FAQ – National Triennial Convention

This document has been created to answer questions about USJE’s National Triennial Convention in St. John’s which was moved to October 26th to 29th, 2021. This document covers:

  • Convention
  • Committees
  • Resolutions

Convention

Why USJE holds a National Triennial Convention?

USJE’s National Triennial Convention acts as the supreme governing body of USJE. It deals with resolutions and matters brought before it and establishes the general policies of the organization. During Convention, Delegates vote on Resolutions and elect all Regional Vice-Presidents, and USJE Delegates to PSAC Convention. The National President and National Vice-President are also determined during Convention.

Where will the 2021 USJE National Triennial Convention be held?

The platform for Convention is unknown at this time. Should the state of the pandemic be in favor of an in-person platform, it will be held at the Delta Hotel St. John’s, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1C 6K4.

When will it be held?

October 26th to 29th, 2021

How to become a Delegate, Alternate, or Observer?

Representation at the convention is in accordance with By-Law 10, Sections 5, 6 and 7;

Delegates

Locals shall elect from amongst its members at a general meeting one accredited delegate for each 150 members or portion thereof.

When several sections are to be merged under one Local, this Local shall maintain the pro rata of each Section to determine the number of delegates to Convention.

Locals comprised of two or more Sections may decide to elect delegates based on the above formula for each Section.

Representation at National Convention is based on the number of members in good standing as of March 31st, 2020. Here you will find an estimate of your Local entitlement, which is in accordance with your membership as of August 2020.

“Locals shall ensure that no delegates shall be nominated who have not attended at least 75% of the Local’s general meetings during the previous 12 month period unless a satisfactory reason is given for such absence.”

Alternate delegates

Locals should elect an alternate delegate for each accredited delegate in the event that they can’t attend Convention.

Observers

Locals can send observers to Convention. Observers shall have the right to observe the proceedings, but they shall not have the right to vote nor to participate in debate”.

What are the costs?

Delegates: All expenses are borne by the USJE.

(Includes: transportation, hotel accommodation, loss of wages and other authorized expenses)

Observers: All expenses are the Local’s responsibility which includes a registration fee of $150.00 per observer.

What do I do after my nomination?

Locals would have needed to submit the name of the Local’s accredited Delegates, Alternate(s) and Observer(s), along with the date of the meeting when the elections took place, to the National President. Once submitted, delegates, alternate(s) and observer(s) will be able to register to the 2020 Convention.

Should your previously elected delegates, alternate(s) and observer(s) decide not to attend they will need to inform the local and National office in writing (email is acceptable). Please submit the member’s written withdrawal as well as the date the new elections meeting took place and who was elected to: USJEConvention_CongresSESJ@psac-afpc.com.

When is the deadline to register?

The deadline to register was Friday, February 14th, 2020. Should a substitute to your original delegates need to register this should be done by Friday, February 12th, 2021.

What happens if I register after the deadline?

All Delegates and Alternate(s) registering after February 14th, 2020 will be considered late Delegate(s) and late alternate(s). With the exception of substitutions.

A late delegate motion is put forward at convention to ratify the late delegates so that they can take their place with the other delegates. Should this motion be passed, late Delegates will be directed to the convention office to get their credentials and material. Should the motion not pass, the expenses of the member shall be borne by the Local and the member becomes an observer to convention with no voting rights.

Will I get a confirmation of my registration and attendance?

Once you complete your online registration, you will receive a confirmation receipt. This signifies that USJE National Office has received your registration.

Once your registration has been verified, you will receive a confirmation of your capacity to participate in Convention.

When will I receive travel and hotel accommodation information?

July 2021

Do I make my own hotel reservation and travel?

Hotel Reservation: USJE works directly with the hotel. All delegates changes should be directed through the National Office to:

USJEConvention_CongresSESJ@psac-afpc.com.

Travel arrangements: USJE will be providing all Delegates with the name of the travel agency who will be booking travel arrangements for Convention. You will make your travel arrangements with this company. As mentioned above, details for travel will be sent in July 2021.

Can I arrive prior and/or leave after the prescribed Convention dates?

Yes, at your own cost. If this is the case, USJE National Office needs to be notified at: USJEConvention_CongresSESJ@psac-afpc.com.

If you intend to stay extra nights at the Delta Hotel St. John’s prior to, and/or after, the Convention dates, USJE National Office needs to update our rooming list and notify the Hotel.

If you chose to stay at a different hotel for the extra nights, you are required to make your own arrangements for those extra nights.

However, in both cases, the National Office will need to be notified so we can advise the Travel Agency of the changes in your travel days.

Will I receive an advance?

If you are a Delegate an advance will be deposited into your bank account on October 22nd, 2021. Please ensure that we have your bank account information on file.

*Please note that we no longer issue cheques.

Committees

Which Convention committees are formed?

Six (6) committees are formed for Convention:

  • Bylaws (and Regulations)
  • Finance
  • General (Policies, PSAC Constitution, Collective Bargaining, NJC, Misc)
  • Host
  • Credentials
  • Nominations

The Host committee is formed in late 2019 by members who are not Delegates or Observers to Convention. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Host Committee please contact any Atlantic RVP (Lynette Robinson – RCMP, Carol Osborne – CSC Community – PBC East, or Laurie Ann Wesselby – CSC)

The Credentials and Nominations Committees are only active during the days of Convention.

When and where are they held?

April 13th and 14th, 2021, virtually.

How can I participate in a Convention Committee?

If you are interested in taking part in a Convention Committee, please contact your RVP.

Resolutions

When is the deadline to submit a resolution?

The deadline was Friday, February 14th, 2020

What happens if I submit a resolution after the deadline?

Resolutions received after the above-mentioned date will be considered late and will not be included in the resolution book. They will be dealt with at convention after all other resolutions have been voted on, and if time permits.

Can I submit a resolution?

Resolutions adopted at Local meetings can be brought to USJE’s National Convention.

How to write a resolution?

To assist you in writing a resolution, USJE National Office has prepared a presentation on Resolution Writing.