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
