27 APRIL 2001

LAND FORCES ATLANTIC AREA LMRC
HELD AT LFAA HQ

Chairperson: Col R.A. Hatton, COS LFAA HQ
Co-Chairperson: Ms Debbie Graham, UNDE Vice President NF/LB, PEI and NB

Members:
Mr. Ian Bernard, AHRBM LFAA HQ
Mr. Doug Pike, UNDE Vice President NS
Mr. Jim Stewart, Director CHRSC (Atlantic)

Secretary: Ms Dawn Louvelle, COS Secy LFAA HQ

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

1. Chairperson's Opening Remarks. Col R.A. Hatton opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and stated that he was glad to be back from his six-month operational tour in Bosnia. Col Hatton remarked that the alternating of the chairpersonship is very much in the open and co-operative spirit of the way the meetings have been conducted in the past few years. Col Hatton further informed the committee that he would be posted to Brussels mid-July as the Deputy Military Representative to NATO. He stated that his replacement is an Armoured Corps Officer, Col John Collin, who will assume his new duties on 9 Jul 01. Col Hatton assured the committee that Col Collin's handover would include a briefing on the LMRC and its importance, and that Mr. Ian Bernard, AHRBM, would have an opportunity to brief Col Collin on the LMRC process.

2. Co-Chairperson's Opening Remarks. Ms Graham and Mr. Pike welcomed Col Hatton back to Canada and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Ms Graham stated that this was a good forum to discuss issues and that she had current information to update the Committee on what was occurring in Gagetown. Mr. Pike pointed out the challenges when someone gets posted out, but assured the Committee that UNDE was very appreciative of the effort put forth by Col Hatton. Col Hatton replied that Col John Collin would be well briefed on the importance of conducting these meetings in a sincere, forthright and open manner.

PREVIOUS MINUTES

3. Review of Previous Minutes. The Chairperson asked for a review of the minutes. The following concerns and comments resulted:

a. ASD/MEO. Mr. Pike queried as to whether LCol Parks, A Engr reported back to the COS LFAA in reference to the non-solicited bids by PWGSC. Mr. Bernard reported there had not been a definitive answer. He stated there was a non-solicited approach by PWGSC to the CLS, but as far as this Area was concerned there was nothing with respect to entering into any partnership with PWGSC. The Chairperson stated that Mr. Pike's concern had been noted and that an answer would be sought from AEngr, LCol Parks. Mr. Stewart reported this was a National level approach and the Deputy Minister had stated that it was not the time to look at it, however it could be looked at in the future. Mr. Stewart will provide further information.

Note: Confirmation that the initiative was no longer active was received from the A Engr and passed on to all committee members.

b. Web Page. Ms. Graham informed the Committee that the LFAA LMRC minutes were being placed on the UNDE web page. The chairpersonthanked Ms Graham for the information and stated that this is consistent with the spirit of openness of the LMRC meetings. Ms Graham informed the Committee that Gagetown has its own web page under our Region and they were placing the Base LMRC minutes on the web. As well, the National AIRCOM CAS LMRC minutes were provided on the web site.

c. LMRC Enhancement Trg. Mr. Stewart reported that the first request had come through and the Management Labour team would be going into Gagetown end May to put on the revised training.

Note: Owing to the unavailability of local committee members and because a number of key members will change over this summer, it was decided to defer this training until the fall of 2001.

d. Career Opportunities System (COS). Mr. Stewart reported, as stated in the last minutes, National Career Opportunities System was outside the Department's capability. He pointed out that an internal system 'Career Connexions' had been launched for DND personnel, and a possibility exists where, if successful, access to the COS site would provide personnel with usage.

e. Personnel Figures. The Chairperson reported that these had been provided with the agenda.

The previous minutes were accepted as read.

STANDING ITEMS

4. A discussion ensued on the present standing items with the Chairperson asking the Committee if there were any new items that should be added or removed. There were no new items to add or remove. Ms Graham suggested that in the interest of time, agenda items VI, VII and VIII could be incorporated in the related standing items. This was agreed.

a. UCS. Mr. Bernard provided an Area update and stated that LFAA had gone at full pace in the fall leading up to Christmas, with excellent work being conducted in Gagetown. He stated there was still some model adaptation work going on, although very low key. Mr. Bernard stated that UCS was going through a slow down due to deliberations at the National level, and the Area was waiting for further guidance from Treasury Board. Mr. Bernard stated there was a possibility that a statement would be out in May. Ms. Graham reported on the joint Union and Management "Train the Trainer" workshops held in Ottawa. Concern was raised that this training had not been utilized in Gagetown after personnel were sent to Ottawa for the training. Ms Graham reported that there were one-day workshops held in Gagetown, and the personnel who attended had been pleased with the workshops. Mr. Stewart commented that it was his staff doing the one-day workshops; however, he was not aware of the joint management possibility and he would check into this. Col Hatton stated that he was impressed with the cooperation and tremendous amount of work that was put into UCS by the people in Gagetown and hoped it would be effective.

b. ASD/MEO. Mr. Bernard reported that ASD/MEO was being reviewed in Ottawa and is called the ASD Capacity Check. Mr. Bernard reported that the RforP for the Supply Chain Project (SCP) had been released; bids received and same were being evaluated. Ms Graham reported there were five bids received on the closing date of 31 Jan 01, and the partnership would be announced in Jul or Aug. For information, Ms Graham identified that the five companies could be viewed on UNDE's web site. Ms Graham stated that it was anticipated there would be, at least, a one-year transition period needed for the new service provider to take over. As such, it was expected that displacement of potentially affected members would begin by spring 2002. Ms Graham explained that CTC Gagetown was still in the process of working with the NBJCTC and the consultant hired to conduct a three-phase project with the 72 potentially affected members. Phase one was responsible for conducting an employee skills analysis and to identify any generic training that employees could use. The training needs were compiled and provided to the Base HRBM for the development of this year's training plan and budget. All participants, UNDE and DND, agreed that Phase one of the project was extremely successful. Phase two would see an analysis of the job market availability, while Phase three would be responsible for potentially matching employees with positions and identifying any shortfalls in the employees' skill level. Since Phase two and three could not be completed until this fiscal year, requests for more funds had been submitted to the National JCTC by the NBJCTC. Although the Committee had already submitted and received its budget, it was expected there would be some flexibility shown in order to complete the rest of the project. Mr. Stewart reported that the continuous learning framework that was recently established at the National level will be implemented on a "phased" approach. The Atlantic Region will be in the first phase. As a result, a Learning and Career Development Center will be opened in Gagetown. Mr. Pike reported on the ASD Capacity Check and stated that MARLANT FCE had been a part of a study for which the report was now out; however, it had not yet been seen. Mr. Pike stated that timelines needed to be set with the Capacity Check and UNDE had put forth a suggestion to have timelines put in place.

c. EAP. Mr. Bernard reported that all was well with the EAP throughout the Area. He stated that the EAP, specifically in Gagetown under the chairpersonship of Mr. Richard LeBlanc and his committee, was running extremely well. Mr. Stewart reported the Navy was staffing the Halifax coordinator position. Ms Graham informed the Committee there was an EAP web site. She stated that the EAP in Gagetown had been awarded UNDE appreciation plaques. Mr. Pike reported that the National EAP anniversary celebrations for 2002 were being organized across the country. He reported that a letter would be sent to RAs across the country, encouraging them to attend the upcoming National EAP negotiations, and UNDE hoped management would allow their RAs to participate.

d. EE. Mr. Bernard reported that LFAA HQ and 37 CBG HQ in Moncton had completed the EE Self Identification census with 100% participation. He informed the Committee that the Town Hall approach was up and running in Gagetown and that sessions were occurring daily, coupled with the electronic census. Ms Graham commented on the electronic version of the census and encouraged everyone to fill these out. Although not aware of the Town Hall approach in Gagetown, Ms Graham asked for feedback on this. Mr. Bernard agreed to provide. Mr. Pike queried as to whether LFAA employees were given time off to participate in the EE Self Identification Census. Mr. Bernard replied that the census was held during work hours and employees were given the time to participate. Ms Graham stated that at the last National Executive Meeting with UNDE, the EE portfolio had been handed back to her and she would use the LMRC forum to deal with EE issues. Mr. Stewart noted that the Canadian Human rights Commission has recently commenced a formal review of employment equity within the Department. As part of this review, it is likely that employees and management focus groups will be held in the field. In addition, a series of on-site visits and file audits will be conducted. At the end of the review, the department will be provided with an assessment and recommendations will be made on what, if any, changes will be required.

5. CTC/3 ASG Split Gagetown. Col Hatton gave an update on the CTC/3 ASG Split in Gagetown and stated that it had become effective 1 Apr 01. The Commander CTC, Col Isabelle would remain Commander of both formations until replacements arrive this summer. Col Hatton further discussed the functions of CTC and 3 ASG. Mr. Stewart queried as to whether CTC is still a part of LFAA HQ. Col Hatton reported that CTC reports to Land Force Doctrine and Training Systems (LFDTS) Kingston. Mr. Bernard further reported that LFDTS is still within the Army and that Ms Ryan would continue to provide HRBM services at CTC.

6. DND Harassment Policy. Ms Graham informed the Committee that the new DND Harassment Policy was in place and had been approved by Treasury Board. She stated UNDE's concern that UNDE had not been consulted on the new policy. She stated that UNDE felt the policy does not offer full protection to employees. Ms Graham stated that UNDE had taken the stance that they would not sanction the DND Harassment Policy. She stated that UNDE had asked the component to identify to its employees that they should not participate in harassment investigations. If employees felt harassed, they should file harassment grievances. They should not participate in any ongoing investigations that the Department would take. Employees would be further asked to not participate as harassment coordinators, advisors or any part of the investigation. The Chairperson asked if this was being done across the country. Ms Graham replied that yes, in fact we have asked the National President to send a letter to the Department. Discussion ensued on the new policy and the associated training aspects. Ms Graham updated the Committee on the harassment training, as it stands now, with only new civilian employees and civilian supervisors entitled to the training. UNDE had suggested that even though they would not support the policy, the training should be open to all civilians as well as military personnel.

7. Day of Mourning Activities. Ms Graham reported that April 28 was the National Day of Mourning recognizing employees who had lost their lives in the performance of their duties. She reported that Gagetown had taken an active role with participation from civilian, military, the town council and the town of Oromocto. There would be pictures placed on the web site. Ms Graham reported that flags would be "half-mast" at all bases on 28 April as well as on Parliament Hill.

OTHER POINTS

8. Chairperson's Concluding Remarks. Col Hatton stated that this will be his last meeting and he thanked all for the cooperation he had received over the last two years. He stated that it has been an education for him, and he was pleased with the spirit within the Atlantic Provinces. He assured the committee that Col Collin would show the same amount of interest and involvement with these meetings.

9. Co-Chairperson's Concluding Remarks. Ms Graham and Mr. Pike on behalf of UNDE wished Col Hatton all the best in his future endeavors and stated they were looking forward to working with Col Collin.

NEXT MEETING

10. The next LMRC meeting was tentatively scheduled between end September and mid October. Mr. Bernard to firm up date once Col Collin is on the ground.

R.A. Hatton
Colonel
Chairperson

Ms D.A. Graham
UNDE
Co-Chairperson

Ms Dawn Louvelle
COS Secy
LFAA HQ