Canadian Equity Council Call Out and Introduction of VP's

Hello Region 2 COPE/SEPB Locals,

Please share the information in regard to the Canadian Equity Council call-out to your membership.

We would like to introduce and re-introduce ourselves to you. At the National COPE/SEPB Convention that took place June 2-4, 2022 Lorrie Vandersluis and I, Tanya La Rush, were elected as your two (2) Vice Presidents at the Region 2 Caucus. This election for two (2) was a result of a resolution that passed which would see the removal of the Seat Reserved for Women replaced with the addition of (1) seat reserved for an equity-seeking member in each region. We want to thank the outgoing Region 2 Vice President Casey Oraa for all of his work, dedication and tremendous communications with us for the past three years. His continued assistance, as well as his predecessor Valerie Roberts, with the transition has been welcomed.

In addition to our introduction, we are writing to ask those who are interested in sitting on the Canadian Equity Council (CEC). The CEC comprises of four representative from each of our four regions who self-identify from one of the following equity-seeking communities: First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized people, Two Spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, people living with a disability, or young workers (aged 35 and under). This Council is in place to ensure that we, collectively, ensure that matters of our union are seen with an equity lense and to provide feedback to the National Executive Board. From time to time the CEC will sponsor or provide educational, cultural, and cultural art programs.

Approval from the local president or designate needs to be provided by means of email indicating that responsibility of all costs associated for lost wages, travel and per diems will be paid for locally. The deadline to submit both your interest as well as the approval from the local must be delivered to us no later than by Friday, June 24 to this email address.

If more than four members are interested in this council we will select by random draw.

Attached we have provided the Article that outlines the work, obligations and structure.

If you have questions or concerns please contact either myself or Lorrie Vandersluis at:

Tanya La Rush [email protected]

Lorrie Vandersluis [email protected]

In Solidarity,

Tanya and Lorrie

From COPE/SEPB Constitution as amended at 2022 Convention

ARTICLE 14 - Canadian Equity Council (CEC)

14.01 The Canadian Equity Council is a consultative body that meets before or after the Convention;

14.02 The National Executive may call a special meeting of the Canadian Equity Council;

14.03 The Canadian Equity Council is a forum to discuss equity-related matters and to make recommendations to the National Executive;

14.04 It shall be composed of the National Executive members and of a maximum of four (4) members per region who are a member of any of the following equity seeking communities: First Nations, Métis, Inuit, racialized people, Two Spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, people living with a disability, or young worker.

14.05 A young worker must be less than thirty-five (35) years old at the time of the This person may complete her/his term if she/he reaches the age limit during the mandate;

14.06 When a seat becomes vacant the region concerned is entitled to fill the seat with an alternate provided they have been chosen under the same conditions;

14.07 The method, number and time of selection of these representatives, who are members in good standing of their Locals, are determined by the Regional Vice President; they must receive official support from their own Locals;

14.08 Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph and its consultative character, the Canadian Equity Council may elect a Chair person for the term of office as described The Chair person shall be elected at the Council’s first meeting following convention and the Canadian Equity Council chooses its own Chair person selection process;

14.09 The term of office shall commence at the adjournment of a statutory national convention and up to the adjournment of the one that follows immediately;

14.10 Locals will cover the expenses and lost wages for these representatives for the duration of their term, in accordance with the rules that govern them.

14.11 Regardless of the advisory nature of the Council, delegates from their respective region may, during a meeting of the said Council, vote on a resolution to be submitted to the National Convention subject to the following conditions:

* A quorum to adopt such a resolution shall consist of a majority of delegates;

* The resolution shall be in direct relation with an equity Once carried, the resolution is deemed to have been received by the National Secretary- Treasurer.

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