The Constitution and By-Laws of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees includes provisions and guidelines on the submission of resolutions to the Elections and Resolutions Committee for an eventual vote by the membership. The procedures for properly submitting resolutions pertaining to CAPE’s policies and practices are explained below.
Resolutions may not propose changes to the Constitution, By-Laws and collective agreements. Amendments to the Constitution are proposed according to the process defined in Article 37 of the Constitution and in By-Law 13. Amendments to the By-Laws are proposed according to the process defined in Article 18. Proposals for the bargaining table are made during the survey process that precedes each round of bargaining.
The resolution
Resolutions are not technically complicated. However, according to CAPE’s Constitution and By-Laws, they must meet the following requirements. A resolution
- must be submitted by two (2) Regular or Pending Members;
- must include the name, department, bargaining unit, and telephone number (for during working hours) of all members submitting the resolution;
- must be signed by all members submitting the resolution;
- must be presented on a single 8 1/2 x 11” page, using Arial 12 point font or an equivalent;
- must contain no reference to individuals of Locals who are in support of the resolution;
- must be consistent with CAPE’s Constitution and By-Laws;
- must be submitted to CAPE’s National Office this year no later than September 5, 2018.
It is recommended that you identify the type of resolution being submitted, Policy or Practice. Generally, it is recommended that the resolution include a preamble. The preamble provides the voting membership with background information, including the reason for the resolution, the issue or problem it is intended to address and other relevant information. It could also provide a brief argument as to why the members should vote in favour of the resolution.
Please use the for the statement of resolution itself the following introductory phrase:
“Be it resolved”.
This part of the resolution should clearly identify the action(s) that you propose.
The National Office will be responsible for the translation of resolutions that are submitted only in French or only in English. The translation will be provided to the authors of the resolution in a timely manner for review and comments.
The submission process and deadline
Resolutions must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to CAPE’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The 2018 AGM is scheduled for December 4, 2018. Therefore resolutions must be submitted this year no later than September 5, 2018 in order to be discussed at the next AGM and presented to the members thereafter for a vote.
Resolutions must be sent to CAPE’s National Office, which then submits them to the Elections and Resolutions Committee. The Elections and Resolutions Committee will determine whether the resolutions comply and are consistent with CAPE’s Constitution and By-Laws. The Elections and Resolutions Committee will then present the resolutions to CAPE’s membership for a vote. Members will be invited to vote on the proposed resolutions when notification is sent to members for the AGM. Members are invited to discuss proposed resolutions at the AGM.
The vote
All Regular and Pending members are entitled to vote on resolutions. Members are also invited to discuss proposed resolutions at the AGM.
The Elections and Resolutions Committee, assisted by the National Office, is responsible for the vote, the voting process and schedule. Voting is conducted electronically. However, pursuant to CAPE By-Law 3.16 provides an accommodation for members for whom the electronic voting process is a barrier to participation.
Resolutions on matters of CAPE policies and practices must receive the support of at least 50% + 1 of the votes cast in order to pass.
Thank you for your participation.
