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Convention
PEA Triennial Convention 2024
May 9 & 10, 2024
Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria, BC
Convention Program
Click HERE to read the full convention program (member login is required).
The agenda is on page 6 and 7 of the program or access the full agenda here.
Presenters
Charlie Demers
Charles “Charlie” Demers “Just Demers” is a Juno-nominated stand-up comedian, BC Book Prize-nominated author, & co-star of two Emmy-winning Netflix animated series, Beat Bugs and The Last Kids on Earth, and a regular on CBC radio’s The Debaters. He has opened for Sarah Silverman, Bassem Youssef, and Marc Maron.
Charlie will be performing at the opening night dinner.
Benjamin Isitt
Benjamin Isitt is a lawyer who operates a general legal practice based in Lekwungen territory (Victoria). His areas of focus include public interest law, social justice law, environmental law, the law of employment and labour, municipal law and administrative law. He also serves in a pro bono capacity as managing director of the Red Cedar Advocacy Centre.
In addition to advocacy work, Ben is a legal scholar, historian and public speaker. He has extensive experience in academia and public office and is the author of several books examining connections between social justice, public policy, and Canadian and global affairs. As a board member for a number of non-profit societies and large public-sector organizations, Ben’s experience includes governance, operations and financial oversight.
Ben will be opening Convention and presenting the PEA’s 50-year history.
lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers
The talented lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers bring the vibrant lək̓ʷəŋən culture to life through dance. You can find the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers at significant events around the region.
The 25 strong group ranges in age from 8 to 79 years old and have performed for Indigenous Groups from around the world, Queen Elizabeth II, the Lieutenant Governor, the Prime Minister, and many more.
Sussanne Skidmore
Sussanne Skidmore was elected BCFED president in 2022 after being elected as the federation’s secretary-treasurer in 2018 and 2020. A well-known human rights, social justice and queer rights activist, she served as executive vice-president of BCGEU for 5 years. She has co-chaired the BCFED’s Human Rights Committee and is active in the federation’s Women and Gender Rights Committee. Skidmore is the national treasurer for the New Democratic Party of Canada and a vice president of the BC NDP.
Sussanne will be speaking on day two of the convention on the future of the labour movement in B.C.
Agenda
Agenda is subject to change.
| Thursday, May 9 | |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Delegate Registration |
| 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Convention Business |
| 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Casual Reception and Dinner |
| 6:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker |
| Friday, May 10 | |
| 7:30 a.m. | Delegate Registration |
| 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Convention Business |
| 4:00 p.m. | Adjournment |
Convention Committees
The Ways and Means, Credentials, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Resolutions Committee were appointed in February. Work is prior to, or during the convention. Committee work may be modified for the pre-convention or onsite requirements. Please read the committtee information below.
Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions Committee will have four members appointed by the Association Executive: the Association’s First Vice-president [chair], one other Association Executive member, and two convention delegates. The Committee will meet before the convention to consider each resolution submitted to convention. The committee shall be empowered to combine like resolutions or amend for clarity. The Resolutions Committee will make a recommendation on each resolution, substitute or composite resolution to the convention delegates. The Committee will prepare written recommendations to be presented to the delegates at least 30 days before the convention, and refer any resolutions that concern PEA financial policy to the Ways and Means Committee. The Resolutions Committee will make recommendations on the Resolutions Committee, President’s and Executive Director’s reports submitted to convention.
This committee meets virtually for two or more two-hour virtual meetings before convention in May. Please be aware that a meeting may be required during the last two weeks of May.
Ways and Means Committee
The Ways and Means Committee is comprised of four members: the Association’s Secretary-Treasurer [chair], one other Association Executive member, and two convention delegates.
The Committee will meet before convention to consider all resolutions referred to it by the Resolutions Committee and to review the Secretary-Treasurer’s report and audited statements. The Ways and Means Committee shall be empowered to combine like resolutions or amend for clarity. The Ways and Means Committee will make a recommendation on each resolution, substitute or composite resolution to the convention delegates. The committee will also make recommendations on the Secretary-Treasurer‟s Report and audited statements to the delegates. The Committee will prepare written recommendations to be presented to the delegates before the convention.
This committee meets virtually for two two-hour meetings before Convention.
Credentials Committee
The Credentials Committee is comprised of four members of the Credentials Committee: the Association‟s Second Vice-President [chair], one other Association Executive member, and two convention delegates. The Committee will assist with the registration of all delegates and visitors and will review all credentials submitted by convention delegates. The committee will seek the convention’s approval to sit alternate delegates and those who have lost or misplaced their credential. The committee will maintain a credential report that will be presented at the start of business each day of convention and will be updated as delegates join convention.
Sergeant-At-Arms Committee
The Sergeant-at-Arms Committee will appoint four convention delegates to the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee, at least one of whom is a member of the Association Executive. The Committee will ensure that only delegates are allowed on the convention floor and will assist in the distribution of any documents during the convention. The committee will assist when requested by the convention chair in counting any votes.
Expression of Interest
Delegate spots for the in-person convention are allocated to each chapter as per the PEA constitution. Chapter delegates are confirmed according to individual chapter constitutions or by-laws, or they may require additional confirmation from their chapter executives to be delegates. Final registrants will receive union leave for Thursday and Friday of the convention pending approval, and any necessary leave for travel. Final delegates volunteer on important committees before, and onsite at the convention. Please read the committee descriptions below. Indicate your interest in working on a committee with your submission of interest. The deadline for expressions of interest closed on January 15, 2024.
Our accessibility practices
The PEA is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environments for all interested members. We offer the following information so that you can decide for yourselves if our events are accessible to you or which events might be best for your participation.We are actively working on improving access for people with a variety of disabilities. We have worked with Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods to do accessibility audits of our online events. We are working on incorporating some of their recommendations. We are open to hearing about how to improve access for you. If you have suggestions, please contact PEA Staff.
We do, however, have limitations, including funding, venues, and staffing, and recognize that we are not able to incorporate all-access recommendations. We will remain committed to improving our events and being upfront about what you can expect from our events. Please watch this space for advanced event details.
Our accessibility practices:
- Schedule breaks: Breaks are scheduled frequently in order for people to recharge. A more detailed schedule of event days will be available in the weeks before the event.
- Materials: All materials will be distributed prior to Convention.
- If you require ASL interpretation at the event, please contact Toshie Arakawa a minimum of two weeks prior to the event. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide this service; however, we will make every attempt to accommodate the request.
Something else we’re missing? Please do not hesitate to reach out with any other accommodations you may require to participate!
Bullying and Harassment
Bullying, discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, are not acceptable or tolerated in the PEA workplace or for any PEA organized event in any setting. Please read the full Bullying and Harrassment Policy Statement here.
The Ombudspersons at Convention Rhiannon Bray and Brett Harper, Labour Relations Officers. The Ombudsperson is responsible for responding to, and investigating delegate complaints of harassment or discrimination while at convention. Delegates can contact the Ombudspersons anytime during the convention proceedings at 250-385-8791.
Presentations
Presentations available in advance will be posted.
Election of Table Officers
The election of table officers (President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer) will be held at Convention.
The deadline for nominations was March 1, 2024.
Table Officer Nomination Form (The form is only available in pdf format due to website updates.)
Candidates for Table Officer positions may be nominated at any time prior to convention or from the floor during the proceedings. Nominations received past March 1, 2024 will not be included in the convention package.
Find the Table Officer Position Descriptions below. Please also view the PEA Constitution and By-Laws.
Association Executive Job Descriptions
President
Authority
The President is elected by the delegates at convention. Under authority of Article VII of the By-laws they preside over meeting of the executive and conventions of the Association.
Term
The President will retain office until they are removed, resigns, or at the expiry of the normal three-year term of the table officers. A President may be re-elected to successive terms.
Responsibilities and Duties
The President –
a) Presides at meetings of the Association Executive and conventions;
b) Functions as an active member of committees as determined by the executive and an ex-officio member of all committees established by the executive;
c) Represents the Association in periodic meetings and functions within the labour relations community and with other organizations;
d) Normally serves as a signing authority for the purposes of issuing cheques drawn on the Association’s accounts;
e) Serves as signing officer in respect of all documents requiring execution on behalf of the Association;
f) Carries out other duties and responsibilities as determined from time to time by the Association Executive.
Vice-Presidents
Authority The Vice-Presidents are elected by the delegates at convention. Under authority of Article VII of the By-laws and in the absence of the President a Vice-President presides over meetings of the executive and conventions of the Association.
Term A Vice-President will retain office until they are removed, resigns, or at the expiry of the normal three-year term. A Vice-President may be re-elected to successive terms.
Responsibilities and Duties A Vice-President –
1. Carries out responsibilities and duties of the President in their absence;
2. Normally serves as a signing authority for the purposes of issuing cheques drawn on the Association’s accounts;
3. Serves as signing officer in respect of all documents requiring execution on behalf of the Association;
4. The First Vice-President Chairs the Staff Relations Committee;
5. The Second Vice-President Chairs the Service Awards and Education Committees;
6. Both Vice-Presidents also serve as members of the Finance and Investment Committee;
7. Carries out other duties and responsibilities as determined from time to time by the Association Executive.
Secretary-Treasurer
Authority
The Secretary-Treasurer is elected by the delegates at convention. Under authority of Article VII of the By-laws the Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for ensuring maintenance of the Association’s membership lists and financial records. They have responsibility for ensuring the care and custody of the Association investments and for the production of the annual audited financial statement to be presented to convention.
Term
The Secretary-Treasurer will retain office until they are removed, resigns, or at the expiry of the normal three-year term. A Secretary-Treasurer may be re-elected to successive terms.
Responsibilities and Duties – The Secretary-Treasurer –
1. Ensures that a list of all Association members is kept up to date;
2. Ensures that proper accounts and records are kept of all financial transactions;
3. Normally serves as a signing authority for the purposes of issuing cheques drawn on the Association’s account;
4. Safeguards Association funds by ensuring that monies are deposited and invested as determined by the executive and authorized committees;
5. Ensures that monthly reports of Association receipts and disbursements are produced, reported to the executive, and made available for inspection by members and PEA auditors;
6. Ensures that an audited annual statement of the Association’s financial position at the conclusion of the fiscal year is produced, and presents this statement to the Annual Convention;
7. Chairs the Finance and Investment Committee;
8. Ensures that minutes of executive meetings and conventions are produced, approved and made available for inspection by members and PEA auditors;
9. Ensures that notices of executive meetings and conventions are appropriately circulated;
10. Carries out other duties and responsibilities as determined from time to time by the Association Executive.
Resolutions
Resolutions can have a direct impact on how the PEA operates. Members may submit resolutions to convention which, if adopted, result in changes to the Constitution & Bylaws or guide the actions of the Association Executive.
The resolutions submission form was open on February 1, 2024. The deadline for Resolutions was March 1, 2024.
Resolutions Guide
What are resolutions?
They are motions or proposals submitted to Convention, urging a policy or a course of action that will guide the chapter in the coming months or years.
Who may submit a resolution?
A member may submit resolutions provided that the member and at least one other member of the Association sign or confirm support through email or other virtual means for each resolution. The Association Executive or a chapter executive may also submit its own resolutions. A resolution can be removed from consideration by convention if the submitting member and all signers of the resolution agree, in writing or through email or other virtual means, to have the resolution removed from further consideration. This must be done 45 days prior to convention.
What’s the proper format for resolutions?
One or more “WHEREAS” clauses, explaining WHY the proposal is being made (this part of the resolution is not voted on); and
One or more “THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED” clauses, i.e., the proposal itself, which is what the assembly actually votes on.
Members submitting resolutions are encouraged to ensure that the wording and intent of the resolution is clear and unambiguous. Each resolution should deal with one specific topic or proposal. Rather than mixing or combining topics, members are encouraged to submit multiple resolutions.
What happens to resolutions after they have been submitted?
The Resolutions Committee, comprised of four appointed members, the Association’s First Vice-president [chair], one other Association Executive member, and two convention delegates will meet prior to convention to consider each resolution submitted to convention.The committee shall be empowered to combine like resolutions or, amend for clarity. and/or replace with substitute resolutions. The Resolutions Committee will make a recommendation on each resolution, substitute or composite resolution to the convention delegates. Members who have submitted resolutions to convention will be advised of the date of the Resolutions Committee meeting and be provided with an opportunity to consult with the committee on the resolution(s) they have submitted by conference call.
What is the deadline for resolutions?
The deadline is March 1, 2024.
What if I miss the deadline for submitting resolutions?
A resolution, except a resolution to amend the constitution, may be submitted from the floor of the convention if two-thirds of the delegates present, and voting, vote to admit it.
