General Membership News Current Archive
Pension Appeal to Proceed
May 6, 2011
The Supreme Court of Canada has granted CAPE, PIPSC, PSAC and several other public service bargaining agents and representative organizations our applications for leave to appeal the 2010 Ontario Court of Appeal decision. Canadians Elect a Conservative Majority,
Put NDP in the Role of Official Opposition
May 4, 2011
The results of the May 2 federal elections put the Conservatives back in power, with a majority. CAPE will be watching closely how federal public service employees will be impacted by the new face of the federal government. With the NDP as Official Opposition, the balance of power has shifted. Public Service Pension Plan Panel Discussion Available Online
April 28, 2011
For those who were unable to attend the April 19th “Professionals Serving Canadians” panel discussion on the Public Service Pension Plan, a recording of the full discussion is available online here: http://www2.webcastcanada.ca/professionalsservingcanadians/ Federal Elections 2011
A Message from CAPE President Claude Poirier
April 27, 2011
Next week, Canadians will have the opportunity to select who they want to run the country on their behalf. Apathy has been a major problem in recent elections. You don’t want others to decide for you. Please take some time and make your own choice. Make that choice count by voting on Monday May 2. The Deadline to Register for Stewards' Training is Fast Approaching
April 26, 2011
The deadline to register for the Association’s various training courses for our Local Leaders and representatives is May 13, 2011. If you want to ensure your place at the table, contact us today! Press Release
Restrictions on “Political Activity” for Federal Public Service Employees
April 15, 2011
Ottawa, April 15, 2011... The Canadian Association of Professional Employees is concerned that advice provided by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and by some departments will discourage public service employees from exercising a legitimate right to engage in political activities during the current federal election. FEDERAL ELECTION 2011: WHAT ARE YOUR POLITICAL RIGHTS?
April 15, 2011
“Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression,” along with other civil and political rights, are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. CAPE believes that its members should be fully entitled to the benefit of these protections. Unfortunately, the Public Service Employment Act (“the Act” or “PSEA”) places restrictions on the right of federal public service employees to engage in political activity. Additional Call for Volunteers to the TR and LoP bargaining units
April 14, 2011
This is an additional call for volunteers to participate on the Elections and Resolutions Committee. The call for volunteers was included in the Annual General Meeting package, however no members of the TR or LoP bargaining units expressed an interest in serving on this committee. EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys – Last Chance!
April 13, 2011
This is a final opportunity for you and/or your colleagues to participate in the input process for collective bargaining. Deadlines Extended for EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys
Members Now Have until April 15 to Complete the Surveys
April 7, 2011
Due to the extremely high interest in the collective bargaining surveys the EC and TR collective bargaining committees have decided to extend the deadlines for completion of their respective surveys. Special Invitation to a Public Service Pension Plan panel discussion
April 5, 2011
Please consider the following invitation to attend our forthcoming special event: “The Public Service Pension Plan: Perspectives for its Professionals”. Collective Bargaining Surveys -
Make Your Voice Heard!
April 1, 2011
CAPE recently mailed out an invitation to participate in these surveys, along with a UserID and Password. Please take this opportunity to share your views, and assist your collective bargaining teams in representing the CAPE membership. CAPE EC and TR Collective Bargaining Questionnaires – March 25
March 24, 2011
The CAPE EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys and Dispute Resolution Surveys will be posted on the CAPE website on Friday, March 25, at 2:00 p.m.. The 2011 Budget
March 23, 2011
The Harper government tabled a 2011 budget that left observers wondering what it was really all about. CAPE President Claude Poirier met with media after the budget speech had been delivered and expressed his astonishment. “The Harper government has changed the manner in which Canadian governments present budgets,” said CAPE President Claude Poirier. “The 2011 budget hides more than it reveals. It is now an exercise of smoke and mirrors.” Training Schedule – Spring 2011
March 22, 2011
The following is the 2011 spring training schedule for CAPE. The training will be conducted at the National Office. EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys
March 14, 2011
Further to confirmation that the 2011 federal budget will be delivered on March 22, the TR and EC collective bargaining committees decided to delay issuing the collective bargaining surveys, which was planned for March 15, until after the budget. This will allow members of the TR and EC bargaining units to answer the survey within the context of the 2011 budget. CAPE Successful in LaBranche Religious Discrimination Case
January 18, 2011
Settlement signed in December 2010 puts an end to a four year saga of religious discrimination (Anti-Semitism) endured by a CAPE member employed at Passport Canada. Message from the President
January 17, 2011
On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAPE, of the entire staff of the Association and in my personal name, I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. Results of Vote regarding Constitutional and By-Law Amendments
and CAPE Financial Statements and Budget
December 23, 2010
To review the nature of the changes to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association, and the intent of the changes, please review the memo to the membership sent by the Chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee on November 3, 2010. Special General Meeting And Petition
December 22, 2010
Since the mailing and posting of the December 20, 2010 notice of a Special General Meeting to be held on January 5th, we have received a number of inquiries as to why such a meeting was called.
A petition relating to the expedited bargaining process was delivered to CAPE’s national office on December 13, 2010. This petition was signed by 51 members in good standing. CAPE ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - 2010
2009 - 2010
Special General Meeting
CAPE has received a petition signed by more than fifty members. In accordance with our Constitution, a Special General Meeting (SGM) must be called.
A Special General Meeting will be held on
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Marriott Hotel
Laurier Room
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. CAPE Collective Bargaining Teams
Decline Invitations to Expedited Bargaining
December 15, 2010
The deciding factor that guided the bargaining committees was the significant traffic of emails and telephone calls to the national office from members of CAPE asking and sometimes demanding that the Association reject the off schedule negotiations, and particularly the negotiation of concessions on severance pay. CAPE Members’ Message to CAPE:
Our Severance Pay is NOT Up for Grabs
December 7, 2010
CAPE has put out a call to it’s membership for input in the upcoming round of expedited bargaining on behalf of both the EC and TR groups. Members are strongly encouraged to provide their Collective Bargaining Committees with their suggestions, concerns and observations at the following e-mail addresses - EC_JAN_2011@acep-cape.ca and TR_JAN_2011@acep-cape.ca respectively. CAPE in the Media - Working For You
November 25, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, was interviewed recently by OttawaLife Magazine, along with the presidents of PIPSC and ACFO, Gary Corbett and Milt Isaac. In an article in its November 2010 edition (Evidence versus Ideology), they discuss common misperceptions, myths and misinformation on the public service held by the general pubic. The three presidents point out that the government is actually eroding the benefits of the public service. CAPE Annual General Meeting Teleconferencing
November 23, 2010
For members who are unable to attend the CAPE Annual Budget Meeting or the CAPE Annual General meeting on November 25th, you can participate via telephone. The Invitation to Bargain Early and a Call for Membership Input
November 12, 2010
In an article posted on its web site on October 15 CAPE announced that it had accepted an invitation from Treasury Board to meet at the bargaining table prior to the expiration of the TR collective agreement and prior to the expiration of the EC collective agreement. These meetings will occur in the wake of a recent tentative settlement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Treasury Board at 3 of the 5 PSAC tables and a rejection to meet by the 6 bargaining teams of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). CAPE has prepared a Questions and Answers document on recent events and on the process ahead. The Qs & As also contains a call for input from members and e-mail addresses to which the input should be sent. Members should note that the invitation was from Treasury Board. As a result, the newly appointed bargaining committee for our members at the Library of Parliament will be preparing for negotiations according to the normal and expected calendar. Notice to Mildly Handicapped Statistics Canada Employees
November 5, 2010
CAPE believes that Statistics Canada's decision to double the monthly parking fee for employees who require a reserved parking space because of their mild handicap could be discriminatory. We fully intend to dispute this decision and invite Statistics Canada employees to file a grievance. Membership Budget Meeting
November 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario EC Policy Grievance Denied at Arbitration
October 15, 2010
The grievance was denied by Arbitrator Michele A. Pineau in a decision issued September 9, 2010. Ms. Pineau submitted that, having signed the collective agreement with the EC rates of pay, CAPE agreed that these were, in fact, the newly negotiated rates of pay negotiated in relation to the EC Conversion. CAPE’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
November 3, 2010
This is an official notice and the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting which will be held on:
Thursday, November 25, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Marriott Hotel,
100 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario When bargaining becomes an issue
October 15, 2010
Last week, the news came out that TBS and PSAC had reached, after two weeks of negotiation, tentative agreements at three of its five bargaining tables. The tentative agreements involved wage increases of 1.75%, 1.5% and 2%, other adjustments addressing issues specific to sub-groups, as well as, after preliminary review, what CAPE would consider a major concession. The concession was an end to the accumulation of severance pay for situations where an employee retires or resigns from the public service. The Pension Appeal - Ontario Court of Appeal Denies CAPE’s Actions
October 8, 2010
In November of 2007, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in the $ 30 B pension surplus trial. The decision dismissed the actions. An appeal of this decision was filed, and was heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal in April. On October 8, 2010, the Ontario Court of Appeal, in turn, dismissed the actions. Training Schedule – Fall 2010
September 15, 2010
The following is the spring training schedule for CAPE. The following training will be conducted at the national office, starting each day at 8:30 a.m. A letter from the President of CAPE, Mr. Claude Poirier,
sent to Members of Parliament and the Senate on the matter of the census.
August 6, 2010
Over the course of the past several weeks, CAPE has made its concerns regarding the Conservative government’s decision to suspend the mandatory long census questionnaire known. As the bargaining agent representing over 2,000 employees at Statistics Canada, including statisticians and economists, as well as another 10,000 professional federal public service employees who, in the commission of their duties and responsibilities often rely on the integrity of the information generated by the Canadian Census, we are gravely concerned with the impact this decision will have on the ability of our members to serve their employer and the Canadian public. Message from the President
August 5, 2010
The long-form census debate, whatever the outcome is, only proves that this government has no respect for the great competence, knowledge and professionalism of its public servants. You know that, I know that and, thanks to this manufactured crisis, the Canadian Public is starting to realize that. Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 3 of 3
July 27, 2010
A letter on the matters of honour and integrity Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 2 of 3
July 26, 2010
A letter on the matters of privacy, security and civic duty Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 1 of 3
July 23, 2010
A letter on the matters of methodological issues such as the difference between a census and a survey Call for Volunteers: Collective Bargaining
July 22, 2010
CAPE is seeking your participation in the upcoming collective bargaining process. The Canadian Association of Professional Employees
Thanks Former Chief Statistician Munir A. Sheikh
July 22, 2010
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees would like to recognize the enormous sacrifice of Dr. Sheikh, his integrity and professionalism. The Census and Minister Clement
July 8, 2010
CAPE is growing increasingly concerned with the basis on which Conservative government decisions are being made. Earlier in the year, CAPE demonstrated that arguments used by the Conservative government to attack public service pensions were spurious and based on pseudo science. Now Minister Clement, on behalf of his colleagues in government, seems to be interfering in the work of Statistics Canada. Message from the President
July 8, 2010
Dear colleagues,
As summer begins, the time has come to assess the general atmosphere of our relations with the employer. What should we think of an employer who can simultaneously negotiate and legislate, consult and mandate, deliberate and impose? Previous governments have almost always successfully navigated these troubled waters without really abusing their power. There have been a few exceptions, but these were perhaps justified. Now we are facing a situation where the abuse is growing. CAPE President Claude Poirier Appointed to the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee
June 23, 2010
On June 22, Treasury Board President the Honourable Stockwell Day announced the appointment of CAPE President Claude Poirier to the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee. Dental Care Plan for Retired Federal Public Service Employees Will Cost Participants Between 25 and 32 Percent More
June 11, 2010
Last week the Harper government quietly announced that beginning October 1, 2010, the cost of the Dental Care Plan will increase for retired federal public service employees. Education and Mobilization Committee June 17 Event
June 10, 2010
6:00 p.m. Thursday June 17, at CAPE's offices
4th floor, 100 Queen Street corner of Metcalfe Street EC Vacant positions on National Executive Committee
June 9, 2010
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) National Executive Committee has two EC vacancies and is seeking interested members to fill the positions. Any member of the EC group may apply for these positions. Public Service Modernization Review - CAPE Gives it a D
June 9, 2010
In 2003, the federal government moved through Parliament the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA). Seven years later, it has asked interested parties including bargaining agents, to provide it with feedback regarding the consequent changes to labour relations and to the staffing regime. The Auditor General’s Report and the Public Service Pension Plan
June 3, 2010
The recent furore surrounding statements by the CD Institute that Canada's Pension Accounts reflected a large hidden deficit of nearly $58 billion is more disingenuous than we previously thought. June 10 Event Cancellation
June 2, 2010
CAPE’s Education and Mobilization Committee event “The True Meaning of Fiscal Restraint”, scheduled for June 10, has been postponed. Official Call for Resolutions
June 2, 2010
This is an official call for resolutions to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting. Subject to the By-Laws, the Elections and Resolutions Committee shall organize and oversee all election and voting processes, with the exception of the ratification of tentative agreements. Members of the Elections and Resolutions Committee shall not divulge their opinion on a resolution. CAPE Communications Survey
June 2, 2010
In order to develop a long range work plan for CAPE communications that would be responsive to the needs of CAPE Locals and membership, the CAPE Communications Committee distributed a survey to all members of the National Executive Committee, and to all CAPE Local’s Executive Members. May 31st event – Poster
May 20, 2010
Please post or distribute this invitation in your work place and encourage your colleagues to attend the event. The agenda will be sent to participants shortly. The Pension Appeal
May 19, 2010
Federal government unions and representative associations (plaintiffs) were back in court on April 19 to pursue the issue of the 30 billion dollar pension fund grab. Memorandum
To : Local Leaders and NEC Members
Subject: Evening Sessions for CAPE Members
From: CAPE President Claude Poirier
May 18, 2010
CAPE’s Education and Mobilization Committee and I are writing to you in order to invite you to a series of meetings and to ask for your assistance. The committee has organized three events for this spring to inform members and to get feedback from members on issues that are expected to be the object of the next federal budget. These issues are of importance to CAPE members, including pension, remuneration, and job security. Public Service Health Care Plan - Frequently Asked Questions
April 2010
April 21 2010
A National Joint Council Document The President of CAPE on Parliament Hill and in the Media:
the 2010 Budget
April 15, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, was invited to appear before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to speak on the matter of the freeze on government budget envelopes and government operations. Training Schedule – Spring 2010
March 25, 2010
The following is the spring training schedule for CAPE. The following training will be conducted at the national office, starting each day at 8:30 a.m. March 11 Special General Meeting
Budget 2010
March 12, 2010
CAPE members met last night at a very productive Special General Meeting to discuss the implications of the 2010 federal government budget. The 2010 Budget – Canada’s Economic Action Plan
March 5, 2010
CAPE President Claude Poirier, past President Bill Krause, Acting Executive Director Jean Ouellette, Research Officer Hélène Paris and legal counsel Peter Engelmann convened on March 4 to analyse the details of the 2010 budget as it became available. Hélène Paris, who attended the budget lock-up, helped guide the group to the more salient aspects of the proposed budget as it relates to the public service. What You Need to Know about the Pension Issue – Qs and As
March 3, 2010
The CAPE Mobilization Committee has developed a Qs and As document in response to the questions and concerns brought to their attention by the membership. Pension Appeal to be Heard in April
March 3, 2010
In November of 2007, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in the $ 30 B pension surplus trial. The case involves three court challenges by the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, PIPSC, PSAC, the Armed Forces Pensioners'/Annuitants' Association of Canada and RCMP employee associations to pension legislation passed by the government in 1999 (Bill C-78). The decision dismissed the actions. All-day session for Local Leadership and NEC members
on the ABC's of the pension issue a resounding success
March 1, 2010
On Saturday, February 27, CAPE held an all day session with members of the Local Leadership and of the National Executive Committee to discuss the pension issue. 25 members of the Local Leadership were in attendance, as well as 4 invited panelists. Post-budget Special General Meeting
February 24, 2010
March 11, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the impacts of the March 4th budget on CAPE members and on the federal public service. CAPE in the Media on the Pensions Issue
February 23, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, gave an interview on Monday to Paul Gaboury, from Le Droit newspaper.
May 6, 2011
The Supreme Court of Canada has granted CAPE, PIPSC, PSAC and several other public service bargaining agents and representative organizations our applications for leave to appeal the 2010 Ontario Court of Appeal decision. Canadians Elect a Conservative Majority,
Put NDP in the Role of Official Opposition
May 4, 2011
The results of the May 2 federal elections put the Conservatives back in power, with a majority. CAPE will be watching closely how federal public service employees will be impacted by the new face of the federal government. With the NDP as Official Opposition, the balance of power has shifted. Public Service Pension Plan Panel Discussion Available Online
April 28, 2011
For those who were unable to attend the April 19th “Professionals Serving Canadians” panel discussion on the Public Service Pension Plan, a recording of the full discussion is available online here: http://www2.webcastcanada.ca/professionalsservingcanadians/ Federal Elections 2011
A Message from CAPE President Claude Poirier
April 27, 2011
Next week, Canadians will have the opportunity to select who they want to run the country on their behalf. Apathy has been a major problem in recent elections. You don’t want others to decide for you. Please take some time and make your own choice. Make that choice count by voting on Monday May 2. The Deadline to Register for Stewards' Training is Fast Approaching
April 26, 2011
The deadline to register for the Association’s various training courses for our Local Leaders and representatives is May 13, 2011. If you want to ensure your place at the table, contact us today! Press Release
Restrictions on “Political Activity” for Federal Public Service Employees
April 15, 2011
Ottawa, April 15, 2011... The Canadian Association of Professional Employees is concerned that advice provided by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and by some departments will discourage public service employees from exercising a legitimate right to engage in political activities during the current federal election. FEDERAL ELECTION 2011: WHAT ARE YOUR POLITICAL RIGHTS?
April 15, 2011
“Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression,” along with other civil and political rights, are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. CAPE believes that its members should be fully entitled to the benefit of these protections. Unfortunately, the Public Service Employment Act (“the Act” or “PSEA”) places restrictions on the right of federal public service employees to engage in political activity. Additional Call for Volunteers to the TR and LoP bargaining units
April 14, 2011
This is an additional call for volunteers to participate on the Elections and Resolutions Committee. The call for volunteers was included in the Annual General Meeting package, however no members of the TR or LoP bargaining units expressed an interest in serving on this committee. EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys – Last Chance!
April 13, 2011
This is a final opportunity for you and/or your colleagues to participate in the input process for collective bargaining. Deadlines Extended for EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys
Members Now Have until April 15 to Complete the Surveys
April 7, 2011
Due to the extremely high interest in the collective bargaining surveys the EC and TR collective bargaining committees have decided to extend the deadlines for completion of their respective surveys. Special Invitation to a Public Service Pension Plan panel discussion
April 5, 2011
Please consider the following invitation to attend our forthcoming special event: “The Public Service Pension Plan: Perspectives for its Professionals”. Collective Bargaining Surveys -
Make Your Voice Heard!
April 1, 2011
CAPE recently mailed out an invitation to participate in these surveys, along with a UserID and Password. Please take this opportunity to share your views, and assist your collective bargaining teams in representing the CAPE membership. CAPE EC and TR Collective Bargaining Questionnaires – March 25
March 24, 2011
The CAPE EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys and Dispute Resolution Surveys will be posted on the CAPE website on Friday, March 25, at 2:00 p.m.. The 2011 Budget
March 23, 2011
The Harper government tabled a 2011 budget that left observers wondering what it was really all about. CAPE President Claude Poirier met with media after the budget speech had been delivered and expressed his astonishment. “The Harper government has changed the manner in which Canadian governments present budgets,” said CAPE President Claude Poirier. “The 2011 budget hides more than it reveals. It is now an exercise of smoke and mirrors.” Training Schedule – Spring 2011
March 22, 2011
The following is the 2011 spring training schedule for CAPE. The training will be conducted at the National Office. EC and TR Collective Bargaining Surveys
March 14, 2011
Further to confirmation that the 2011 federal budget will be delivered on March 22, the TR and EC collective bargaining committees decided to delay issuing the collective bargaining surveys, which was planned for March 15, until after the budget. This will allow members of the TR and EC bargaining units to answer the survey within the context of the 2011 budget. CAPE Successful in LaBranche Religious Discrimination Case
January 18, 2011
Settlement signed in December 2010 puts an end to a four year saga of religious discrimination (Anti-Semitism) endured by a CAPE member employed at Passport Canada. Message from the President
January 17, 2011
On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAPE, of the entire staff of the Association and in my personal name, I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. Results of Vote regarding Constitutional and By-Law Amendments
and CAPE Financial Statements and Budget
December 23, 2010
To review the nature of the changes to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association, and the intent of the changes, please review the memo to the membership sent by the Chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee on November 3, 2010. Special General Meeting And Petition
December 22, 2010
Since the mailing and posting of the December 20, 2010 notice of a Special General Meeting to be held on January 5th, we have received a number of inquiries as to why such a meeting was called.
A petition relating to the expedited bargaining process was delivered to CAPE’s national office on December 13, 2010. This petition was signed by 51 members in good standing. CAPE ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - 2010
2009 - 2010
Special General Meeting
CAPE has received a petition signed by more than fifty members. In accordance with our Constitution, a Special General Meeting (SGM) must be called.
A Special General Meeting will be held on
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Marriott Hotel
Laurier Room
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. CAPE Collective Bargaining Teams
Decline Invitations to Expedited Bargaining
December 15, 2010
The deciding factor that guided the bargaining committees was the significant traffic of emails and telephone calls to the national office from members of CAPE asking and sometimes demanding that the Association reject the off schedule negotiations, and particularly the negotiation of concessions on severance pay. CAPE Members’ Message to CAPE:
Our Severance Pay is NOT Up for Grabs
December 7, 2010
CAPE has put out a call to it’s membership for input in the upcoming round of expedited bargaining on behalf of both the EC and TR groups. Members are strongly encouraged to provide their Collective Bargaining Committees with their suggestions, concerns and observations at the following e-mail addresses - EC_JAN_2011@acep-cape.ca and TR_JAN_2011@acep-cape.ca respectively. CAPE in the Media - Working For You
November 25, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, was interviewed recently by OttawaLife Magazine, along with the presidents of PIPSC and ACFO, Gary Corbett and Milt Isaac. In an article in its November 2010 edition (Evidence versus Ideology), they discuss common misperceptions, myths and misinformation on the public service held by the general pubic. The three presidents point out that the government is actually eroding the benefits of the public service. CAPE Annual General Meeting Teleconferencing
November 23, 2010
For members who are unable to attend the CAPE Annual Budget Meeting or the CAPE Annual General meeting on November 25th, you can participate via telephone. The Invitation to Bargain Early and a Call for Membership Input
November 12, 2010
In an article posted on its web site on October 15 CAPE announced that it had accepted an invitation from Treasury Board to meet at the bargaining table prior to the expiration of the TR collective agreement and prior to the expiration of the EC collective agreement. These meetings will occur in the wake of a recent tentative settlement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Treasury Board at 3 of the 5 PSAC tables and a rejection to meet by the 6 bargaining teams of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). CAPE has prepared a Questions and Answers document on recent events and on the process ahead. The Qs & As also contains a call for input from members and e-mail addresses to which the input should be sent. Members should note that the invitation was from Treasury Board. As a result, the newly appointed bargaining committee for our members at the Library of Parliament will be preparing for negotiations according to the normal and expected calendar. Notice to Mildly Handicapped Statistics Canada Employees
November 5, 2010
CAPE believes that Statistics Canada's decision to double the monthly parking fee for employees who require a reserved parking space because of their mild handicap could be discriminatory. We fully intend to dispute this decision and invite Statistics Canada employees to file a grievance. Membership Budget Meeting
November 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario EC Policy Grievance Denied at Arbitration
October 15, 2010
The grievance was denied by Arbitrator Michele A. Pineau in a decision issued September 9, 2010. Ms. Pineau submitted that, having signed the collective agreement with the EC rates of pay, CAPE agreed that these were, in fact, the newly negotiated rates of pay negotiated in relation to the EC Conversion. CAPE’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
November 3, 2010
This is an official notice and the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting which will be held on:
Thursday, November 25, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Marriott Hotel,
100 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario When bargaining becomes an issue
October 15, 2010
Last week, the news came out that TBS and PSAC had reached, after two weeks of negotiation, tentative agreements at three of its five bargaining tables. The tentative agreements involved wage increases of 1.75%, 1.5% and 2%, other adjustments addressing issues specific to sub-groups, as well as, after preliminary review, what CAPE would consider a major concession. The concession was an end to the accumulation of severance pay for situations where an employee retires or resigns from the public service. The Pension Appeal - Ontario Court of Appeal Denies CAPE’s Actions
October 8, 2010
In November of 2007, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in the $ 30 B pension surplus trial. The decision dismissed the actions. An appeal of this decision was filed, and was heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal in April. On October 8, 2010, the Ontario Court of Appeal, in turn, dismissed the actions. Training Schedule – Fall 2010
September 15, 2010
The following is the spring training schedule for CAPE. The following training will be conducted at the national office, starting each day at 8:30 a.m. A letter from the President of CAPE, Mr. Claude Poirier,
sent to Members of Parliament and the Senate on the matter of the census.
August 6, 2010
Over the course of the past several weeks, CAPE has made its concerns regarding the Conservative government’s decision to suspend the mandatory long census questionnaire known. As the bargaining agent representing over 2,000 employees at Statistics Canada, including statisticians and economists, as well as another 10,000 professional federal public service employees who, in the commission of their duties and responsibilities often rely on the integrity of the information generated by the Canadian Census, we are gravely concerned with the impact this decision will have on the ability of our members to serve their employer and the Canadian public. Message from the President
August 5, 2010
The long-form census debate, whatever the outcome is, only proves that this government has no respect for the great competence, knowledge and professionalism of its public servants. You know that, I know that and, thanks to this manufactured crisis, the Canadian Public is starting to realize that. Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 3 of 3
July 27, 2010
A letter on the matters of honour and integrity Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 2 of 3
July 26, 2010
A letter on the matters of privacy, security and civic duty Open Letter to Industry Minister Tony Clement – Part 1 of 3
July 23, 2010
A letter on the matters of methodological issues such as the difference between a census and a survey Call for Volunteers: Collective Bargaining
July 22, 2010
CAPE is seeking your participation in the upcoming collective bargaining process. The Canadian Association of Professional Employees
Thanks Former Chief Statistician Munir A. Sheikh
July 22, 2010
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees would like to recognize the enormous sacrifice of Dr. Sheikh, his integrity and professionalism. The Census and Minister Clement
July 8, 2010
CAPE is growing increasingly concerned with the basis on which Conservative government decisions are being made. Earlier in the year, CAPE demonstrated that arguments used by the Conservative government to attack public service pensions were spurious and based on pseudo science. Now Minister Clement, on behalf of his colleagues in government, seems to be interfering in the work of Statistics Canada. Message from the President
July 8, 2010
Dear colleagues,
As summer begins, the time has come to assess the general atmosphere of our relations with the employer. What should we think of an employer who can simultaneously negotiate and legislate, consult and mandate, deliberate and impose? Previous governments have almost always successfully navigated these troubled waters without really abusing their power. There have been a few exceptions, but these were perhaps justified. Now we are facing a situation where the abuse is growing. CAPE President Claude Poirier Appointed to the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee
June 23, 2010
On June 22, Treasury Board President the Honourable Stockwell Day announced the appointment of CAPE President Claude Poirier to the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee. Dental Care Plan for Retired Federal Public Service Employees Will Cost Participants Between 25 and 32 Percent More
June 11, 2010
Last week the Harper government quietly announced that beginning October 1, 2010, the cost of the Dental Care Plan will increase for retired federal public service employees. Education and Mobilization Committee June 17 Event
June 10, 2010
6:00 p.m. Thursday June 17, at CAPE's offices
4th floor, 100 Queen Street corner of Metcalfe Street EC Vacant positions on National Executive Committee
June 9, 2010
The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) National Executive Committee has two EC vacancies and is seeking interested members to fill the positions. Any member of the EC group may apply for these positions. Public Service Modernization Review - CAPE Gives it a D
June 9, 2010
In 2003, the federal government moved through Parliament the Public Service Modernization Act (PSMA). Seven years later, it has asked interested parties including bargaining agents, to provide it with feedback regarding the consequent changes to labour relations and to the staffing regime. The Auditor General’s Report and the Public Service Pension Plan
June 3, 2010
The recent furore surrounding statements by the CD Institute that Canada's Pension Accounts reflected a large hidden deficit of nearly $58 billion is more disingenuous than we previously thought. June 10 Event Cancellation
June 2, 2010
CAPE’s Education and Mobilization Committee event “The True Meaning of Fiscal Restraint”, scheduled for June 10, has been postponed. Official Call for Resolutions
June 2, 2010
This is an official call for resolutions to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting. Subject to the By-Laws, the Elections and Resolutions Committee shall organize and oversee all election and voting processes, with the exception of the ratification of tentative agreements. Members of the Elections and Resolutions Committee shall not divulge their opinion on a resolution. CAPE Communications Survey
June 2, 2010
In order to develop a long range work plan for CAPE communications that would be responsive to the needs of CAPE Locals and membership, the CAPE Communications Committee distributed a survey to all members of the National Executive Committee, and to all CAPE Local’s Executive Members. May 31st event – Poster
May 20, 2010
Please post or distribute this invitation in your work place and encourage your colleagues to attend the event. The agenda will be sent to participants shortly. The Pension Appeal
May 19, 2010
Federal government unions and representative associations (plaintiffs) were back in court on April 19 to pursue the issue of the 30 billion dollar pension fund grab. Memorandum
To : Local Leaders and NEC Members
Subject: Evening Sessions for CAPE Members
From: CAPE President Claude Poirier
May 18, 2010
CAPE’s Education and Mobilization Committee and I are writing to you in order to invite you to a series of meetings and to ask for your assistance. The committee has organized three events for this spring to inform members and to get feedback from members on issues that are expected to be the object of the next federal budget. These issues are of importance to CAPE members, including pension, remuneration, and job security. Public Service Health Care Plan - Frequently Asked Questions
April 2010
April 21 2010
A National Joint Council Document The President of CAPE on Parliament Hill and in the Media:
the 2010 Budget
April 15, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, was invited to appear before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates to speak on the matter of the freeze on government budget envelopes and government operations. Training Schedule – Spring 2010
March 25, 2010
The following is the spring training schedule for CAPE. The following training will be conducted at the national office, starting each day at 8:30 a.m. March 11 Special General Meeting
Budget 2010
March 12, 2010
CAPE members met last night at a very productive Special General Meeting to discuss the implications of the 2010 federal government budget. The 2010 Budget – Canada’s Economic Action Plan
March 5, 2010
CAPE President Claude Poirier, past President Bill Krause, Acting Executive Director Jean Ouellette, Research Officer Hélène Paris and legal counsel Peter Engelmann convened on March 4 to analyse the details of the 2010 budget as it became available. Hélène Paris, who attended the budget lock-up, helped guide the group to the more salient aspects of the proposed budget as it relates to the public service. What You Need to Know about the Pension Issue – Qs and As
March 3, 2010
The CAPE Mobilization Committee has developed a Qs and As document in response to the questions and concerns brought to their attention by the membership. Pension Appeal to be Heard in April
March 3, 2010
In November of 2007, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision in the $ 30 B pension surplus trial. The case involves three court challenges by the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, PIPSC, PSAC, the Armed Forces Pensioners'/Annuitants' Association of Canada and RCMP employee associations to pension legislation passed by the government in 1999 (Bill C-78). The decision dismissed the actions. All-day session for Local Leadership and NEC members
on the ABC's of the pension issue a resounding success
March 1, 2010
On Saturday, February 27, CAPE held an all day session with members of the Local Leadership and of the National Executive Committee to discuss the pension issue. 25 members of the Local Leadership were in attendance, as well as 4 invited panelists. Post-budget Special General Meeting
February 24, 2010
March 11, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the impacts of the March 4th budget on CAPE members and on the federal public service. CAPE in the Media on the Pensions Issue
February 23, 2010
The President of CAPE, Claude Poirier, gave an interview on Monday to Paul Gaboury, from Le Droit newspaper.