CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER

BALANCED BUDGETS

Despite the global economic downturn, the BCGEU is in a very stable financial position and our Defence Fund has grown to $34 million.  Under my leadership, we have had a surplus budget each and every year.  I’m committed to making sure that the Defence Fund continues to grow.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who assisted me to make this happen.  I have sought out members, elected officers, stewards, bargaining committee members and staff for your input on what we have, what we need, what we can live with, and where we need to go.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND ACCESS TO UNION FINANCES

I have insisted that  revenues and expenditures be clear, understandable and available to all members.  As Chief Financial Officer, I have put the needs of our members first and committed to continuing accountability and access to our financial statements.  I am proud to chair the Provincial Executive Finance Committee which has worked hard to revise financial policies to meet the needs of our membership.  For example, we have made improvements to the Provincial Executive Policy G-3, “Union Leave of Absence” and continue to review annually our expense reimbursement rates.  

I see the Financial Manual as a living, breathing document.  It needs to be evolving, current and relevant to the needs of our members.  I am proud that our Union provides clear and transparent reporting systems on our finances.  The audited financial statements are provided to our delegates in advance of Convention.  The statements are also included annually in our Provincial magazine, giving every member the opportunity to review and ask questions.  I am committed to continuing this practice.

EDUCATION AND SHARED KNOWLEDGE

I have continued to provide 2-day workshops every year for Component Treasurers and many component chairs who also appreciate the opportunity to further their understanding of the financial stewardship of the entire Union.  This workshop provides Component Treasurers the ability to discuss current practices and make revisions to procedures as necessary.  The key to making this work is the ability to exchange ideas directly with me as their Treasurer and with the Union’s Finance Staff.

The Cross Component Committee Chairpersons continue to meet annually to network together and develop “like” strategies and discuss and share ideas.  In 2009 I put forward a proposal to increase the funding for the Cross Component Committees in an effort to support their continuing hard work to bring the BCGEU into their communities. Earlier this year I arranged training and support for the Treasurers of the Cross Component Committees. It’s back to the grassroots; it’s where I come from and for me it is the future of the BCGEU. 

STEWARDS AND ACTIVISTS - THE FOUNDATION OF OUR UNION

I have visited every region of our Province.  I met with members and local activists.  I attended Cross-Component Committee functions.  I listened.  I took advice and I understood more clearly the issues that are important to us.  I stood on my beliefs and advocated for enhanced education programs for Stewards.  I believe there is no greater power than knowledge.

We need to continue building a sºolid Steward Structure with more interaction and information exchange among bargaining units.  Locals play a key role in our union.  I have continued to develop new processes for managing our budget that reflect input from stewards and activists.   I have been able to ensure funds continue to be available for the Member to Member (M2M) Campaign.  Taking the Union to its members where ideas and solutions are developed was and still is key to being an effective Union.

I have learned a tremendous amount from our Provincial Executive.  Your Provincial Executive is a very knowledgeable and experienced group of elected officers.  Their advice, ideas and solutions have helped me do an honest and respectable job in terms of the finances and the day-to-day operations of the Union.  I have been able to do it on time and on budget.  In fact, due to careful monitoring, successful bargaining, and well managed disputes, I have ensured that the Union is in the best financial position ever.  Our Defence Fund has blossomed to $34 million, the largest in our Union’s history.

You had faith in me.  You elected me and I am so proud to have been able to continue the great stewardship of our finances.  I have worked hard on your behalf.

I firmly believe that the Union needs strong, well established individuals serving in the two full time officers positions. I would consider myself extremely fortunate to have your support and trust to continue to serve as your Treasurer for the coming three years and beyond.

Be proud of what we have achieved, how far we have come and be confident in our future.

In solidarity,
Judi Filion