PDD NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING
Saturday June
15, 2002 8:45 am –2:30 pm
7th
Floor Conference Room, Nomad Inn, Fort McMurray, Alberta
APPROVED
Present:
Don Schultz, Chair; Donna Desjardins, Vice-Chair; Ralph Gorrie; Johanne Hassey; Christine Botsford, Carmela Levesque, Laurel Morris-Duncan
Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary.
Absent:
Dr. Doug Fleming was absent for personal reasons.
Guests:
Merle Rudiak, Chair, Awasak Child and Family Services Board, Anne Lastiwka, Awasak Child and Family Services, Doug Faulkner, Mayor, Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Geoff Wright, Chair, Fort McMurray Community Council, Captain Jim Merritt, Fort McMurray Salvation Army, Iris Pasareno, Program Administrator, Salvation Army START Program, Debbie Haw, START, Julie Cole, START, Lorraine Fitzgerald, START, Sandy Boates, Community Member, Sonya King, Community Member, Angel Botsford, Community Member, Robert Duncan, Community Member.
A.
Don Schultz, Chair,
called the meeting to order at 8:45 am, June 15th, 2002.
#02-06-496 MOTION: Laurel
Morris-Duncan moved the Board approve the
agenda.
Carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
Correct spelling error on page three, should be “honourable”.
#02-06-497 MOTION: Donna
Desjardins moved the Board approve the
minutes as amended. Carried unanimously.
D. Board Regional Feedback and Future
Direction
Donna Desjardins, St. Paul
· May 11, 2002 – attended the dine/dance with the Emeralds, sponsored by St. Paul Abilities Network. It was a beautiful evening with excellent food, and wonderful music.
· May 22, 2002 - St. Paul Community Council
· Attendance was low because the notice went out late. The group was relaxed, and we had a great discussion. As a result, some of the following items will be brought forward in future meetings:
· June, 2002 – AISH Workshop – discussion around the Low Income Review and resulting changes in AISH
· Fall, 2002 – Representation and discussion around Leadership Today, Plain Language and how that applies to the Council, Board and individuals, as well as a session on NorthEast Community Online at the library. The group discussed ways in which the Council could continue to increase communication and awareness in St. Paul. An invitation is going to be sent to families currently being served by HCS for a special meeting in the fall.
· May 28, 2002 – Grant MacEwan Advisory Committee for College Connection
· Discussion around provincial directions for inclusive post secondary options. An article was written about Daniel Desjardins in the MacEwan newsletter.
· May 30, 2002 - St. Paul Special Olympics
· Ball Tournament will be held August 24 and 25, 2002.
· May 31, 2002 - Exit meeting with Auditor General for Regional financial statements
· May 31, 2002 – Attended Open House of Gordon’s Woodworking
· Gordon is doing very well in his own business. He now has a full catalogue of items available for sale.
· June 7, 2002 – attended Premier’s dinner in Lac La Biche. Freda and Joe Phillips, Kathy and Daniel Littlechilds, my husband, Daniel and I attended on behalf of PDD. We met with Rob Lougheed prior to supper offering comments on the direction the Board was going with “community capacity”. Rob joined us for supper. We also had an opportunity to talk to 20 other MLA’s that were present. A wonderful evening! A number of MLA’s commented on our pins. They felt our logo was so relevant to the times. Note – remember to bring pins when we attend functions. Also, this is an excellent way to communicate with our communities. Both Kathy and Freda are very special people. They were very excited about the opportunity to have a say politically, and very thankful to us for providing the opportunity. Further information has been sent to Rob Lougheed.
· June 12, 2002 – Provincial Board meeting in the afternoon., Strategic forum in the evening.
· June 13, 2002 – Provincial Strategic Forum
· June 14, 2002 – attended the annual general meeting of Catholic Social Services in Edmonton, on behalf of our Board.
· June 17, 2002 – will be the guest speaker at VALID’s annual meeting in Vegreville. Topic: sustainability.
· July 12, 2002 – St. Paul Abilities Network is holding a Golf Tournament. Our Board has sponsored a hole and some prizes.
· Presently, completing an informal appeal for the Provincial Board.
Christine Botsford, Fort McMurray
· While in Manitoba, went to see AACL, a service provider in Swan River. They are interested in what we are doing and NorthEast Community Online.
Johanne Hassey, Vilna
· Lac La Biche Community Council meeting was held on May 28th, with 19 people present. The Community Council is getting information out through the schools and more parents are attending.
· Bev Wilks gave a presentation on guardianship.
· Feedback was received from the Council members who attended the AACL Family Conference.
· One individual, who does not talk much, presented his view of the conference through pictures.
· Eight people are planning to attend the Joint Community Council Business Planning meeting in Westlock on June 17, 2002.
Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville
· May 28, 2002 – Vegreville Community Council
· Presentation by FCSS Director regarding the initiatives of the Vegreville Transportation Services Society (VTSS). VTSS highlights and History from January 24, 2001 was reviewed along with progress reports as well as the Vegreville & County Transportation Evaluation Survey 2001. This report gave support to the movement of assisting the seniors and the disabled in the community. The group, as a society, have their bylaws and purposes established and presently are becoming very active. I expressed interest in becoming a member and would be attending meetings from the PDD perspective.
· Reported on activities of the Board such as community capacity concept, the Board’s communication program, the new business plan and the partnership with AACL.
· June 11, 2002 – VALID meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum.
· June 12, 2002 – VTSS special meeting with Honourable Ed Stelmach. The group discussed with Ed the matter of the Community Lottery Board and the general provincial funding of programs from the lottery account. He presented the financial scenario in some detail and suggested that they are looking at the Community Lottery Board concept in some new dimensions. He was most interested in the VTSS work, especially the matter of capital assistance for purchase of a handicapped van since CFEP and Wild Rose would not easily apply. There may be something coming down the pipe. The scenario of the baby boomers into seniors brings a dilemma for government in that now 10% of our seniors will live to 100 while in the next generation this will likely approach 20%+ with fewer citizens paying the bill through taxes.
· I will be attending VALID’s annual meeting on June 17 and the NorthEast Community Online on June 18. This Online has changes in venue and planning somewhat but will go in a smaller style.
Laurel Morris-Duncan, Fort McMurray
· Attended the Prairie Pacific Northern Conference on FAS/FAE in Whitehorse, Yukon.
· Positive input from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
· Choices – received approval for a one-year pilot project to operate a supportive residence for homeless women with mental health issues. These are women who, with support, could be independent.
· Choices is working with people who cannot access PDD funds.
Carmela Levesque, Bonnyville
· April 30, 2002 – Joint Community Council Meeting in Vegreville
· Great discussion on Northeast PDD Business Plan
· About 8 people from Bonnyville and 1 person from Cold Lake
· Comments: Plain language needed so people can understand what we are trying to say.
· Overall the group I was in was pleased with the Business Plan.
· A meeting is going to be organized for the Chairs and Co-Chair of the Community Councils in our region.
· I think that we may have had a larger group from Bonnyville and Cold Lake if we had this type of meeting on a weekend. Some comments given to me were: It’s too late of a night.
· May 22, 2002 – Unable to attend this Community Council meeting. My understanding is that they were going to look at the election of the Community Council Positions.
· June 11, 2002 – Community Council meeting in Cold Lake (Supper Meeting). Approximately 25 people attended.
· Future issues to be resolved: Housing, Transportation, Employment, and Transition Planning.
· Guest speaker, Mr. Denis Ducharme, MLA – to speak about the Low Income Report and the recommendations in it. He invited any questions.
· Greetings from Mayor Thaleshevar in Cold Lake welcoming us to the community and inviting a representative from the Community Council to attend a workshop on housing and transportation in Cold Lake on June 28. The meeting is a partnership with AUMA (Alberta Urban Municipal Association). Two people from the Community Council will be attending.
· General discussion on:
· Northeast Housing Survey.
· Future of Bonnyville and Cold Lake Community Council.
· Discussed our joint partnership project with AACL on transition planning
· Briefly mentioned the concept of sustainability. I will explain this more at the next community council meeting.
· New Chairperson, Friends of People First, Linda Coopman.
· The consensus of the membership at this meeting decided that they would like to have a Community Council in Cold Lake. I offered any assistance and support they may need to get started. The first meeting is set for September 16 in Cold Lake. Dr. Alex Hillyard offered that PDD would host and facilitate the first meeting as we have in other communities. I think that this will be a strong Community Council. I indicated that I would be available to attend their meetings. We also discussed That we would like to partner with other Community Councils.
· June 19, 2002 – I will be attending the Dove Centre Annual General Meeting.
· Community Involvement – I sent a letter to our MLA, Mr. Dennis Ducharme, thanking him for his support in the legislature in regard to the provincial budget.
Don Schultz, Barrhead
· May 31, 2002 – attended the exit interview with the auditors, met the new Auditor General for the Province, Mr. Fred Dunn.
· June 1, 2002 - On behalf of the Board, attended the Westlock Rotary Golf Tournament, which raised $5,300 for Special Olympics.
· June 5, 2002 – attended the NorthEast Alberta Community Online open house in Barrhead.
· June 7, 2002 – attended the Blue Heron Charity Golf Classic in Barrhead with Ralph Gorrie, Doug Fleming, Alex Hillyard, and Joan Charbonneau.
· Arbitrated two appeals – one was resolved before an appeal; one was not resolved.
· June 12, 2002 – attended the Provincial Board meeting and Strategic Forum. Different forum this year, with different partners.
· June 17, 2002 – will be attending the joint Community Council meeting in Westlock.
· Presentation by Geoff Wright, Chair, Fort McMurray Community Council
· There are two issues of great concern to the Council.
· Staffing agencies in Fort McMurray
· Post-Secondary education, which is becoming a growing issue in Fort McMurray for people with disabilities.
· Staffing:
· There has been tremendous growth in Fort McMurray. There are about 10 major projects for new plants and planned expansions with costs ranging from one-half to six billion each. As each project comes on stream there is significant growth in permanent residents along with growth in the temporary population of the construction workforce.
· Accommodation is extremely limited and what is available is very high priced. Rent is $1,000 to $1,500 for a one or two bedroom apartment. The average cost to purchase a home is $230,000.
· Salaries have increased significantly with some businesses paying service bonuses and cost of living incentives. Organizations compete intensely for employees.
· It is difficult for agencies in Fort McMurray to attract and retain the qualified staff they need to support and maintain services to individuals with disabilities.
· It is the vision of the Council to ensure that persons with developmental disabilities are in a position to improve their lives and maximize their contribution to their communities. The Council is looking for MLA support and advice on how they can move forward on the issue of staffing.
· Post Secondary Education
· Fort McMurray has an excellent community college, however, there are very limited options for persons with developmental disabilities.
· The options that exist tend to meet a fairly narrow range of capabilities and address basic skills.
· As more young adults move from high school there will be an increasing need to have post secondary education for persons with developmental disabilities. Many families are interested in this issue.
· The Council would like to work with PDD when talking with Keyano College on this and improving access and support for existing programs.
· Presentation by Merle Rudiak, Co-Chair, Awasak Child and Family Services Authority Board and Anna Lastiwka, Contract Manager
· The caseload for Children’s Services has been around 180-200 for the last couple years. There are just as many coming in and leaving because of the economic situation and services that are not there.
· Staff recruitment and retention is an issue. Many people leave to take positions that pay more. There has been about a 200% turnover on the children’s side in the last year.
· START is no longer able to provide all the services required. Some services have been put out for tender.
· The Awasak Board will be meeting with Guy Boutilier, MLA for Fort McMurray, on June 18th to discuss come of their issues.
· Presentation by Captain Jim Merritt and Iris Pasareno, Program Manager, START, Program, Fort McMurray Salvation Army
· Iris introduced a new Salvation Army song “Together We Can…” which has been written in support of a local campaign to provide housing support for persons with developmental disabilities in Fort McMurray.
· Captain Jim Merritt shared some information about the Salvation Army.
· The Salvation Army houses about 1600 people with developmental disabilities around the world, operates 352 hospitals and clinics, and 300 schools. In Canada there are about 15,000 employees, with the majority engaged in social services, hospitals, hospices and long term care facilities. There are four units that offer services to persons with developmental disabilities – both children and adults.
· The Fort McMurray Salvation Army is committed to working with the Board, Community Council, staff, volunteers and individuals to partner in providing quality sustainable services.
1. Board Communications and Operations
1.1
Agenda Item 1.7 Northeast Alberta Community Board:
2002-2005 Business Plan Goals 4 and 5
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Bring forth deferred item.
The Provincial Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities approved the Northeast Alberta Community Board 2002-2005 Business Plan and Resource Allocation for 2002-2003 at the March 11, 2002 Provincial Board Meeting.
The Board reviewed their community consultation plan and discussed strategies to involve more people from the community in the process.
Goal 4: “PDD Community Governance is effective” and Goal 5: “Work with
entities at federal, provincial, regional and local levels to address community
inclusion for persons with developmental disabilities” are central to the
Board’s role in supporting community inclusion throughout the region.
#02-06-498 MOTION: Johanne
Hassey moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
#02-06-509 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Northeast Alberta Community
Board meet with the AACL Board. Carried unanimously.
1.2
Northeast Alberta Community Board Audit Report
for the Period
Ending March 31, 2002
Recommendation: That the Board approve the following:
§ Exit Document – Report to the Audit Committee March 31, 2002
§ Northeast Board Financial Statements as of March 31, 2002
Purpose of Report: Information
On May 31, 2002 the Board's audit committee, consisting of Don Schultz and Donna Desjardins, met with Fred Dunn, Auditor General, Trevor Shaw, principal from the Auditor General's office, and Thomas Wong who assisted Trevor Shaw with the Audit. Also in attendance were Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO for the Board, Connie Zatorski, Director of Finance, and Michael Mountford, Senior Financial Advisor.
#02-06-499 MOTION: Carmela
Levesque moved the Board approve the Report to
the Audit Committee
March 31, 2002 and the Northeast Board Financial Statements as of March 31,
2002, as presented. Carried unanimously.
1.3
Northeast Region Strategic Forum
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and direction to the administration.
Last year the Board held their Regional Strategic Forum in Lac La Biche on June 12th and 13th. Invited participants included representatives from Community Councils, Service Provider Boards and their administration, individuals and families along with Provincial and Regional partners (AACL, AARC, Children’s Authority, HR&E).
The major purpose of the forum was to a) inform the regional representatives of the overall directions of the Provincial PDD Board in developing the 2002-2005 business plan and b) involving the region in establishing regional business plan directions which were in concert with the Provincial Board.
The Board discussed dates and locations for their 2002 Strategic Forum. The forum will be held on September 13th and 14th, 2002 in Westlock. The theme for this year’s forum will be “Building Community Capacity for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.”
A regional forum for Community Councils will be held in conjunction with the Strategic Forum.
#02-06-500 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved the Board accept
September 13th and 14th
as the date for the Northeast
Region Strategic Forum and Westlock as the location. Carried unanimously.
1.4
Northeast Alberta Community Board Communication
Framework
2002-2005
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Provide direction to the administration on the next
development stage.
The Board received a report on the Communication Framework at their May 11, 2002 meeting, which outlined a number of components within the framework along with proposed content for the Board to consider.
The Board reviewed and discussed their Key Messages, Question and Answers, and Power Point Presentation as well as additional ways to use the information.
The administration requested further Board input by July 5, 2002 in preparation for a presentation to the Board in August.
#02-06-501 MOTION: Johanne Hassey moved the Board accept the
report for
information. Carried
unanimously.
1.5
Building Community Capacity within a Provincial
Framework
of
Sustainability: Discussion
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Discussion
The Board continued discussions on the topic of sustainability and the regional directions they wish to go.
The Board has adopted an overall framework of “Building Community Capacity for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities”.
The emerging directions the Board has identified to “Building Community Capacity” or investing in the future of communities and individuals with developmental disabilities are as follows:
· Develop partnerships with familiar and family centered community focused organizations.
· Develop partnerships with Communities (including businesses, organizations, clubs, etc.)
· Developing and funding community based employment, independent living and inclusion.
· Developing public awareness and education programs.
Each of these global directions will require different strategies throughout the region given the unique nature of local communities.
#02-06-502 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board
accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.6
NorthEast Community Online: Progress Report
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: To present a progress report on NorthEast
Community Online
The Board received a progress report on the NorthEast Community Online.
NorthEast Community Online orientation sessions have been held in Athabasca, Barrhead and Vegreville. These were received very favourably and resulted in many new registrations. Additional sessions are planned for Fort McMurray on June 20th and Whitecourt in August.
New software is being installed on NorthEast Community Online, which will make it easier for individuals to access the discussion forums.
Ms. Shauna Burke from St. Paul, and Ms. Rhonda Van Der Keere from Barrhead (both graduate students at Athabasca University) are currently providing computer training and tutorial assistance to three individuals in the Northeast Region. One individual has been provided with assistive technology and training in its use.
A panel presentation was made at the joint conference of the International Council of Distance Education and the Canadian Association of Distance Education in Calgary on May 29th, 2002. Dr. Susan Moisey, Ms. Heather Halpenny, and Mr. Bill Tidsbury demonstrated the functions of the web site and the assistive technology, showed the video, and discussed NorthEast Community Online as an application of using technology to build supportive, inclusive communities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Dr. Moisey will be speaking at the National Conference of the Canadian Association of Community Living in Toronto in November, where she will be presenting the NorthEast Community Online web site and discussing issues pertaining to inclusion in the global community.
Library
Access Project -- Plans are underway to
provide assistive technology to public libraries in the Northeast Region. A
letter has been drafted from the Chairman offering software to local libraries.
This software is intended to promote accessibility and to enhance the library’s
ability to be a natural support to individuals with developmental disabilities
and others for whom the printed word is a barrier.
#02-06-503 MOTION: Carmela Levesque moved the Board accept the report and
letter to the libraries as presented. Carried unanimously.
2.
Administration
2.1 Administrative
Agenda Items:
2.1 Northeast Alberta Consortium of Service Providers: Recruitment Initiative
and
2.2 Minister’s Employability Council: Final Report April 2002
(Items deferred from May 11, 2002 Public Board Meeting)
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Bring forth deferred items.
2.1 Northeast Alberta Community Board: Recruitment Initiative
In March 2002 a team from the Northeast Alberta Consortium of Service Providers visited colleges in five communities in the Maritimes and held open houses to discuss employment opportunities in the Northeast Region.
A Northeast Regional brochure was updated and the towns in which Service Providers are located profiled their communities and employment opportunities in addition to their service industry.
The Board discussed the results of the recruitment trip and the need to look at a strategy to work with municipal and community organizations on this initiative.
#02-06-504 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie
moved the Board accept the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.1 Minister’s Employability Council: Final Report April 2002
The Board received a copy of the Minister’s Employability Council: Final Report “Breaking Barriers, Enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities”. The report looks at increasing employability for persons with disabilities.
The
Northeast Alberta Community Board, through the community consultation process,
has identified the need for increased and enhanced employment opportunities as
a high priority. The Board’s 2002-2005 Business Plan has a number of
initiatives, and strategies, which are in concert with the main goals of the
council. The administration, in collaboration with the Northeast Alberta
Consortium of Service Providers, has the following initiatives either currently
underway or planned:
Goal
1: Increasing Awareness
· Information brochure for Prospective Employers
· Information guide for Service Providers Employment Specialists
· Regional Business Advisory Council
· Presentations to Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Clubs
· Celebrating and profiling employment successes (Northeast video, Community awards evening, etc.)
Goal 2: Improving Service Delivery
· In-service sessions for service provider’s community employment specialists.
· Completing a regional and community survey of type and nature of employment opportunities.
· Establishing employment targets for 2002-2003
· Collaborate with HR&E and other ministries on a pilot project in the Whitecourt area.
#02-06-505 MOTION: Christine
Botsford moved the Board accept the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
2.2 Northeast Alberta Housing Initiative: Survey
Results and Next Stage
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion.
The lack of affordable housing is a major concern in the Northeast Alberta Region. The Northeast Board is addressing the community concern around housing through a three-phase approach.
Phase I - the administration commissioned a study on the Housing Status of Individuals with Disabilities in the Northeast Alberta Region.
The Board reviewed and discussed the Housing Survey as well as some of the issues that were identified and directed the administration to go on to Phase II of the project.
Phase II will be to begin to identify, along with the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), strategies for increasing opportunities for housing for persons with developmental disabilities.
#02-06-506 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board accept the report for
information and direct the administration to continue with the next phase. Carried unanimously.
2.2
Alberta Corporate Service Centre: Northeast Region
Internal Audit Services
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for
information.
Purpose of Report: Information
The Board and their administration are subject to annual audits conducted by the Auditor General. In addition, there is a schedule of internal audits, completed for all government departments by the Alberta Corporate Services Centre.
The Board reviewed and discussed both the internal and external audit processes and the differences in purpose, extent, outlook, and reporting criteria as well as the benefits of each.
#02-06-507 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board accept
the report for
information. Carried
unanimously.
2.3
Building Better Bridges Issue #10: Report on Improving
Stability and
Predictability in the PDD Governance System
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information.
Purpose of Report: Information and conduct a Board readiness analysis.
The Building Better Bridges (BBB) issues of Improving Stability and Predictability incorporates work undertaken by 3 separate projects, Intake and Eligibility, Individual Needs Assessment and Funding Review. While being distinct projects, there was some overlap in issues and themes identified, which inextricably links the recommendations. The report identifies that implementation of the recommendations will be achieved through a strategic planning process, involving stakeholders. Implementation of recommendations is viewed as requiring a multi-pronged 3-year strategy.
The Board reviewed and discussed the report and a copy of a presentation to the Minister.
Representatives from each region will be asked to sit on a Provincial Steering Committee to develop and monitor the 3-year implementation plan, provide guidance, advice and conduct an evaluation of implemented recommendations.
Two Service Providers from the Northeast region have committed to participate in a pilot.
#02-06-508 MOTION: Christine
Botsford moved the Board accept the report as
information.
Carried unanimously.
· CEO Evaluation
#02-06-510 MOTION: Ralph Gorrie moved to accept the CEO Evaluation as
presented. Carried unanimously.
· June 19-21 – Online Communication Facilitator Workshop in Fort McMurray
· Month of June – Northeast Community Online Special Event Conference: Transition Planning
· Building Community Capacity
· Regional Education and Awareness Program on Building Natural Community Supports
· Handout (draft for discussion only) - Developing and Strengthening Natural Supports: A Proposed Strategy – this strategy has come out of a number of workshops about strengthening natural supports.
· A one-hour presentation will be scheduled for the September Board meeting.
#02-06-511 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Board go In
Camera at 8:45 am.
Carried unanimously.
#02-06-512 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board come out of Camera
at 10:00 am. Carried unanimously.
· August 17, 2002 Whitecourt
· September 15, 2002 Westlock
· October 19, 2002 Cold Lake
· November 24, 2002 St. Paul
#02-06-513 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board adjourn at 2:30 pm.
Carried unanimously.
_________________________________ _________________________________
Don Schultz, Chair Dr.
Alex Hillyard, CEO