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
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