PSAC Atlantic Regional Council

The members of the Atlantic Regional Council are elected geographically (NS, NB, NL, PE) and/or by constituency (Equity Group, non-TB, etc).  All Council members are assigned to work with Committees of the Council.  It is in the balance of these two functions that Council members define their roles and responsibilities.

The primary purpose of Council is to represent to the REVP the needs of membership in the Atlantic.  Council joins the REVP in providing leadership within their regions and/or constituencies and Committees.

Council works collaboratively as requested by the REVP in providing leadership on PSAC and other Labour or social justice campaigns and to mobilize the membership in support of Collective Bargaining.  The REVP and Council recognize and appreciate the role of staff in delivery of these and other functions.  Working together we have a positive and energetic approach to leadership.

Working Principles Established by Atlantic REVP and Council

The REVP and Atlantic Regional Council have adopted the following working principles:

Language

All Atlantic wide written communication from the REVP and Council is prepared and released in both languages.  Council meetings are in bilingual format.  All documents provided during Council meetings are translated in advance of the Council meeting.  The Council and the Atlantic wide portions of the website are in bilingual format.

Equity Representation

The REVP and Atlantic Regional Council are committed to promoting equity and to create an inclusive union.

Working with Staff/RO’s

The REVP and Council are committed to working in collaboration with staff to carry out the organizational priorities of the PSAC and to represent the interests of members.  We are committed to a positive approach in working together.

Communications

The REVP and Council are deeply committed to improving communications with Components, Locals, Membership Committees, and the Membership.  We work to build solidarity.

Council Reports

The REVP and Council prepare reports of their activities and present these reports in writing in advance of each Council meeting.  The reports are included in the Council minutes.

Council Minutes

The minutes of Council meetings are posted on the PSAC website within 45 days of Council meetings.

Council Meetings

The REVP and Council meet in face to face meetings at least once and usually twice each year, and by conference call between meetings.

Council Committees

All Council members are participants of two committees.  The committees meet by email, telephone and in face to face meetings.  Committees make recommendations to the REVP and to Council.  A staff advisor is assigned to each committee.  The REVP is an ex-officio member of each committee.

Staff Advisors

The role of staff advisors to the REVP and Council is to represent the organizational priorities to them.  Staff advisors assist the REVP and Council to carry out their decisions and mandate.

Convention

The REVP and Council members are elected at a Triennial Atlantic Regional Convention.  The next convention will be held between April-June of 2008.  An amount of $35,000.00 form the Council’s operating budget of $105,000 is set aside each year to fund the Convention.  This covers the Convention itself, but only a portion of delegate expenses.

Youth

The REVP and Council are committed to involving our younger members in leadership of the union.  We actively work to make this happen.  The PSAC defines “youth” as a member 30 years old and younger.