Regionalization in the NCR - What does it mean?

What is regionalization?

For many years, PSAC members have wanted to play a significant role in their Union. But the PSAC is a very large and multifaceted organization. Some have felt lost in it or not a real part of it. In response to this, the political and administrative structures have undergone significant changes.

In 1994, at the Triennial PSAC Convention, the Constitution was changed to place more power and authority in the regions. The Alliance Executive Committee - a National President and four Executive Vice-Presidents at headquarters - would be changed, in two stages. First, one of the four Executive Vice-President positions was abolished, and replaced by a Regional Executive Vice-President for Quebec. Three years later, in 1997, two more Executive Vice-President positions disappeared, and were replaced by six Regional Executive Vice-Presidents (REVPs). The new Alliance Executive Committee has one National President, one National Executive Vice-President and seven REVPs.

Each REVP lives in his or her Region. They are closer and therefore more directly accountable to the membership. Among other duties, they are in charge of the Regional Offices and the delivery of education. They are the PSAC's political voice in their regions. They will chair their Regional Councils. And they are advocates for their regions within the PSAC as a whole, while at the same time having national responsibilities as assigned by the National President.

There are seven regions: Quebec, the North, British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, the National Capital Region, and the Atlantic Region. The Regional Vice-President for the National Capital Region is Edward (Ed) Cashman - the author of this message.

OK, but what does all this mean for my Local?

My first priority is to get a Regional Council established. Given the small geographic size of the NCR compared to other regions, it is possible to have the Locals directly involved in running this Council. Here are just a few areas that a Regional Council could help with:

• Communications - Faulty communication has been a constant problem in the NCR. The sheer number of members (40,000) has made it difficult to get information out to them, or to hear from them. A Regional Council would be a forum in which Local representatives, among others, could share information, produce a communications network, have their voices heard directly by the Alliance leadership, and generally get plugged in.
• Local Development - Local leaders in this region have often found it difficult to reach their own members. Poor turnout at Local meetings and burned-out activists have been the result. This has a variety of causes. Very large Locals spread out over many worksites, for example, present enormous challenges, even to the most energetic and dedicated of Local executive members and stewards. A Regional Council could run a "Locals Helping Locals" program where ideas, strategies, and various resources are shared.
• Education - The regionalization of education gives us an opportunity to tailor available courses to the needs of Locals and the region, and to develop new kinds of training if and when the needs arises.
• The "Two Sides of the River" Problem - A Regional Council could provide a solidarity-building forum, linking the members in the Outaouais and Ottawa-Carleton with better communications and shared activities.

What are we doing to establish a Regional Council?

So far, we have held a meeting of Regional Vice-Presidents in June and a large planning meeting in September. A questionnaire was also circulated to all Locals and Regional Committees asking for detailed input. The September meeting, to which all Local Presidents, Committee Chairs and Regional Vice-Presidents were invited, elected a Working Group to draft by-laws, a budget and an action plan for the Regional Council. The Working Group is presently holding regular meetings. The founding meeting of the Regional Council is expected to be in the Spring.

How do we contribute our ideas and input?

Suggestions, ideas and concerns are always welcome. You may send them to me in writing if you wish:

Edward (Ed) Cashman 
Regional Executive Vice-President, 
National Capital Region, Public Service Alliance of Canada, 
15 Holland Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4T2

or by fax (613) 761-7606

or by e-mail at cashman@psac.com