AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA - ONTARIO GROUP
MINUTES
61st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SAULT STE MARIE, ONTARIO
21, 22 & 23 MAY 2010
HOST
The host for the 2010 Convention was 432 (Algoma) Wing with the host committee Chaired by Clyde Healey.
Opening ceremonies commenced at 1930 hours on Friday 21 May 2010. Guests in attendance included: MP Right Honourable Tony Martin; MPP for Sault Ste Marie, Hon David Orazietti; His Worship Mayor John Rowswell; Padre Phil Miller and Brian Darling, AFAC National President.
President Dave Donovan recognized Ed Wood, 416 Wing Kingston as having received his 60 year pin in 2009 on the 60th Anniversary of the AFAC. Members of the Year, Murray and Pat Hope, 418 Wing were introduced.
61-01 CONVENING OF THE FIRST BUSINESS SESSION
President Dave Donovan opened the meeting at 0830 hours with a minute of silence remembering those who had departed this life since our last meeting, particularly remembering those who died while serving in the Air Forces of the Commonwealth and Allied Nations, those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Armed Forces of Canada and her allies in the two Great Wars, subsequent military engagements and peace-keeping operations.
61-02 RECOGNITION OF ONTARIO PAST PRESIDENTS
The following Ontario Past Presidents were recognized as being present: Bill Jack 1991-93; Moe Clouthier 1993-95; John Stewart 1999-2001; Les Ball 2001-03; Noel Funge 2005-07; Sam Newman 2007-09.
61-03 RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL PAST PRESIDENTS
The following National Past Presidents were recognized as being present: Ron Button, 1990-92.
61-04 RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
Brian Darling, National President was recognized as the representative from National Executive.
61-05 RECOGNITION OF CANADIAN FORCES CONTACT OFFICERS
Maj Andrea Sloane, 441 Wing Liason Officer and 403 Wing Laison Officer Lt. Tony Snow were recognized.
61-06 RECOGNITION OF RECORDING SECRETARY
Susan Arsenault was introduced as recording secretary.
61-07 ROLL CALL
Dave Donovan called on Susan Arsenault, recording secretary to conduct the roll call. Voting delegates are determined by membership count effective March 1, 2010 as received from National Headquarters (See Attached). There were 28 delegates present; 23 proxies; 9 Group Executives; and 3 Past Presidents for a total of 63 votes. The summary is attached to these minutes.
61-08 APPOINTMENT OF PARLIAMENTARIAN
Dave Donovan appointed Les Ball, as Parliamentarian.
61-09 APPROVAL OF NOTICE TO HOLD 61st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Moved by John Bamlett, 442 Wing, seconded by Ron Beaudreau, 404 Wing that the Notice to Hold the 61st Annual General meeting be approved. CARRIED
60-10 RULES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING THIS MEETING
Les Ball, Parliamentarian, advised the By-Laws of the AFAC would be followed, along with the Ontario Handbook and Roberts Rules of Order.
61-11 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE 60th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Moved by Shirley Kelly, 403 Wing, seconded by John Bamlett, 442 Wing that the Minutes of the 60th Annual General Meeting be approved. CARRIED
61-12 APPROVAL OF ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE ON GROUP EXECUTIVE THIS PAST YEAR
Moved by John Bamlett, 442 Wing, seconded by Art Darnbrough, 413 Wing that the actions taken by the Ontario Group Executive over the past year be approved. CARRIED
60-13 MOTION TO ACCEPT AGENDA AS PRESENTED
President Dave Donovan announced amendments to the agenda to include:
a) Item 15: To include presentation of the Audited Financial report for the Fiscal Year 2007/2008.
b) Item A: The review and discussion of the “Discussion Paper” to follow Item 24.
Moved by John Oliver, 413 Wing, seconded by Murray Hope, 418 Wing that the agenda be accepted as amended. CARRIED
61-14 PRESENTATION OF EXECUTIVE REPORTS
Executive Reports had been distributed to all delegates and are attached to these minutes as follows:
Annex A - Group President, Dave Donovan
President Dave Donovan thanked the delegates for their attendance. He acknowledged Noel Funge for guidance provided during his first year in office.
Annex D - 1st Vice President, Grant McDonald
Grant McDonald observed that it was three years ago here at Sault Ste. Marie he was obliged to step down from his executive position for health reasons. He also stated how glad he is to be back on the ON Group Executive
Annex E - 2nd Vice President, Bill Devereaux
Bill Devereaux thanked the host committee for hosting the AGM. He acknowledged there have been challenges since he took his position in July 2009 which can not be fixed overnight, however they can be overcome.
Annex B – Immediate Past President, Sam Newman
Sam Newman welcomed the Liaison Officers. He noted it was necessary to be able to see what can be done for wings in difficulty. He congratulated 403 Wing and 447 Wing on their new quarters.
61-15 PRESENTATION OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007/08 AND 2008/09
Treasurer Bill Jack presented the Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2007-08 (Annex J-A) signed by the auditors. He reminded the delegates that at last year’s AGM the report had not been audited . Moved by Gerry Cuffe, RVP Central, seconded by Art Darnbrough, 413 Wing that the signed Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2007/08 be accepted. CARRIED
Treasurer Bill Jack presented the Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2008-09 (Annex J). Moved by Shirley Kelly, 403 Wing, seconded by Bill Grahlman, 447 Wing, that the Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2007/08 be accepted as corrected. CARRIED
61-16 APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
Moved by Bill Jack, Treasurer; seconded by Jim Scherb, RVP Western that Claire Morrison be appointed as auditor for the upcoming year. CARRIED
61-17 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011
Bill Jack presented the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 (Annex J-B). Lorne Falle,424 Wing questioned the decrease in income. Bill Jack responded there were several projects which donated funds to Ontario Group, Pennies from Heaven being one of them as well as donations from individual Wings; members of the Ontario Executive have paid for travel expenses out of their pockets; there was grant from the National
Moved by Moe Demontigny, RVP Eastern, seconded by Earl Sinnett, 410 Wing that the Budget be accepted. CARRIED
61-17 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 (Cont’d)
Bill Jack noted that the question had been raised as to why the Financial Report is always so far out of date. He advised the date for the fiscal year-end is still six weeks away, and the report can only be completed after that date for the current year. He said there is the possibility of changing the fiscal year for Ontario Group to 31 March, therefore having an up to date report for the AGM. He reported this would have some drawbacks, mainly asking Wings for money when the “cupboards” were bare but suggested perhaps the Wings could set aside the money ahead of time for Group.
Moved by Bill Jack, Treasurer, seconded by Lorne Falle, 424 Wing that the fiscal year end for Ontario Group be changed to 31 March.
Les Ball, Parliamentarian, questioned the legality of the change. At the moment, National, Group and Wings have the same fiscal year-end. He suggested perhaps the Treasurer could provide a current financial report for the current year at the AGM. Bill Jack advised this could be done with no problem. Lorne Falle, 424 Wing, questioned whether National had to approve the motions passed at Group level AGM.
Brian Darling, National President, advised the fiscal year-end is embedded in the National Constitution. He suggested the fiscal year remain the same, but as suggested previously, to present a current financial report to the delegates.
Bill Jack acknowledged the Group fiscal year is the same as National and an accurate financial statement for the current fiscal year could be presented to the AGM, with the audited one to follow.
The motion was withdrawn.
Moved by Shirley Kelly, 403 Wing, seconded by Murray Hope 418 Wing that an up-to-date financial report for the current year is presented at future Group AGM’s. CARRIED
61-18 REPORT FROM HONORARY GROUP PRESIDENT – ANNEX C
Noel Funge stated he is aware of the frustration created with the National web site being so slow, resulting in the Group page being slow. Dean Black at National HQ has advised they are trying to fix this. Noel Funge advised Wing pages can be linked to the Group page if so desired. Also, Mr. Black has approached him asking if he would consider taking the calendar changes on as a task.
There has been one change to the Group Handbook, but it pertains to Executive only. He is working on the request to be able to have forms filled out on-line and then printed.
61-19 REPORTS FROM REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS
Reports from Regional Vice-Presidents are attached to these minutes as follows:
Annex I – Jim Scherb, Western Region
Jim Scherb complimented 403 Wing on their new quarters. He acknowledged Grant McAuley’s hard work at 411 Wing for his hard work in getting it back on track.
61-19 REPORTS FROM REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS (Cont’d)
Annex H – Gerry Cuffe, Central Region
Gerry Cuffe commented on the successful open house 447 Wing held for the opening of its new quarters with 150 people in attendance.
Annex F – Howard Johnston, Quinte Region
Howard Johnston called Treasurer Bill Jack up to the front and gave a personal donation to the “Pennies from Heaven” fund, stating he had rolled them already. He stated Quinte Region is in good shape and thanked the seven wings for their support.
Moe Demontigny, Eastern Region
Moe Demontigny thanked Group for allowing him the year off due to ill health and he is now ready to get back on board for the coming year. He thanked Bill Devereaux, 2nd Vice President for taking on the responsibilities of Eastern Region during his absence.
61-20 REPORT OF RCAFA TRUST FUND
C.L. ‘Tommy’ Thomas, a Director with the RCAFA Trust Fund read a letter from G. ‘Ted’ Mahood, Chair of the RCAFA Trust Fund, who was unable to attend due to illness. The letter and financial reports are attached to these minutes.
Donations were received as follows: Murray Hope, 418 Wing - $1,500, ($200. To the “Snowbird Fund” $1300.uncommitted) however with the following statement:
Mr. Chairman; 418 Wing is an older Wing that has many of our members continually volunteering all around the community, albeit, at a slower pace than in the past. It is for this reason that I am able to present this cheque to the Trust Fund as a result of their continual support, in this case to the Poppy Program. It is a well known fact that this program is a success because of 418 Wing’s dedicated efforts all year round.
However, this if the third year that I have had the pleasure of presenting this donation to the RCAFA Trust Fund. Each time I have requested where these funds were allocated since we do not dedicate the donation to a fixed cause, but to an undefined cause deemed most worthy of support by your committee. As you probably realize by this introduction, we have not received even a thanks for our efforts, so I am suggesting - NO – guaranteeing that if this continues, you will not have the privilege of cashing our cheque if we do not receive a small note to inform us who benefits from all our efforts. You know there are many other worthy causes that are looking for our support. Thanks you sir. Murray Hope.
Shirley Kelly, 403 Wing: $100 to the Snowbirds 40th Anniversary; $100 from COPA 7 Flight.
Rita Patry, 422 Wing: $500 to the Snowbirds 40th Anniversary; $100 to Comox Museum.
Art Webster, 416 Wing (personal donation): $100 - $90, $1 for each year of his life plus $10 to the Snowbird’s 40th Anniversary.
Ed Wood, 416 Wing (personal donation): $1,000 to the Snowbird’s fund.
Art Darnbrough 413 Wing Trenton made a separate $500. donation to Ontario Group.
61-21 STATEMENTS FROM THE FLOOR
John Bamlett, 442 Wing came to the floor to personally thank Ontario Group and Central RVP Gerry Cuffe for the assistance in trying to get 442 Wing back together. Unfortunately at a meeting held on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 there was a vote taken and decision made to disband as of 30 June 2010.
61-21 STATEMENTS FROM THE FLOOR (Cont’d)
Gerry Cuffe advised although the Wing will be closing and retiring their colours, the members will either transfer to other Wings in the area or to Members At Large. They will be losing a Wing but not the membership.
Bill Jack, Treasurer reminded the delegates of the significance of the “living symbol” laid by Ontario Group at the Memorial Parade. This was started at the suggestion of MGen (Ret’d) Gord Ockenden as a lasting memorial instead of a wreath which is thrown away after the ceremony. The tree presented to 432 Wing in 2007 is flourishing at the airport. Alan Fell from 432 Wing commented they would try to find a corner to put this year’s tree in. Since they will be hosting again in 2014, by that time there will be a forest at the airport.
President Dave Donovan advised due to being ahead of schedule, Item 24: Resolutions will now be present.
61-21 RESOLUTIONS
Resolution for the Proposed Governor General’s Volunteer Service Medal (GGVSM) was presented. (Attached to these minutes).
Moved by Chris Redfern, 427 Wing; seconded by John Hooper, 432 Wing that the resolution be amended to read :,,,, for volunteer service by Canadians in the Regular and Reserve Military Forces and CIC who were not…”. CARRIED