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The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada > News & Events > Communications Magazine > Vol. 35, No. 2, Summer 2009
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PerspectivePerspective
Over the past few months, the Institute has been actively working to protect your rights, and has tackled a number of key issues.Overall, the most critical matter currently facing members is the passing of Bill C-10 after short debates in Parliament. We presented a brief to the House Of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in February 2009, to ensure elected officials understood the Bill’s impact on our members. 

Vol. 35, No. 2, Summer 2009

Featured Articles

Summer 09 cover of Communications magazine

Challenging C-10 - Defending our Right to Collective Bargaining

The government has hijacked our right to collective bargaining – a right enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. PIPSC has launched a legal challenge to stop the government from trampling on our rights. Representing the 42,000 Institute members affected by the wage restraint legislation, Deborah Anne Chamney (Chair, SH bargaining team), Humayoun Akhtar (President, RE Group) and Raymond Lazzara (President, AFS Group) signed the Notice of Application.

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In the News

Challenging C-10 - Defending our Right to Collective Bargaining Challenging C-10 - Defending our Right to Collective Bargaining
On April 6, 2009, the Institute filed a Notice of Application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. As Courts are sometimes hesitant to give standing to unions, the Institute identified three individual applicants to represent the entire membership in the legal action.  
What are the Implications for Pay Equity under Bill C-10?
Contracting Out: The Real PictureContracting Out: The Real Picture
The issue of contracting out has been a topic of importance for the Institute and its members for many years. The government is transferring many responsibilities to the private sector. We observe this philosophy at work in the government’s approach to a wide range of examples, from public science to property management to information technology.  
The Future of IM/IT in the Public ServiceThe Future of IM/IT in the Public Service
On February 20-21, 2009 the Information Management/ Information Technology (IM/IT) Sector Council Forum organised the "Future of IM/IT in the Public Service" symposium.  
Québec Steward CouncilQuébec Steward Council
President Gary Corbett acknowledged steward Sylvie Mercier's 25 years of service. 
NR Group AGMNR Group AGM
On April 24, 2009, the day before the NR Group Annual General Meeting (AGM), the NR Group Executive and Sub-Group Presidents met at the Hilton Lac Leamy Hotel in Gatineau, Québec. The meeting focused on members and their work in the defence of Canada. Members discussed the impact of the demands of their work on labour relations. 
What is a Lunch and Learn Session?What is a Lunch and Learn Session?
The Member Services Committee (MSC) is encouraging Institute Groups to hold Lunch and Learn sessions to increase visibility and strengthen the links between members.  
Ontario Regional CouncilOntario Regional Council
Ontario Regional Council April 17 and 18, 2009 
National Capital Region CouncilNational Capital Region Council
The National Capital Region held their annual Regional Council in Ottawa on May 12 and 13, 2009. 
New Brunswick Threat to Collective Bargaining
New Work Force Adjustment Agreement
Balancing Work and Life: A Constant Challenge!
Judicial Review of PSST Decision Succeeds!
Professional Institute Scholarship Program
CS Group AGM
Professional Recognition and Qualifications Committee (PRQC)

Regular Features

Eye on the Legislative Agenda
Know Your Rights - Flawed Training Program Trumps Lay-off
Legal Update - Constitutional Challenge
Legal Update - Pension Surplus Litigation Update
Science Matters - Will More Cuts to Public Science in Canada Encourage a Brain Drain to the U.S.?
Public Science in Canada - Strengthening Science to Protect Canadians - May 12-14, 2010
Regional News
Collective Bargaining Report
Member News
Steward Training/Upcoming Events
AGM Information and Delegate Count
ServicePlus Contest Winners

Editor’s Note

They say the more things change, the more they stay the same…Conservative governments simply can’t seem to negotiate in good faith with public service employees - they have to depend on special legislation when the negotiations don’t go their way. The last salary freeze dates back to the 90s and the Mulroney government. But things won’t be the same this time around, thanks to a Supreme Court decision that recognizes the right to collective bargaining. I hope you enjoy this issue! Send me your comments at clecours@pipsc.ca