14 January 2008

Land Forces Central Area LMRC - Report

The LFCA LMRC was held in Toronto on 14 January 2008.   As chair for this meeting, I opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone back after the Holidays, and as there were new people attending, proceeded around the table with introductions of the Committee.
 
The previous minutes were reviewed and the HRBM Gail Fox provided an amendment to the date of the signing of the Area Employment Equity Plan, 31 Aug 07 vice 1 Aug 07.  The minutes were then accepted.
 
Highlights:

ASR Update:    Col Erickson informed the committee that there was a letter on ASR sent out by LFCA J4 indicating that the project has been closed.  It was then recommended that this standing item be closed; which the committee agreed to.  As Brother Santerre and I had not seen a copy of the letter, Gail Fox would forward an electronic copy to us. 

LFCA EE .    As the EE Rep Capt Patterson-Hock was absent for this meeting therefore, the HRBM Gail Fox presented the report on her behalf.  The EE Rep and her, had attended the Army EE Working Group in Halifax 15-18 Oct 07, and the key points included ADM HR (Civ) funding allocation for EE activities which is based on individual business cases as well as previous years’ spending.  There will be a new civilian representation calculator coming available in the near future.  There is a new system in place generating civilian data reports.  DDWB is also currently putting together a “Champion’s Tool Kit” that the EE Rep will distribute to EE Officers, Advisory Groups and Champions upon receipt.  She also informed the committee that the definition of “disability” under the Canadian Human Rights Act now includes those with environmental sensitivities.  Also mentioned is that the four commemorative dates that are celebrated at National Defence are International Women’s Day, 8 March; International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 Mar; Aboriginal awareness Week, 3rd week in May; and International Day for Persons with Disabilities, 3rd Dec. 

Col Erickson, requested a briefing on the DGM gaps in LFCA for the next LMRC.  I also informed the Committee that Brother Roger Dodier had relocated and I would be canvassing Ontario for another EE Coordinator and will advise at a later date.

Update on IM/IT Issues:   Col Erickson informed the committee that CLS and EDIM met in Dec 07 and agreed to slow down the transformation, in part, due to the Signal Corps restructure.  Army G6 is now engaged in slowing things down.  He further stated that he believes a clearer vision on this plan is required.  He will provide further updates at the next meeting.  This item, as agreed by the committee, will be placed as a Standing Item.

Parking:  Col Erickson informed the Committee that he had no new information on this issue at this time.  I also indicated that there had been no further information to pass at this time.  This item will remain the agenda for the next meeting.

Update on Classification Audit/Monitoring Report:   The Director D/CHRCS (Ontario), Merv Lesch, provided a status report on this issue.  He informed the committee that the TB 330 is now called the EPAR 330.  He stated that in Group 1, Confirmed Positions, that there were 81 files completed and in Group 2, Revised Group and Level, - that there were 42 files in the process. Seven of the files have been completed with an additional seven to be completed by mid-Jan.  The remaining 28 positions require additional work because of their potential national impact.  In Group 3, Revised Ratings, there are 12 files in the process.  These positions will be completed after Groups 2 and 4 are done since there is no impact on group and level.  In Group 4, Other, there are 17 files in the process.  He further stated that DCCO has requested that the region carry out further investigation with respect to the 17 positions.  In Group 5, Impacted Positions, there are 13 files in the process.  Merv indicated that as DCCO is responsible for the completion of the EPARS for the monitored positions, Regional Classification staff will complete EPARS for those related impacted positions based on DCCO decisions.  Merv reconfirmed that his staff are committed to bringing closure to those situations. 

In acknowledging that there is quite a backlog in Classifications already, I further stated that there is a concern that this initiative will further compound the situation, and delaying classification actions.  I also reiterated that the UNDE membership that I represent is very frustrated at the length of time it takes to complete the Classification process.

SWE Cap:  Brother Santerre requested information on how the SWE Cap was going to impact the Area.  In LFC a cap on SWE funding has been implemented for FY 07/08 and beyond.  Col Erickson informed the committee that for FY 07/08, 2 ASG is over programmed in SWE by $5-6M.  To mitigate SWE shortage, O&M funds are often used to convert to SWE funds, with a 20% penalty.  His goal is to live within the SWE allocation and not to convert funds. He further indicated that there are many issues being discussed, for example:  whether to staff positions that are vacated due to retirement or whether to put these resources elsewhere.  He also stated that this has nothing to do with the IM/IT issues as SWE must be properly managed.   Col Radford, the COS, indicated that the Area is expected to conduct a SWE Review over the next three months.  LCol Bérard, J1, requested that this item be added to the agenda for the next meeting

Area Ops Calendar for 2008:  Maj Leigh G3 Ops outlined Operations and Training events in the Area over the next year.  Col Radford stated that he wished to recognize the civilians that are in Afghanistan supporting the CF and also those here that help get the troops over to Afghanistan.

During the round table I requested that the Area’s Apprentice Program and how it will be funded be added to the agenda for the next meeting.  Brother Santerre thanked Gail Fox for arranging a teleconference on the Classification Review.  There being no further points, I thanked the Committee for participating in the meeting and the meeting was adjourned.  

The next meeting is scheduled for the 08 April 2008.

Fraternally,

Submitted electronically,

Debra Nadeau
UNDE VP Ontario