Present: Gord Hunter (President), Rick Sawa, Sandra Finley, Don Mitchell (Treasurer), Alexander Thumm, (Vice President) Elaine Hughes (Recording Secretary)
Regrets: Mike Burton
Approval of Agenda – Elaine/Alex. Carried.
Approval of Minutes - AGM – Regina – Feb. 20, 2010 and Saskatoon – Feb. 27, 2010 – Rick/Sandra. Carried.
Discussion from Minutes:
It was agreed that holding the meeting on two dates in Saskatoon and Regina worked well.
- Feb. 20 Regina AGM:
- Alex sought clarification about Executive Meetings and Fair Vote Saskatchewan member’s ability to attend. It was agreed that Executive Meetings are open to all members who could have a voice in the discussions but no vote.
- Gord reported that University of Victoria professor and member of the Fair Vote Canada National Advisory Board, Dennis Pilon, did speak at the U of R. Several Fair Vote members attended the public sessions and it was well received.
- He voiced concern about the Chapter’s lack of funds, and offered hope that the Chapter will have more money by Fall 2010 - recruitment is our only hope!
- He also voiced his frustration with the lack of media interest understanding around the issue of proportional representation and electoral reform. Saskatchewan media seem completely uninterested in the subject..
- Feb. 27 Saskatoon AGM:
- Although the turnout was quite light there was good discussion.
- In a follow up discussion about the event on democracy which Fair Vote Sask partnered on Alex reported that the panel, small group discussions and format were good. There was very good turnout.
- No follow-up done but Sandra has passed the contact list of those attending to Peter Garden (CAPP) for incorporation into his larger list.
- Sandra noted that many of the small breakout groups did not rejoin for a final Plenary Session.
- Don felt that a sharper focus on the current ‘broken’ electoral system is needed
- Gord felt that a report which could have been posted to the website afterwards would have been beneficial.
Financial Report:
Don reported that there is approximately $420 in the account before the cost of the meeting room was paid.
He will update the Signing Authority on the Chapter account and arrange to get a new second signature for cheques.
He will also get the Fair Vote Sask cheques from the previous treasurer Larissa Shasko.
He will pay cash for rent of meeting room today and submit receipt for reimbursement from the Chapter.
He also indicated that, with his new duties as Moose Jaw City Councillor, his available time for the SK Chapter is greatly reduced.
Other Chapters
Alex reviewed his search of other Chapter websites and reported on what activities were being undertaken by other chapters across Canada.
Communications:
Gord reported membership lists rest in the Toronto Office. The office has the capability of communicating to SK members specifically if requested. Although the chapter did at one point have a list of members experience has shown that it is more efficient to have it maintained by the National Office.
He will continue posting articles to the website as material becomes available and will check to see if he can install a ‘hit counter’.
Mike Burton now is the administrator on the Facebook site. Gord will check with Mike regarding the status of the Facebook page. It should be updated. He will discuss what can be done with it.
Alex indicated that he will be moving to Ontario in the summer. Even though he will not be physically present in the province he indicated that he would like stay involved on the executive of this Chapter until the next AGM.
Alex offered to write a Saskatchewan Chapter Newsletter which hopefully could be issued every second month.
2010 Planning Session:
There was much discussion about Next Steps: Recruitment, Fundraising, Promotion and Saskatchewan Advisory Board.
- A second event in the Democracy series will be held in the Saskatoon in the fall which will focus directly on Electoral Reform –
- Gord with contact Joyce Green about seeing if we can co-sponsor an event in the fall as well at the U of R. Hopefully a panel discussion.
- We must piggyback on other organizations’ events – take information material and Membership Application Forms (available for printing from the website).
- Some materials are being up dated at the National Office.
- Each member of the Executive is encouraged to get 5 new members before Fall – more members equals more money in our account
- Gord will talk to Larry regarding what is being distributed to members, to executives. It sometimes is confusing.
- Sandra will draft a “Letter Requesting Your Endorsement” and distribute it for input from the Executive
- There was considerable discussion about the concept of establishing a list of predominant Fair Vote Sask supporters. Alex will create a Doodle Link to facilitate collecting names of people to receive this “Letter Requesting Your Endorsement” - Done
- Gord will talk to Edmonton Chapter regarding the criteria they use for their list of supporters.
- Gord will combine some of the on-line background materials into a format which could be helpful for those who might be in a position to talk about Fair Vote. He will include with it a PowerPoint presentation which will be suitable for presentation to riding associations, students, service groups, etc.
- Gord discussed a potential project which is in development around a new Facebook site.
- Elaine will check with Larissa regarding the number we use for teleconferences: can we continue to use it the same number? If not, how can we get our own number? - Done
There was a motion to adjourn at 1:40 – Sandra/Rick – Carried.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Fair Vote Canada (Saskatchewan Chapter) AGM Minutes, 2010
Part 1 – Regina, February 20, 2010
The meeting was held in the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre
Board Members in attendance:
Gord Hunter – President
Don Mitchell – Vice President
Mike Burton – Secretary
The meeting was called to Order by Chair Gord Hunter at 14:07 who explained the two meeting process which was being used for this AGM. This is FVC Sask’s first AGM, the founding meeting of the Chapter was held in January 2009.
A round-the-table introduction was held and there were twelve people in attendance.
The chair distributed the minutes from the founding meeting and explained to the meeting that all Executive Board minutes were posted at fairvotesask.blogspot.com which is our website.
There was a discussion about our process and it was explained that because of geographical issues, ie long driving distances, all but one meeting have been held by teleconference. One member asked if executive meetings were open to members. The chair explained that the issue had never been raised before and collectively the board members in attendance indicated that our goal is to be as transparent as possible. The chair undertook to put the question to the executive at the next meeting.
The treasurer was not in attendance so no formal financial report was given. It was informally reported that the chapter has no money in the bank if it were not for a recent donation from Don Mitchell. The account currently has a balance of approximately $50.00.
It was reported that the costs of running the chapter have been for the most part been absorbed by a few of the chapter executive.
The chair who also serves on the Fair Vote Canada National Council reported that he expects funding rules to be updated very soon and that the $10.00 first time membership fees will in future be staying with the chapter.
The chair gave a short report on some of the initiatives undertaken by FVC nationally
Don Mitchell and Mike Burton reported on local activities:
- Information tables being set up at several events
- Work which is underway to build bridges with both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina
- Board members Mike Burton and Larissa Shasko have spoken to first year political science students
- We are trying to develop a way to bring the concepts of Proportional Representation to high school classes.
- Fair Vote Canada Advisory Board member and University of Victoria professor Dennis Pilon will speak to the U of R and give two public lectures.
The chair explained the process for electing new chapter board members and announced that because the number of people running for positions is equal to those now on the executive, there will be no need to hold a vote. He announced the names of the new board members which will be official at the conclusion of the next session of the AGM in Saskatoon on February 27th.
There was no new business
Mike Burton moved that the meeting adjourn at 15:25 - Carried
Part 2 – Saskatoon, February 27, 2010
The meeting was held in Amigo’s Restaurant’s back room
Board Members in attendance:
Gord Hunter – President
Sandra Finlay – At Large Member
Rick Sawa – At Large Member
Alex Thumm – At Large Member elect.
The meeting was called to Order by Chair Gord Hunter at 14:07 who explained the two meeting process which was being used for this AGM.
A round-the-table introduction was held and there were nine people in attendance.
The reading of the minutes from the founding meeting was waived and it was explained that all Executive Board minutes were posted at fairvotesask.blogspot.com which is our website.
The treasurer was not in attendance and in the absence of a financial statement a brief financial report was given by the President.
It was reported that the costs of running the chapter have been for the most part been absorbed by a few of the chapter executive. Most revenue has to date been as a result of donations by Board members but the chair explained that funding rules will be updated very soon and that the $10.00 first time membership fees will in future be staying with the chapter.
The chair gave a short report on some of the initiatives undertaken by FVC nationally
The chair reported on local activities as per the Regina meeting. In addition:
- Sandra Finley reported on the progress being made in setting up a Discussion on Democracy which will be a series of three events held in Saskatoon.
- Rick Sawa reported on the Anti Proroguing rally in Prince Albert and Sandra talked about the Saskatoon event.
There was a broad ranging discussion about the state of democracy in Canada. The feeling expressed was that many Canadians are frustrated with how democracy has deteriorated in our country over the past few years and what can be done about it.
There was discussion about setting up a broad based group distinguished Saskatchewan citizens and asking them to put their names forward as supporters of the FVC Sask Chapter much like the National Advisory Board. Sandra will work on a draft letter and it was agreed that we will bring the issue to the Board before any action is taken.
Some in attendance expressed the view that FVC needs to have simple to understand materials which explains Proportional Representation and the different models in an easy to understand format. Attendees were directed to the FVC website and told that new materials are being developed.
The chair explained the process for electing new chapter board members and announced that because the number of people running for positions is equal to those now on the executive, there will be no need to hold a vote. He announced the names of the new board members which will be official at the conclusion of the next session of the AGM in Saskatoon on February 27th.
He also introduced Alex Thumm as a new Board member and thanked Larissa Shasko who did not re-offer for her involvement over the last year.
There was no new business
Rick Sawa moved that the meeting adjourn at 15:50 - Carried
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
AGM Minutes to be posted
The Saskatchewan AGM is being held in two parts. The first session was held in Regina February 20th the second will be held in Saskatoon February 27th.
Minutes will be posted when both sessions are completed.
Minutes will be posted when both sessions are completed.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
MINUTES: FVC-SK Executive Teleconference - January 24 2010
Present: Gord Hunter (Recorder), Sandra Finley, Don Mitchell, Elaine Hughes, Larissa Shasko, Regrets - Rick Sawa and Mike Burton
9:05 AM
Meeting was called to order by Gord Hunter and the agenda approved.
Rally Reports
Reports across Canada have been good. There seemed to be robust support for the event from coast to coast.
In Saskatchewan Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament held rallies in three cities. Representatives from the Saskatchewan Chapter of Fair Vote Canada attended all three.
In Regina the rally was held on the Scarth Street Mall and a couple of independent counts put the crowd at 300 plus. Despite the wind tunnel created by the down town high-rises, the crowd was engaged and boisterous. Mike Burton and Larissa Shasko spoke to the crowd wearing their other hats. Mike as a a Political Science Masters Student and Larissa Shasko as the leader of the Green Party in Saskatchewan.
Electoral reform was spoken of by several speakers and Dr. Joyce Green from the U of R was particularly persuasive about it in her presentation. We had five people from the Saskatchewan Chapter at the rally and we managed to hand out all the leaflets we had and we gathered 132 signatures on the Declaration.
Saskatoon’s rally was held outside City Hall in the blowing snow but despite the weather, 450 people turned out. We were a little light on the ground in Saskatoon but Sandra Finley did yeoman's service and all the leaflets were handed out and well received. Proportional representation and Fair Vote Canada specifically was talked about by speakers. No declarations were gathered.
An indoor rally was held in Prince Albert, those guys know how to beat the cold weather. About fifty people braved the storm to attend, thirty three of those signed the declaration and we distributed leaflets thanks to Rick Sawa.
AGM
We have had difficulty as a result of several factors getting an AGM off the ground. Gord Hunter suggest that we try to schedule an AGM in two parts. The first meeting in Regina and the other in Saskatoon. The first order of business will be to find a location for minimal cost in both locations.
Our target date for Regina is February 20 in Regina and Feb 27 in Saskatoon. Both will be afternoon meetings.
Election of Officers
All positions are open. As soon as dates are set we will announce the nomination process. The voting will be held in two parts, first in Regina then the box will be sealed. It will be reopened at the Saskatoon meeting and after the meeting the ballots will be counted.
Chapter secretary Larissa Shasko announced her intention not to re offer for the position.
Co-operative Event with the U or R
A discussion with Joyce Green will be held this coming week with the intention to set some dates for follow up meetings at a later date.
There was some discussion about trying to do something similar at the U or S. Sandra will follow up with Ana Hunter at the University.
There being to further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:47
9:05 AM
Meeting was called to order by Gord Hunter and the agenda approved.
Rally Reports
Reports across Canada have been good. There seemed to be robust support for the event from coast to coast.
In Saskatchewan Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament held rallies in three cities. Representatives from the Saskatchewan Chapter of Fair Vote Canada attended all three.
In Regina the rally was held on the Scarth Street Mall and a couple of independent counts put the crowd at 300 plus. Despite the wind tunnel created by the down town high-rises, the crowd was engaged and boisterous. Mike Burton and Larissa Shasko spoke to the crowd wearing their other hats. Mike as a a Political Science Masters Student and Larissa Shasko as the leader of the Green Party in Saskatchewan.
Electoral reform was spoken of by several speakers and Dr. Joyce Green from the U of R was particularly persuasive about it in her presentation. We had five people from the Saskatchewan Chapter at the rally and we managed to hand out all the leaflets we had and we gathered 132 signatures on the Declaration.
Saskatoon’s rally was held outside City Hall in the blowing snow but despite the weather, 450 people turned out. We were a little light on the ground in Saskatoon but Sandra Finley did yeoman's service and all the leaflets were handed out and well received. Proportional representation and Fair Vote Canada specifically was talked about by speakers. No declarations were gathered.
An indoor rally was held in Prince Albert, those guys know how to beat the cold weather. About fifty people braved the storm to attend, thirty three of those signed the declaration and we distributed leaflets thanks to Rick Sawa.
AGM
We have had difficulty as a result of several factors getting an AGM off the ground. Gord Hunter suggest that we try to schedule an AGM in two parts. The first meeting in Regina and the other in Saskatoon. The first order of business will be to find a location for minimal cost in both locations.
Our target date for Regina is February 20 in Regina and Feb 27 in Saskatoon. Both will be afternoon meetings.
Election of Officers
All positions are open. As soon as dates are set we will announce the nomination process. The voting will be held in two parts, first in Regina then the box will be sealed. It will be reopened at the Saskatoon meeting and after the meeting the ballots will be counted.
Chapter secretary Larissa Shasko announced her intention not to re offer for the position.
Co-operative Event with the U or R
A discussion with Joyce Green will be held this coming week with the intention to set some dates for follow up meetings at a later date.
There was some discussion about trying to do something similar at the U or S. Sandra will follow up with Ana Hunter at the University.
There being to further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:47
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