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
Friday, August 28, 2009
MINUTES: FVC-SK Executive Teleconference - August 23, 2009
Present: Rick Sawa, Sandra Finley, Don Mitchell, Elaine Hughes (Recorder)
Meeting concentrated on follow-up details for Upcoming Events.
1) Regina – Social/Education Event – September 18, 2009:
- Don to check today re: using Westminster United Church?
- Don to talk to Mike re: Dr. Joyce Green – confirmed to speak?
- Don to talk to Gord re: once details of venue are confirmed, would he put Posters for each event on FVC-SK website which could also be used on our networks?
2) Saskatoon – AGM/Social Event – October 21, 2009:
- Rick to locate venue: he will call Don Anderson on September 1 re: room at SFL Convention or TCU, or other location
- Sandra to check rates at Cosmopolitan Centre as one alternative for Oct. 21?
- Rick to confirm Mr. McGrane as Speaker for event?
3) Next Meeting: September 6 at 10:00 a.m.
FVC-SK Executive Teleconference Meeting: July 19, 2009
Minutes:
11:00 AM
On the phone: Don Mitchell, Gord Hunter, Larissa Shasko, Mike Burton, Elaine Hughes, Rick Sawa, Sandra Finley
- Adoption of the Agenda
Passed by Consensus
- Adoption of the Minutes from June 27th Meeting in Watrous
Passed By Consensus
- Old Business
a. Annual General Meeting planning
Although we had been looking at a November date we were also hoping to hold the meeting at the same time as the SFL convention in
Although Mike cannot attend on that date, the rest of the group seemed to be able to make it work. There was discussion about how we would pay for this and the idea was floated that we could ask the SFL if we could use one of the rooms that they have booked. This event would also serve as the Saskatoon Social/Educational event.
There was discussion of speakers. Don Baille who is a former FVC Canada Executive Council member from
To do:
- Rick to secure room from the SFL.
- Rick to secure speaker for the
- All to book the date in your calendar.
b. Social./Education Event Planning:
Mike has talked to Thomas from the Nancy Ray Guns and he has said they would be interested in taking part in the event. The date for this event will be
To do:
- Mike will book Cathedral Community Centre
- Mike will confirm Nancy Ray Guns
- Mike will approach Dr. Green
- All book date in your caldender
c. Progress updates on work with others groups
Sandra suggested that from her experience at Ness Creek we should book our tables and have our own volunteers because it causes confusion and is very difficult for one volunteer to promote two different causes. Don will be trying to get information out at folk festival both Mike and Gord could help with this. We will be looking at connecting with campus political party groups come the fall. We are also looking at setting up campus clubs of our own.
To do:
- Mike will contact the USSU to get more details on starting a group.
- Don will look at sharing a table for Folk Festival in
- Meetings with Campus groups will not be possible until classes resume in September.
- Reports
a. Fair Vote
The National Council has been fairly busy for summer. The national council is trying to rework FVC’s
b. Fair Vote Saskatchewan Presdient’s Report – Don
FVS need to focus on our role within the context and a municipal and federal election and how we might bring a regional perspective to a federal election. FVC should be doing a federal election campaign and Gord is on a committee for that. Don asked that Elections be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Civic elections are also happening in the October. Don believes we should look at promoting ward representation and accountability for donations received by municipal election candidates. Finally there are also two provincial byelections which we could use to promote our issues especially since the new NDP Leader will be running in these elections. FVS needs to have a policy discussion and create a draft resolution in order to be prepared for the common policy resolution that we plan on introducing at the party’s policy conventions. Don thinks we should exchange some ideas of what we are advocating for.
c. Fair Vote Saskatchewan Treasurer Report – Larissa
Larissa had to leave the call before this point. See last meeting minutes.
d. Website and Newsletter Update – Gord
The website has been updated to reflect changes in the executive and to incorporate new minutes. We just have to decide if/when we want to do a newsletter and Gord can be begin to work on it.
- New business
A committee should be struck to find board members to stand for election at the Annual General Meeting in October. All members should be on alert and thinking about people they know who might be interested in joining as well as thinking about their own involvement in this organisation.
- Date and Time of Next Meeting
Conference Call:
- Adjournment
Passed by Consensus.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Minutes June 27, 2009
FVC-SK Executive In-Person Meeting: June 27, 2009
Watrous, Saskatchewan - 11:00 AM
Minutes:
Present: Don Mitchell, Gord Hunter, Larissa Shasko, Mike Burton, Elaine Hughes, Rick Sawa (Regrets from Sandra Finley)
1. Round table discussion on future directions of the FVC-SK Chapter:
Gord Hunter (Vice-President):
• FVC Executive Meeting update:
o Question of After B.C., where do we go next?
o Financial struggles (No appetite for increasing membership dues, stuck with current income levels. Treasurer questioned the ability of FVC considering resources)
o How do we make ourselves more interesting? The strategic plan and mission statement are being reworked. (All over the map, a lot of opinions, & not a whole lot of focus.)
o There was a bit of trouble with leadership issues. (The president was not running again, but a new president (from B.C.) finally stepped up.
o A national conference call is in the near future.
o How can we connect the chapters? (this wasn’t discussed at the meeting, but Gord feels there is potential to connect once the reworked strategic plan and revised mission statement are in place. Better communication between chapters is needed.
o Disorganization…
• Gord’s goals for FVC-SK:
o get back to our focus
o get labour involved
o get student’s involved
o talk to politicians
Elaine Hughes (MAL):
• In agreement with Gord.
• With nuke debate and economic recession, it’s hard to push proportional representation. How do we move this goal ahead right now?
• Urban/rural split in knowledge of PR
• Elaine’s goals for FVC-SK:
o Make it doable and small
Mike Burton (new Secretary, see item #4 below):
• This (PR) has to be first for a reason-- so that people’s voices are reflected.
• A motion of similar wording could be brought up at all political party AGMs to push the issue forward. Target provincial political party policy conventions before the next election.
• There is potential for recruitment in Political Science classes, Poli Sci students could speak to high school students (social studies classes, etc.).
• The hard part of moving this issue forward is that it’s the same set of people that are working on many other main issues/causes that are doing this too.
• There is potential for support from the U of R
• Possibility of obtaining resources from U of R student union
• It would be useful to have a paper on the history of PR
• We need to get talking to other groups to get them interested in the issue.
• First nations? Bands?
Rick Sawa (MAL):
• There are so many things coming at us these days that it seems so irrelevant, but if we change the way we voted, maybe all this stuff wouldn’t be thrown at us.
• Where do we fit as a chapter? Is this a big mission we’re all part of or a small mission that is part of a big mission?
• We should proceed with the fundraisers (social events in Regina & Saskatoon, Joyce Green in Regina, schedule permitting). These events are a good way to get more people involved. We’ll need to find a time that people aren’t doing all these other things.
• We must spend time to get time.
• Research paper into PR would be helpful. (Suggestion was made by Mike to refer to the CCPA paper by Joyce Green and Fraser Needham.)
Larissa Shasko (Treasurer):
• There is increasing interest among green political theorists and environmental pragmatists in democratic theory and practice. The current democratic deficit has been identified as a major barrier to accomplishing ecological rationality.
• To accomplish the environmental and social aspirations of Saskatchewan people, our electoral system must be fixed so that the interests of citizens are properly reflected in our elected representatives.
• Our electoral system is unfair.
• Broader theme of democracy
o Many Canadians identify with values of democracy, and they understand and identify with the fact that we are suffering from a lack of democracy.
o Talking about a broader theme of a lack of democracy is a good way to get people interested in proportional representation democratic deficit is the problem, proportional representation is the solution.
• The existing lack of democracy in Saskatchewan is a good way to connect us to other causes, the current nuclear debate in particular (the nuclear debate is a good way to get many more activists involved in our cause).
• In agreement that Poli Sci students are a good pool for recruitment.
• Add municipal election focus:
o Municipal elections coming up in the fall
o There is room for improvements to the democracy of electoral systems in municipal elections in Saskatchewan, especially in cities without Wards and cities without any financial rules for campaigns.
Don Mitchell (President):
• Need to restructure the electoral system to be proportionate
• We have a distorting, unrepresentative electoral system
• We need to be taking poli sci off campus
• Most people don’t understand the system as it works now, so selling PR is that much harder.
• Basic education
• Huge separation between parliamentary and extra-parliamentary
• Research
• Dominant parties—self interest, must overcome that
• Municipal elections—even lower voter turnout than provincial/federal elections
• Voter turnout is going down each election, especially federal elections
• The European Experience
• Municipal electoral reform:
o Ward system needed
o Financial accountability and rules do not exist
• Nuclear issue as a civic issue (in the upcoming municipal elections). Cities could be “declared a nuclear free municipality” (like the city of Vancouver has done).
• As a chapter, we should be more autonomous, but not in direct conflict with the federal organization.
2. General Discussion:
• Webinar for public education (would be great for high school students).
• Improved social networking technologies
• Improved paper networking
• Talking points
• Although we should keep it simple, we need to be able to show and explain a working model of PR (New Zealand would be a good choice).
• Resources—Professors interested in the cause (such as Joyce Green) with access to research accounts may be able to help.
• In the event of a referendum: Question should be first-past-the-post or some other system—In the event of a referendum, we should be making the other side argue to keep 1st past the post instead of us trying to argue “yes to PR”. They’d have to campaign “yes to first- past-the-post” instead of “no to PR”. It is much easier to argue against something than it is to argue for something, so this would be an advantageous angle to use in the event of a referendum.
• Solidarity work—Making connections with other groups & issues.
• Form list of possible allies such as progressive farm organizations (NFU), the Prairie Lily Feminists, etc.
• Goals for FVC-SK:
o Get back to our focus (the need to restructure the electoral system to be proportionate)
o Foster public education on PR
o Get students involved (especially Political Science students)
o Be out in the classroom (high school social studies classes, etc.)
o Get labour involved
o Talk to politicians
o Make connections with other groups & issues
3. Fall Social Events:
• Hold events on Thursday nights, possibly September 18th or 25th or October 2nd.
o Regina event tentatively booked for September 18th.
o Possible venue for Regina event: Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.
o See if we can find a band willing to play at the event (free of charge) after the keynote speaker. Larissa will contact Brett Dolter to see if his band would be interested/willing.
o Larissa will check if September18th works for Joyce Green (keynote speaker for Regina event)
• Don will contact Dave McGrain (sp?) to see if he’d be willing to be the keynote speaker for the Saskatoon event.
• Have a potluck at the events.
• Fundraise by asking people to leave a donation in a donation jar at the beginning and end of the event rather than doing a pass the hat.
• Look into additional ways to fundraise at the events (50/50 draws, raffles, silent art auction, etc.). Larissa will work on finding people/businesses willing to donate items for silent auction and raffle.
4. Appointment of new Secretary:
The 2009 FVC-SK Interim Secretary who we appointed at our founding meeting, Derron Hoover, has been out of contact for a quite a while and has previously expressed his wishes to resign as Secretary due to lack of availability.
Motion: Nominate Mike Burton as interim Secretary of the 2009 FVC-SK Executive.
o Moved by Elaine, Seconded by Rick.
o Passed by Consensus:
Mike Burton will join the 2009 FVC-SK Executive, and Mike will take over the role of interim Secretary of the Saskatchewan Chapter of Fair Vote Canada.
5. AGM: Don will contact Sandra about possibly having the AGM in Saskatoon and proceed from there.
6. Next meeting of the FVC-SK Executive: July 19th, 11 AM.
• Mike will send out agenda and reminder
New Action Items:
Assigned tasks:
Don will contact Dave McGrain (sp?) to see if he’d be willing to be the keynote speaker for the Saskatoon event.
Don will contact Sandra about possibly having the AGM in Saskatoon and proceed from there.
Larissa will contact Brett Dolter to see if his band would be interested/willing to play (free of charge) at either of the fall social/fundraiser events.
Larissa will check if September 18th works for Joyce Green
Larissa will look into additional ways to fundraise at the fall events (50/50 draws, raffles, silent art auction, etc.), and Larissa will work on finding people/businesses willing to donate items for the possible silent auctions and raffles.
Mike will send out agenda and reminder for next meeting (July 19, 11 AM)
Unassigned tasks:
Book venue for Regina social event/fundraiser. (Possible venue for Regina event- Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.)
Watrous, Saskatchewan - 11:00 AM
Minutes:
Present: Don Mitchell, Gord Hunter, Larissa Shasko, Mike Burton, Elaine Hughes, Rick Sawa (Regrets from Sandra Finley)
1. Round table discussion on future directions of the FVC-SK Chapter:
Gord Hunter (Vice-President):
• FVC Executive Meeting update:
o Question of After B.C., where do we go next?
o Financial struggles (No appetite for increasing membership dues, stuck with current income levels. Treasurer questioned the ability of FVC considering resources)
o How do we make ourselves more interesting? The strategic plan and mission statement are being reworked. (All over the map, a lot of opinions, & not a whole lot of focus.)
o There was a bit of trouble with leadership issues. (The president was not running again, but a new president (from B.C.) finally stepped up.
o A national conference call is in the near future.
o How can we connect the chapters? (this wasn’t discussed at the meeting, but Gord feels there is potential to connect once the reworked strategic plan and revised mission statement are in place. Better communication between chapters is needed.
o Disorganization…
• Gord’s goals for FVC-SK:
o get back to our focus
o get labour involved
o get student’s involved
o talk to politicians
Elaine Hughes (MAL):
• In agreement with Gord.
• With nuke debate and economic recession, it’s hard to push proportional representation. How do we move this goal ahead right now?
• Urban/rural split in knowledge of PR
• Elaine’s goals for FVC-SK:
o Make it doable and small
Mike Burton (new Secretary, see item #4 below):
• This (PR) has to be first for a reason-- so that people’s voices are reflected.
• A motion of similar wording could be brought up at all political party AGMs to push the issue forward. Target provincial political party policy conventions before the next election.
• There is potential for recruitment in Political Science classes, Poli Sci students could speak to high school students (social studies classes, etc.).
• The hard part of moving this issue forward is that it’s the same set of people that are working on many other main issues/causes that are doing this too.
• There is potential for support from the U of R
• Possibility of obtaining resources from U of R student union
• It would be useful to have a paper on the history of PR
• We need to get talking to other groups to get them interested in the issue.
• First nations? Bands?
Rick Sawa (MAL):
• There are so many things coming at us these days that it seems so irrelevant, but if we change the way we voted, maybe all this stuff wouldn’t be thrown at us.
• Where do we fit as a chapter? Is this a big mission we’re all part of or a small mission that is part of a big mission?
• We should proceed with the fundraisers (social events in Regina & Saskatoon, Joyce Green in Regina, schedule permitting). These events are a good way to get more people involved. We’ll need to find a time that people aren’t doing all these other things.
• We must spend time to get time.
• Research paper into PR would be helpful. (Suggestion was made by Mike to refer to the CCPA paper by Joyce Green and Fraser Needham.)
Larissa Shasko (Treasurer):
• There is increasing interest among green political theorists and environmental pragmatists in democratic theory and practice. The current democratic deficit has been identified as a major barrier to accomplishing ecological rationality.
• To accomplish the environmental and social aspirations of Saskatchewan people, our electoral system must be fixed so that the interests of citizens are properly reflected in our elected representatives.
• Our electoral system is unfair.
• Broader theme of democracy
o Many Canadians identify with values of democracy, and they understand and identify with the fact that we are suffering from a lack of democracy.
o Talking about a broader theme of a lack of democracy is a good way to get people interested in proportional representation democratic deficit is the problem, proportional representation is the solution.
• The existing lack of democracy in Saskatchewan is a good way to connect us to other causes, the current nuclear debate in particular (the nuclear debate is a good way to get many more activists involved in our cause).
• In agreement that Poli Sci students are a good pool for recruitment.
• Add municipal election focus:
o Municipal elections coming up in the fall
o There is room for improvements to the democracy of electoral systems in municipal elections in Saskatchewan, especially in cities without Wards and cities without any financial rules for campaigns.
Don Mitchell (President):
• Need to restructure the electoral system to be proportionate
• We have a distorting, unrepresentative electoral system
• We need to be taking poli sci off campus
• Most people don’t understand the system as it works now, so selling PR is that much harder.
• Basic education
• Huge separation between parliamentary and extra-parliamentary
• Research
• Dominant parties—self interest, must overcome that
• Municipal elections—even lower voter turnout than provincial/federal elections
• Voter turnout is going down each election, especially federal elections
• The European Experience
• Municipal electoral reform:
o Ward system needed
o Financial accountability and rules do not exist
• Nuclear issue as a civic issue (in the upcoming municipal elections). Cities could be “declared a nuclear free municipality” (like the city of Vancouver has done).
• As a chapter, we should be more autonomous, but not in direct conflict with the federal organization.
2. General Discussion:
• Webinar for public education (would be great for high school students).
• Improved social networking technologies
• Improved paper networking
• Talking points
• Although we should keep it simple, we need to be able to show and explain a working model of PR (New Zealand would be a good choice).
• Resources—Professors interested in the cause (such as Joyce Green) with access to research accounts may be able to help.
• In the event of a referendum: Question should be first-past-the-post or some other system—In the event of a referendum, we should be making the other side argue to keep 1st past the post instead of us trying to argue “yes to PR”. They’d have to campaign “yes to first- past-the-post” instead of “no to PR”. It is much easier to argue against something than it is to argue for something, so this would be an advantageous angle to use in the event of a referendum.
• Solidarity work—Making connections with other groups & issues.
• Form list of possible allies such as progressive farm organizations (NFU), the Prairie Lily Feminists, etc.
• Goals for FVC-SK:
o Get back to our focus (the need to restructure the electoral system to be proportionate)
o Foster public education on PR
o Get students involved (especially Political Science students)
o Be out in the classroom (high school social studies classes, etc.)
o Get labour involved
o Talk to politicians
o Make connections with other groups & issues
3. Fall Social Events:
• Hold events on Thursday nights, possibly September 18th or 25th or October 2nd.
o Regina event tentatively booked for September 18th.
o Possible venue for Regina event: Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.
o See if we can find a band willing to play at the event (free of charge) after the keynote speaker. Larissa will contact Brett Dolter to see if his band would be interested/willing.
o Larissa will check if September18th works for Joyce Green (keynote speaker for Regina event)
• Don will contact Dave McGrain (sp?) to see if he’d be willing to be the keynote speaker for the Saskatoon event.
• Have a potluck at the events.
• Fundraise by asking people to leave a donation in a donation jar at the beginning and end of the event rather than doing a pass the hat.
• Look into additional ways to fundraise at the events (50/50 draws, raffles, silent art auction, etc.). Larissa will work on finding people/businesses willing to donate items for silent auction and raffle.
4. Appointment of new Secretary:
The 2009 FVC-SK Interim Secretary who we appointed at our founding meeting, Derron Hoover, has been out of contact for a quite a while and has previously expressed his wishes to resign as Secretary due to lack of availability.
Motion: Nominate Mike Burton as interim Secretary of the 2009 FVC-SK Executive.
o Moved by Elaine, Seconded by Rick.
o Passed by Consensus:
Mike Burton will join the 2009 FVC-SK Executive, and Mike will take over the role of interim Secretary of the Saskatchewan Chapter of Fair Vote Canada.
5. AGM: Don will contact Sandra about possibly having the AGM in Saskatoon and proceed from there.
6. Next meeting of the FVC-SK Executive: July 19th, 11 AM.
• Mike will send out agenda and reminder
New Action Items:
Assigned tasks:
Don will contact Dave McGrain (sp?) to see if he’d be willing to be the keynote speaker for the Saskatoon event.
Don will contact Sandra about possibly having the AGM in Saskatoon and proceed from there.
Larissa will contact Brett Dolter to see if his band would be interested/willing to play (free of charge) at either of the fall social/fundraiser events.
Larissa will check if September 18th works for Joyce Green
Larissa will look into additional ways to fundraise at the fall events (50/50 draws, raffles, silent art auction, etc.), and Larissa will work on finding people/businesses willing to donate items for the possible silent auctions and raffles.
Mike will send out agenda and reminder for next meeting (July 19, 11 AM)
Unassigned tasks:
Book venue for Regina social event/fundraiser. (Possible venue for Regina event- Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre.)
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