by: Rod Bemister, L561 / Seconded by: Virginia Di Monte, L561 – Challenge the Chair
First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell in the Chair
Challenge the Chair-Vote (for: uphold / against: not uphold) CARRIED
The Chair was upheld.
President JP Hornick in the Chair.
The question was called on Closure:
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on Resolution J1, part 2 of the amended divided resolution:
- Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be indexed annually on July 1st to the prior year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index as reported by Statistics Canada and rounded to the nearest dollar (based on the previous year’s actual non-rounded value).
Vote on part 2 of Resolution J1 as amended and divided CARRIED
The question was called on Resolution J1, part 1 of the amended divided resolution:
- Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be increased effective immediately to $83 per day ($20.00 Breakfast, $27.00 Lunch and $36.00 Dinner).
Moved by: Jitesh Parekh, L575 / Seconded by: Ankit Dhawan, L575 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on Resolution J1, part 1 of the amended divided resolution:
- Be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be increased effective immediately to $83 per day ($20.00 Breakfast, $27.00 Lunch and $36.00 Dinner).
The Chair clarified that as per the motion wording, this would take effect as soon as it’s passed, so it would begin for Dinner on Thursday, April 20th, 2023.
Vote on part 1 of Resolution J1 as amended and divided CARRIED
Constitution Committee
Introduction of Constitution Committee
Chad Croteau Region 1
Dave Wakely (Chair) Region 2
Michael Hamilton Region 3
Janet Heyman (Vice Chair) Region 4
Jonathan Singer Region 5
Arlene Proulx Region 6
Stacy Grieve Region 7
Ken Steinbrunner EBM, Region 6
Pat Honsberger Staff Advisor
Hasnain Abid Secretary
Article 27.1 The Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds vote of delegates at any Convention.
H3, Article 13 – Conventions
Submitted by: Local 277, Local 416, Local 446, Local 449, Local 672 and Kingston Area Council
Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Stacy Grieve / Seconded by: Michael Hamilton
- Amend the below sections of Article 13 to read as follows:
13.5.1 All delegates and alternate delegates from Locals shall be elected for each Convention at a general membership meeting on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots if necessary. In accordance with local bylaws, or two thirds majority vote at the local election meeting, locals may elect their delegates and alternate delegates by plurality. There shall be separate votes required for delegates and alternate delegates. The Local President shall be the first delegate automatically. Where a local is entitled to elect more than one alternate delegate A Local may elect any number of alternate delegates. Those elected by plurality shall be ranked according to the number of votes received.
13.5.2 A Local may elect alternate delegates up to the number of delegates to which it is entitled. Only alternate delegates up to the number of delegates to which it a Local is entitled may attend Convention. Alternate delegates may not be seated on the floor of the Convention unless in possession of badges of absent delegates of the same Locals. All Convention expenses of alternate delegates shall be borne by the Local.
Moved by: Daniel Brisson, L672 / Seconded by: Chad Ravary, L656 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on the Constitutional Amendment H3:
- Amend the below sections of Article 13 to read as follows:
13.5.1 All delegates and alternate delegates from Locals shall be elected for each Convention at a general membership meeting on the principle of winning a clear majority, with run-off ballots if necessary. In accordance with local bylaws, or two thirds majority vote at the local election meeting, locals may elect their delegates and alternate delegates by plurality. There shall be separate votes required for delegates and alternate delegates. The Local President shall be the first delegate automatically. Where a local is entitled to elect more than one alternate delegate A Local may elect any number of alternate delegates. Those elected by plurality shall be ranked according to the number of votes received.
13.5.2 A Local may elect alternate delegates up to the number of delegates to which it is entitled. Only alternate delegates up to the number of delegates to which it a Local is entitled may attend Convention. Alternate delegates may not be seated on the floor of the Convention unless in possession of badges of absent delegates of the same Locals. All Convention expenses of alternate delegates shall be borne by the Local.
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H3 CARRIED
H9, Article 6 – Membership
Submitted by: Kingston Area Council, Nippissing Area Council, Orillia Area Council, Thunder Bay and District Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee, and Provincial Young Workers Committee
Committee Recommends: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Chad Croteau / Seconded by: Dave Wakely
- Amend the below sections of Article 6 to read as follows:
6.4 Notwithstanding the provisions of any other article of this Constitution, a Member subject to regular seasonal and/or, short-term layoffs, or indefinite layoff may remain in good standing for up to one year while laid off without payment of dues, but a Member subject to permanent or indefinite layoff shall not be eligible for continuing membership for any period of the layoff.
Moved by: Laura Benakoun, L553 / Seconded by: Melissa Henry, L587 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on the Constitutional Amendment H9:
- Amend the below sections of Article 6 to read as follows:
6.4 Notwithstanding the provisions of any other article of this Constitution, a Member subject to regular seasonal and/or, short-term layoffs, or indefinite layoff may remain in good standing for up to one year while laid off without payment of dues, but a Member subject to permanent or indefinite layoff shall not be eligible for continuing membership for any period of the layoff.
Vote on Constitutional Amendment H9 CARRIED
Convention adjourned at 5:01 p.m.
Friday, April 21 – Morning Session
President JP Hornick welcomed the Convention to order at 9:02 a.m.
Day 2 “Fight” Video played
Donations Policy
Every year delegates can make an appeal for donations. The money collected will be distributed to the various causes after the appeals are reviewed by the Executive Committee.
OPSEU/SEFPO matches the donation up to a maximum of $5,000.
President JP Hornick announced that donations being made can now be done via e-transfer.
Credentials Committee Report
Moved: Nathalie D’Onofrio, L711 / Seconded: Amanda Usher, L302
- Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 8:53m.
| Delegates in Person | 935 |
| Delegates Virtual | 15 |
| Alternates in Person | 475 |
| Alternates Virtual | 100 |
| Observers
Observers Virtual EBM Solidarity Guests Guests |
168
33 21 36 15 |
| Total | 1798 |
Moved by: Gino Franche, L132 / Seconded by: Kevin Spragg L130
- Be it resolved that pursuant to Article 13.11.22 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, effective immediately Robert’s Rules of Order will be suspended specifically when referring to closure motions, for the remainder of Convention 2023. The Chair will not entertain a closure motion until such time as at least one speaker from each a pro and con mic have been heard. Such consideration will be above and beyond any submission or comment from the submitting body and is not intended to alter the order of microphones and speakers.
Moved: Betty Palmieri, L206 / Seconded: Brenda Allan, L215
- Amendment: If there are no speakers at pro/con mics, the question be called.
Moved by: Ben Arbeau, L4106 / Seconded: Erica Benn, L4106 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on the amendment:
- Amendment: If there are no speakers at pro/con mics, the question be called.
Vote on Amendment CARRIED
The question was called on the motion as amended:
- Pursuant to Article 13.11.22 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, effective immediately Robert’s Rules of Order will be suspended specifically when referring to closure motions, for the remainder of Convention 2023. The Chair will not entertain a closure motion until such time as at least one speaker from each a pro and con mic have been heard. Such consideration will be above and beyond any submission or comment from the submitting body and is not intended to alter the order of microphones and speakers. If there are no speakers at pro/con mics, the question be called on closure.
The question was called on the credentials committee report:
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
From April 20th, 2023 motion to table:
Section D – Budget 2023
The question was called on the motion:
- Adoption of the 2023 Budget as printed in Section
Moved by: Matthew Turner, L703 / Seconded by: John Bartol, L725 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on the motion:
- Adoption of the 2023 Budget as printed in Section
Vote on 2023 Budget CARRIED
The question was called on the motion as amended from the floor:
- Pursuant to Article 13.11.22 of the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution, effective immediately Robert’s Rules of Order will be suspended specifically when referring to closure motions, for the remainder of Convention 2023. The Chair will not entertain a closure motion until such time as at least one speaker from each a pro and con mic have been heard. Such consideration will be above and beyond any submission or comment from the submitting body and is not intended to alter the order of microphones and speakers. If there are no speakers at pro/con mics, the question can be called.
Moved by: Oliver Obagi, L446 /Seconded by: Ryan Seymour, L446 – Closure
Vote on Closure CARRIED
The question was called on the motion as
amended from the floor:
- Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 9:26m.
- Adoption of the Convention Agenda as
- Adoption of the Minutes of Convention 2022 as printed in Section
- Jarrelle Johnson, Backup Recording Secretary
- Karlene Henry, Recording Secretary
- Nicole Glass, Recording Secretary
- Alison Neilson-Jones, Procedural Advisor
- Cheri Hearty, Procedural Advisor
- Barb Byers, Rules of Order Advisor
- Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO take all necessary steps to file articles of continuance or such other applications as are required to continue the corporation as a non-profit corporation under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and by-laws;
- Therefore be it resolved that the Executive Board refer the following statutory resolution to Convention, in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act:
- Adoption of the 2023 Budget as printed in Section
- Adoption of Credentials Committee Report as of 1:45m.
- The debate be tabled until tomorrow morning at 9:45a.m. for the delegation to continue discussion.
- Be it resolved that in compliance with section 68 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, MNP LLP is appointed Auditors of OPSEU/SEFPO for the fiscal year 2023 or until their successor is appointed.
- Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be increased effective July 1, 2023 to $74 per day ($16 Breakfast, $23.00 Lunch and $35.00 Dinner) and further indexed annually on July 1st to the prior year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index as reported by Statistics Canada and rounded to the nearest dollar (based on the previous year’s actual non-rounded value).
- REFERRAL: that the motion be referred back to the committee for an immediate response back to convention with an amendment of breakfast at $20, lunch at $27, and dinner at $36 effective immediately after approved by Convention and adjusted to the Consumer Price Index and rounded to the nearest dollar every July 1, starting July 1, 2023.
- Therefore be it resolved that the OPSEU/SEFPO Meal Allowances be increased effective immediately to $83 per day ($20.00 Breakfast, $27.00 Lunch and $36.00 Dinner) and further indexed annually on July 1st to the prior year’s Canadian Consumer Price Index as reported by Statistics Canada and rounded to the nearest dollar (based on
April 20-22, 2023
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
Wednesday, April 20 – Morning Session
The Indigenous Circle was welcomed to the stage.
President JP Hornick and First Vice President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell were introduced to Convention 2023.
The President welcomed all delegates, alternates, observers, and guests to Convention.
Call to Order
President JP Hornick, called the Convention to order at 9:28 a.m.
President JP Hornick read the land acknowledgement.
Chief Laforme and Elder LaValley were welcomed to open Convention 2023.
The Circle of Cedar Singers were invited forwarded for their warrior drum song titled “A.I.M. Song for American Indian Movement”.
Andria Babbington, Toronto, and York Region Labour Council President was welcomed to stage to speak.
National anthem – video played.
Statement of Respect – video played.
President JP Hornick referred members to the signs on the tables with names and phone numbers listed on it. If you feel harassed or discriminated against, you can call either of those numbers for assistance from an Advisor. Staff are also able to assist, and they are wearing blue badges with ribbons that say “staff”.
Moment of silence for staff that have passed away since the last Convention.
Minute of silence is observed.
Gord Longhi, the President of ASU – the Administrative Staff Union. And, Lois Boggs, President of OPSSU – the Ontario Public Service Staff Union were introduced. All OPSEU/SEFPO staff were welcomed to Convention and thanked for all their hard work, along with those not physically there and working behind the scenes out of all the offices.
President JP Hornick took a moment to promote the Health Care Professionals rally that was taking place at Queen’s Park at 12:30.
Announcement and safety video played with important reminders to keep in mind over the next few days to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy during Convention.
President JP Hornick spoke about the new app for voting and invited Data on the Spot to give a short tutorial on the electronic voting process.
Credentials Committee Report
Moved by: Angela Lockhurst, L590 / Seconded by: Cynthia Ladouceur, L439
| Delegates in Person | 905 |
| Delegates Virtual | 37 |
| Alternates in Person | 447 |
| Alternates Virtual | 240 |
| Observers
EBM Solidarity Guests Guests |
155
20 19 8 |
| Total | 1831 |
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
Day 1 “Organize” Video played
Section A – Convention Agenda
Moved by: JP Hornick / Seconded by: Laurie Nancekivell
Vote on adoption of the Agenda CARRIED
Section B – Minutes of Last Convention 2022
Moved by: Drew Finucane, L219 / Seconded by: Lucy Morton, L269
Vote on adoption of 2022 Convention Minutes CARRIED
President’s Address
President JP Hornick addressed the Convention and spoke about how important it is to build solidarity and to work together to transform our union. JP affirmed that we need to do the work to fundamentally change how we conduct ourselves as a union, how Ontarian’s see us and how they engage with us, and how we engage with each other in order to make meaningful change in the lives of Ontarians. This process has already started and is going to continue in the future.
First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell
Report: Financials-Auditors
Section C – Audited Financial Statements and Notes
Section F – Report on Remuneration
First Vice-President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell invited the external auditor Joe Bates from MNP, up to the stage to present the financial statements of 2022.
Joe Bates presented the financial statement audit for the year-end financial statements.
Questions were taken from the floor and virtual platform.
President JP Hornick in the Chair
Resolutions Committee invited up on stage. While they were coming up President JP Hornick introduced the head table.
President JP Hornick introduced the head table:
Statutory Resolution A1
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Kimberly Kazur, L665 / Seconded by: Jody Tsubouchi, L710
Be it further resolved that the Executive Board refer constitutional amendments to the Constitutional Committee to amend references to the Corporations Act to refer to the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, and to add to the history of OPSEU/SEFPO contained in the preamble of the Constitution;
Be it further resolved that the Executive Board refer the following resolution to Convention:
Whereas OPSEU/SEFPO was incorporated in 1927 as a corporation without
share capital under part III of the Ontario Corporations Act (OCA); and
Whereas the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (“ONCA”) came into force
in October 2021, replacing the OCA as the legislation that governs OPSEU/SEFPO as a non-profit corporation operating in Ontario; and
Whereas the ONCA requires OPSEU/SEFPO and other non-profit corporations to file articles of continuance in order to continue as a non-profit corporation with its existing Constitution and by-laws;
Therefore be it resolved that OPSEU/SEFPO take all necessary steps to file articles of continuance or such other applications as are required to continue the corporation as a non-profit corporation under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act in accordance with the OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution and by-laws.
Vote on Statutory Resolution A1 CARRIED
Statutory Resolution A2
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Kimberly Kazur, L665 / Seconded by: Jody Tsubouchi, L710
Be it further resolved that as required by s 17 of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, Convention confirms and approves the actions of the Executive Board that created or amended a bylaw of OPSEU/SEFPO, as reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Board from the closing of the last Convention until the closing of this Convention.
Vote on Statutory Resolution A2 CARRIED
Convention recessed at 12:00 p.m.
Section D – Budget 2023
Laurie Nancekivell, First Vice-President/Treasurer, presented the budget on behalf of the Executive Board. Sharon Deaves, Administrator of Financial Services and Art Slade, Supervisor of Accounting and Payroll were in attendance to present the budget.
Moved by: Laurie Nancekivell / Seconded by: JP Hornick
Credentials Committee Report
Moved by: Michele Morrison, L222 / Seconded by: Philip Cooze, L711
| Delegates in Person | 931 |
| Delegates Virtual | 76 |
| Alternates in Person | 472 |
| Alternates Virtual | 55 |
| Observers
Observers Virtual EBM Solidarity Guests Guests |
166
52 21 35 12 |
| Total | 1820 |
Vote on Adoption of Credentials Report CARRIED
The question was called on the budget as presented.
Questions were taken from the floor and virtual platform.
A motion of closure was made and the Chair ruled it out of order as the order of microphones needs to be followed.
Moved by: Betty Palmier, L206 / Seconded by: Robert Holder, L243
Vote on tabling debate of the budget DEFEATED
Order was called that it is only a simple majority required to table and the vote should have carried.
The Chair ruled the defeated vote stands.
Moved by: Gino Franche, L130 / Seconded by: Kevin Sprague, L130 – Challenge the Chair
First Vice President/Treasurer Laurie Nancekivell in the Chair
The decision of the Chair that the vote on tabling the debate of the budget was defeated is withdrawn. The tabling of the budget debate now CARRIES.
Tabling the debate of the budget CARRIED
President JP Hornick in the Chair
Executive Board Report – Section E
Moved by: JP Hornick / Seconded by: Laurie Nancekivell
Vote on Executive Board Report CARRIED
President JP Hornick introduced Keynote speaker Laura Walton – President of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU)
CUPE-OSBCU President Laura Walton spoke to Convention about how important it is for education workers from both OPSEU/SEFPO and CUPE-OSBCU, along with all education workers, to work together. She called for prioritizing workers and their needs in this work. She reminded the convention that union solidarity comes from action. Finally, Laura challenged all of the to do the hard work needed to build the movement.
Resolutions Committee invited up on stage.
Statutory Resolution A3
Submitted by: Executive Board
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Kimberly Kazur, L665 / Seconded by: Jody Tsubouchi, L710
Vote on Statutory Resolution A3 CARRIED
Resolution J1
Submitted by: Local 634, Local 416, Local 446, Local 672, Local 720, Kingston Area Council, Nipissing Area Council, Ottawa Area Council, Provincial Human Rights Committee, Provincial Women’s Committee & Thunder Bay and District Area Council
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE
Moved by: Christine Kelsey, L416 / Seconded by: Jody Tsubouchi, L710
Moved by: Mark Helevecki, L720 / Seconded by: Carol Maxwell, L720
An amendment to the referral was made but ruled out of order.
Vote on REFERRAL CARRIED
Introduction of Resolutions Committee
| Region 1 | Darryl Bedford | Local 110 |
| Region 2 | Julie Chambo | Local 291 |
| Region 3 | Andrew Shirk | Local 362 |
| Region 4 | Christine Kelsey | Local 416 |
| Region 5 | Rod Bemisted | Local 561 |
| Region 6 | Kimberly Kazur | Local 665 |
| Region 7 | Jody Tsubouchi | Local 710 |
| EBM | Joel Usher | Local 381 |
| Staff Advisor | Mary Kalliontzis | |
| Secretary | Enrico De Matteo |
The question was called on Resolution J1 as amended:
Resolutions Committee’s Recommendation: ACCEPTANCE