Minutes From The DCF AGM - June 25, 2019

AGENDA

1)  Approval of Agenda

M/S/C

2)  Approval of minutes

M/S/C

3)  President's Report

It has been a difficult year. The committees have made limited progress. The difficulties in the transition underline the need to move ahead with professional staff. There will be a proposal brought forward at the next AGM. We cannot rely on volunteers alone to make the DCF the organization it deserves to be. Many people are stepping down from the board and moving on, we are thankful for their service. Also want to thank Chris Markevich who has been helping us with admin support, thankfully for us - he is interested in serving on the Board. 

On the bright side, we have received a significant grant from the Flanagan Foundation, which will go towards the goal of hiring an Executive Director in due time and help us increase our fundraising capacity.

A grant issued by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund for the purpose of supporting climate education in the province of British Columbia has been a success. Initiative conducted along with the Broadbent Institute. We hope we will be able to collaborate with them in the future.  Incidentally, the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation was present once again at the Progress Summit. The DCF’s booth was helpfully staffed by Derek DeVlieger, Emilie Taman, Oliver Kent and Amy Boughner over the course of the three day event. Huge thanks to them.

The 7th annual Tommy Douglas Institute was held on May 23rd in Toronto. The DCF was present once again, with a booth and a speaking opportunity. The theme this year was Poverty, populism, planet: Envisioning Economic Justice. We recruited a few prospects. Discussions happened about the future support of the DCF for the event. 

The biography Oral History of Alexa McDonough has been delayed. The DCF remains supportive of the project and its new manager, Stephen Kimber. Research and writing for the completion of this project has been approved, so hopefully it will be published soon. Speaking of books, there is a project for a Children’s book about Tommy Douglas, we of course will monitor and consider providing support in due time.

Our membership with SHARE is long past due. SHARE is a leading not-for-profit organization in responsible investment services, research and education. Karl moves a motion to the AGM to remain a member in good standing of SHARE and to pay any amounts owed.

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4)  Executive Secretary Report

We need to update our records with the government.

5)  Treasurer's Report

The treasurer Emilie Taman has stepped down before the transition could be completed, so we are unable to provide a financial report at this time. Karl says the transition between treasurers has not been as smooth as hoped. The Board will select a new treasurer at the next meeting. Melissa Hunter has volunteered to take over the position, should the members choose to elect her on the board today.

Karl notes that the grant awarded to Our Commons/Nos Communes has not been processed yet due to the organization failing to meet the requirements asked by the Board. The Board has been reluctant to move forward with grants allocation until we get a clearer picture of the financial situation.

With the help of Josh Bizjak, we were able to file with CRA within the deadline.

6)  Nomination of Board Members

The following Board members have indicated they are either stepping down or not running again: Étienne Gratton, Calinda Brown, David McGrane, K. Diane O'Reggio, David MacKenzie, Oliver Kent and Emilie Taman.  

The terms of Karl Bélanger, Heather Fraser and Anne Scotton are expiring after the AGM. They have indicated they are interested in serving another term. Melissa Hunter, Chris Markevich, Jon Weier, Chris Gosse, Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Diana Idibe, and Jay Ramasubramanyam indicated their wish to be on the Board.

The recommendation to the AGM is to nominate these individuals on the Board.

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It is suggested that because of the turnover and the urgent need to get the finances in order, a Board meeting be called in the next month in order to elect new officers as soon as possible.

7)  Other Business

8)  Adjournment