In order for the membership to be able to make decisions at the upcoming CULE Convention the CULE Constitution would require an amendment. Currently, major decisions such as changes in the CULE Constitution, election of officers and establishment of dues are made by referendum votes in which all CULE members have their say. Other decisions are made by the CULE Executive. Read the letter from the CULE Executive, vote instructions and the proposed amendment below.
Note that in order to change the constitution a vote will be held. Please fill out the Constitution amendment ballot and return it to
Brother Bob Allen c/o PSAC Ottawa RO 15 Holland Avenue, Suite 101 Ottawa ON K1Y4T2
on or before the deadline of November 16th, 2005. Note that all CULE members are eligible to vote.
To: All CULE Members From: CULE Executive Re: Constitution Amendment
In order for the membership to be able to make decisions at the upcoming CULE Convention the CULE Constitution would require an amendment. Currently, major decisions such as changes in the CULE Constitution, election of officers and establishment of dues are made by referendum votes in which all CULE members have their say. Other decisions are made by the CULE Executive.
Below is a proposal to add an additional decision making option; namely, the CULE Convention. This is being proposed as an option rather than as a replacement of the current provisions which call for a referendum vote for a number of reasons not the least of which is that we cannot presume that the membership will continue to have Conventions in the future. That in fact, will be a matter to be discussed and decided upon at the Convention in Cuba. As well, it is very likely that, even should it decided to continue with the idea of holding conventions, we would only be able to afford to do so every two or three years at best. In the meantime, important decisions may need to be made and rather than leave these to the Executive, the referendum option would ensure that members are involved.
Like all changes to the Constitution, this will require a 2/3 majority of those who vote. Bob Allen in the Ottawa Regional Office has kindly accepted to administer this vote and the deadline has been set for November 16th 2005. Should you have further questions please contact your CULE Director.
In solidarity,
The CULE Executive
Proposed Amendment to the CULE Constitution
New
Section 14 – Convention
A. Should it be determined by a vote of the membership as per Section 8 or at a Convention established under this Section that a CULE Convention will be held at which all CULE members in good standing have an opportunity to attend, such Convention will have the authority to make any decision normally accorded to the membership in Sections 4 and 8. Specifically, the Convention may amend the CULE Constitution, change CULE dues, or establish or alter CULE policy. B. Decisions made at Convention come into effect once made unless specifically determined otherwise. C. All matters brought before Convention need to be submitted to the Secretary within 60 days of the official callout for Convention resolutions. Proposed changes will be distributed to the Executive or to an appropriate Convention Committee for their consideration and recommendation of either concurrence or non-concurrence on each such amendment. D. Constitutional amendments made at Convention shall require the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in consideration of a recommendation of concurrence.
Renumber Previous Section 14 to Section 15, change:
A. This Constitution can only be amended with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership voting in a referendum vote by mail as per Section 8 or by two-thirds (2/3) of those present and voting at a CULE Convention as per Section 14. F. The Executive shall generate a review of the Constitution every two years or, when a Convention is scheduled, at that time, as it deems most appropriate.