June 30, 2009
Summer Student Employment Opportunity
If you believe in workplace rights and equality, maybe working for the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is for you. PSAC is seeking a summer student organizer to work either in Toronto or London depending upon the successful candidates preferred work location. Summer student organizers are paid at a rate of $16.50 / hour to support PSAC's right the organize and Think Public campaigns. Summer Student Organizers will have student employees, casual employees and general public sign petitions and the like in support of PSAC's court challenge to win the right for students to unionize and also distribute Think Public materials in support of quality public services. This position will provide an exciting opportunity to become involved in the labour and social justice movements.
Click here for complete details of posting and application procedure (PDF)
June 26, 2009
Rainbow Health Ontario Wants to Hear from You!
Rainbow Health Ontario, a new province wide program designed to improve access to services and to promote the health of Ontario's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered, two-spirit, intersex and/or queer (herein referred to as LGBT) communities, invites you to participate in an initiative to assess how to support and increase capacity for LGBT community based research (CBR) in Ontario. For the purpose of this survey, we are defining CBR as research that is "conducted by, for or with the participation of community members…Community- based research aims not merely to advance understanding, but also to ensure that knowledge contributes to making a concrete and constructive difference in the world." (Loka Institute Website, June 2001).
This survey asks questions about LGBT CBR activities conducted by a diverse range of individuals and organizations across Ontario, including but not limited to LGBT organizations, other organizations who work with LGBT communities, and LGBT community members and/or allies who have contributed to LGBT CBR. The survey questions will help to illustrate the range of LGBT CBR initiatives across Ontario, and highlight the existing capacity of our communities to engage in meaningful research to improve health and wellness. This survey will also ask questions regarding the barriers to LGBT CBR, and attempt to identify ways in which RHO can support and improve the capacity for LGBT CBR in Ontario. It should take you approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Please note that this survey is not intended for university-based researchers. If you are interested in leaning more about Rainbow Health Ontario's network of university-based researchers, please contact Loralee Gillis at lgillis@rainbowheal thontario. ca
Please also note that the deadline for this survey is Wednesday July 8th, 2009. For more information please contact Kira Abelsohn at kabelsohn@rainbowhe althontario. ca.
To access the survey, please follow this link:
http://www.surveymo nkey.com/ s.aspx?sm= UQ9krJ3lfhWeMYZ_ 2bUeZVHw_ 3d_3d
Thank-you! In Solidarity,
Karen Church
GLBT Ontario Council Representative
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 25, 2009
Akwesasne Teachers Ratify First Tentative Agreement with Mohawk Council
Akwesasne – Teachers in Akwesasne represented by PSAC ratified a first tentative agreement with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne on Wednesday June 24, 2009. The agreement will expire August 31, 2011. It provides Akwesasne teachers with improvements to workplace rights, working conditions, and salaries.
Click here for the full story -
http://psac.com/news/2009/releases/28-0609-e.shtml
June 25, 2009
June - Pride Month
The month of June is known as Pride Month, a time of remembrance, empowerment, solidarity, and celebration of diversity.
Throughout Canada (and many parts of the world), Pride festivities are held with parades, dances, festivals, and other events to educate and express to the public the uniqueness and complexity of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) communities.
These festivities are a means of claiming space in a public sphere to send the message that GLBT communities deserve the same rights as everyone else and should be free to live their own lives, void of judgment or hate.
The month of Pride came about after the Stonewall Rebellion on June 28, 1969. A violent police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan (a local gay bar), on this day resulted in an uprising by patrons and others in the community. The Stonewall Rebellion is cited by many as the beginning of the modern day gay movement.
The GLBT communities deal with many social challenges in everyday life. Pride month helps to express to the larger public the diverse sexual and gender identities, histories, cultures, and families of these communities so that they are better understood, supported and accepted.
On behalf of the Regional Executive Vice-President of Ontario and the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered Ontario Council Representative, we would like to invite all PSAC members to attend a Pride event in your community.
Pride celebrates freedom of expression, acceptance of lifestyles and welcoming of diversity and we encourage all Ontario PSAC Members to come out and celebrate with their Sisters and Brothers to the events listed below.
In Solidarity and Pride,
| Gerry Halabecki Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario Public Service Alliance of Canada |
Karen Church GLBT Ontario Council Representative Public Service Alliance of Canada |
Pride Events -
Toronto - June 19-28, 2009 www.pridetoronto.com
Windsor – August 5-9, 2009 www.windsorpride.com
London - July 24-26, 2009 www.pridelondon.ca
Hamilton - www.hamiltonpride.com
Peel – July 11-12, 2009 www.pridepeel.com
Chatham-Kent – August 24-30, 2009
June 24, 2009
Pride Statement & Brochure
Click here for -
Pride Statement-June 2009 (PDF)
Pride Flyer - 2009 (PDF)
June 16, 2009
EI Rally Was a Success!
On Saturday, June 13th @ 1:00 p.m., thousands marched from the Metro Hall at King and John Street to the Delta Chelsea on Yonge and Gerrard. PSAC members gathered in support of this campaign to fix EI, protect pensions and protect quality public services.
Here are some pics from that Rally:
 Gerry Halabecki, REVP, Ontario with Jack Layton, Leader of the NDP |
 Olivia Chow with friends |
 PSAC Members |
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June 12, 2009
Invite to all Members - Ontario Council Meeting - Toronto
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to observe the upcoming PSAC Ontario Council meeting, scheduled for June 27th – 28th, 2009 at the PSAC Regional Office Boardroom, Toronto. Our hours of sitting are: Saturday, June 27th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are, or will be in the Toronto area and would like to attend, please consider doing so.
This event is a scent-free environment. Please RSVP to my Executive Assistant, Rita Cantalini @ (416) 485-3558 ext. 232.
Click here for Agenda [Word] [PDF]
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 11, 2009
National Day of Reconciliation
The PSAC joins the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on Parliament Hill, June 11 at noon to mark the National Day of Reconciliation one year after Canada's apology for its treatment of Aboriginal Peoples who suffered the impact of the Indian Residential School system. For more information on activities happening throughout the Day, visit: www.afn.ca
June 4, 2009
USGE - Farming Matters Campaign
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
I am writing to request your assistance in supporting the Farming Matters Campaign. Did you know that farm programs with Canada's minimum-security penal institutions extends back to the late 19th century! I strongly urge you to send a message to Stephen Harper to ensure we have a safe, secure and sustainable food supply. By logging onto the website: http://www.saveourfarms.ca/ you can support the campaign and sign the electronic petition.
Please ensure to widest distribution amongst your respective membership and constituency groups.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 4, 2009
OFL - Drive to Work Campaign
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) currently has a "Drive to Work" province wide campaign underway. It is a tour which is geared around how the recession is affecting working people like you and I. Along the way, stories are emerging on the need to preserve and create good jobs and maintaining strong quality public services.
I strongly urge you to get involved and participate in this campaign. It is being launched in Kenora and Oshawa on June 8th and will end in Toronto on June 25th. This Caravan will be flying OFL flags and DRV2WRK flags, please join the OFL for part of the trip or the whole 3,000 km. (attach flyer) For current information as the Drive to Work Campaign tours over 50 cities in Ontario and over 100 planned events, find out more by visiting their website @ www.drivetowork.ca.
Your support is greatly welcomed. I would appreciate if you would kindly disseminate this information to your respective membership and constituency groups. Be present and be heard when the Caravan tours your city.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
June 2, 2009
Important Rally - Saturday, June 13th, 2009
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
I seek your attendance at an important Rally scheduled on Saturday, June 13th @ 1:00 p.m., downtown Toronto at Metro Hall located at King and John Street. This campaign is organized by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Toronto & York Region Labour Council and the Good Jobs for All Coalition. It is crucial that we seek your participation in the aide to fix EI, protect pensions and protect quality public services.
Click here for poster
Please ensure widest distribution amongst your membership and respective constituency groups.
Thanking you in advance for your support and participation, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 28, 2009
Attawapiskat School Fight in Ontario!
Attawapiskat, is the home of the Mushkegowuk (swampy) Cree that is situated on the west coast of James Bay. The community has been exposed to toxic fumes dating back to 30 years. See the u-tube video attached. More information to follow soon on how you can help and support this community.
Click to see videos:
Attawapiskat School Fight
Attawapiskat - where are the promises?
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
May 15, 2009
International Day Against Homophobia
2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the decriminalization of homophobia in Canada.
International Day against Homophobia is May 17th.
This day is a great opportunity to celebrate rights and freedoms. It is about all people hoping for a prejudice free world. It is for all individuals seeking equality.
2009 Pride Celebrations -
Hamilton June 13-21
London July 16-26
Toronto June 19-28
Tri-Pride May 31-June 6
Windsor August 5-9
Wishing all Members of the PSAC, HAPPY PRIDE! Please celebrate with Family and Friends.
In Solidarity and Pride,
Karen Church
GLBT Representative
Ontario Regional Council
Click here for PSAC National Website Statement
Click here for OFL Statement
May 12, 2009
PSAC Ontario Council By-Elections - Extended Deadline
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
Due to low responses to our Alternate positions on the PSAC Ontario Council vacancies and requests for an extension, I have decided to extend the deadline for all 3 by-elections until May 31, 2009. All three letters have been included, please ensure widest distribution amongst your membership/constituency groups. Please feel free to contact my office with any of your questions.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Alternate, Members with Disabilities Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
Alternate, Young Workers Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
Alternate, Racially Visible Members Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
May 11, 2009
Negotiated settlement in sight in Akwesasne
Stewards Assembly - Solidarity in a Time of Crisis - May 7th
The Toronto and York Region Labour
Council is organizing a meeting for all Local Executives and Stewards from all unions within the GTA to deal with the economic crisis. Click here for more info
Please consider attending.
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
April 21, 2009
Petition for Workers on Strike in Philippines
Greetings Sisters & Brothers:
I am seeking your assistance - Please sign on to the linked petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/cwpj925/petition.html
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
April 9, 2009
PSAC Ontario Council By-Election
As a result of recent vacancies on the PSAC Ontario Council, we are holding by-elections in accordance to the PSAC Ontario By-laws. Vacant positions are as follows:
- Alternate, Members with Disabilities Representative
- Alternate, Young Workers Representative
- Alternate, Racially Visible Members Representative
Please note that the deadline to submit Nomination Forms is May 4th, 2009.
Thanking you in advance, I remain,
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Alternate, Members with Disabilities Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
Alternate, Young Workers Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
Alternate, Racially Visible Members Nomination Letter & Form (doc)
Unemployed workers desperately need changes made to EI!
To that end, the Canadian Labour Congress, the Toronto and York Region Labour Council and the Good Jobs For All Coalition will hold a series of EI lobby training sessions next week for community and labour activists. The purpose is to train and provide the tools to lobby our MPs
The time, locations and geographic areas are outlined below.
Please encourage your activists to attend.
For further information, please contact CLC representative Stephanie Levesque at 416-441-3710 ext 228 or at 647-248-8530.
Tuesday, April 14 Scarborough area ridings
6-8 p.m.
CEP Local 975 office
975 Kennedy Road (south of Lawrence)
Scarborough Agincourt - Jim Karygiannis
Scarborough Centre John Cannis
Scarborough Guildwood John McKay
Scarborough Rouge River Derek Lee
Scarborough Southwest Michelle Simson
Pickering Scarborough East Dan McTeague
Wednesday, April 15 North York area ridings
6:30 8 p.m.
Central Ontario Building Trades office
2088 Weston Road (north of Lawrence)
York South Weston Alan Tonks
Etobicoke North Kirsty Duncan
York Centre Ken Dryden
York West Judy Sgro
Eglinton Lawrence Joe Volpe
Thursday, April 16 Downtown ridings
6-8 p.m.
Steelworkers Hall
25 Cecil Street
Beaches East York Maria Minna
Toronto Centre Bob Rae
Etobicoke Lakeshore Michael Ignatief
Davenport Mario Silva
Etobicoke Centre Borys Wrzesnewskyj
St. Pauls Carolyn Bennett
Please Note: If you live in Willowdale, Don Valley West or Don Valley East, we will be holding a training session at the Labour Council - watch for details.
The 7th Annual Workers of Colour/Aboriginal Workers Conference -
The Economic Recession Through the Lens of Equity:
Organizing for Economic and Racial Justice
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
OFL Building, 15 Gervais Dr.,
Registration - 8:15 am
Start - 9:00 am
This year’s conference is a continuation of the last 2 years’ theme: Equity and the Global Economy. The focus of this year will be on Organizing Strategies for Economic and Racial Justice.
Click the links below for more information and conference registration.
http://www.labourcouncil.ca/equity.html
http://www.labourcouncil.ca/WC09flyer.pdf
The PSAC has made 10 Scholarships available for PSAC Young Workers from the Aboriginal and Racially Visible community to attend this Conference.
Scholarships will cover the costs of Registrations.
Contact the Toronto Regional Office to register.
Contact Jawara Gairey, PSAC Regional Representative for more information @ 416-485-3558 x229 or email @ GaireyJ@psac-afpc.com
April 8, 2009
Ontario Health Coalition Call to Action
The McGuinty government is trying to push through the
worst hospital cuts since Mike Harris.
Ontario Fights Back on SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2009. There will be Cross Province Protests to Stop the Cuts to Our Hospitals!
Please click here to see flyer with more info and locations [PDF]
March 31, 2009
PSAC Constitution and Regulation 15
Final version adopted by the PSAC National Board of Directors - February 2009 »
Ontario Federation of Labour's (OFL) Solidarity & Pride Conference “Building Union Pride”
Greetings Sisters & Brothers,
Did you know that 2009 will mark the 40th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada! The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is proud of its fight to represent LGBT workers in Ontario. Below you will find a link to their website for their “OFL Solidarity & Pride Conference - Building Union Pride" which will be held at the Grand Hotel in Toronto on May 22-24, 2009.
March 25, 2009
Public Service Health Care Plan Update
The PSHCP is the largest employer-sponsored health care plan in Canada and the process to implement a card in a plan which covers over 1.2 million people is multifaceted and the scope unprecedented. More info click here
March 18, 2009
Call Out for the Ontario Regional Health & Safety Conference 2009
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Ontario Regional Health & Safety Conference June 6-7, 2009 Marriott Courtyard Hotel 475 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1X7 Click here for full details & forms |
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2009 Ontario Health
& Safety Conference being held June 6 & 7 at the Marriott Courtyard
Hotel, 475 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1X7, 1 (800) 847-5075.
The workshops being offered at the conference are:
1. Heat and Cold Stress
2. Violence in the Workplace
3. Myth of the Careless Worker
The Conference will also include an opening plenary where there will
be speakers on various Health and Safety topics.
Delegates will be selected according to Regional representation;
priority will be given to members from Joint Health and Safety
Committees and/or Health and Safety Representatives.
The Conference is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. sharp on
Saturday, June 6, 2009 and will close at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7,
2009. Delegates are expected to travel home at the completion of
the conference.
The Registration fee for the Conference is $75.00 per person
attending. The Registration fee is non-refundable once you have
been accepted as a participant to the conference.
- The conference budget will allow for up to 60 delegates.
- Delegates’ expenses include travel, (by the least expensive mode of travel), meals, parking and accommodations will be covered. Any leave without pay — will be subject to approval.
- For further information regarding expenses, please see the attached, 2009 Ontario Regional Health and Safety Conference Expense Policy.
- The Marriott Courtyard Hotel is a smoke free Hotel.
- Delegates are encouraged to ask their employer for Leave with Pay to attend the conference.
Deadline for Conference Registration is April 20th 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
Please Note: This is a SCENT FREE Conference
Click here for full details & forms
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
March 12, 2009
Join the Fix EI Rallies on March 16th & 25th
Click here for poster
March 9, 2009
PSAC Members Join the Fix EI Rally on March 5, 2009, 25 St. Clair
About 30 PSAC members (including the Leadership Phase I participants) and the REVP Ontario (Gerry Halabecki) and the REVP NCR (Maria Fitzpatrick) joined other unions and community partners on March 5th, at 25 St. Clair to protest against Stephen Harpers’ shameful inequities with the EI program. While Harper’s budget did announce a few changes to the EI system, it included freezing premiums and increasing the benefit period by five weeks for the next two years – PSAC maintains that this was too little to protect and support the growing numbers of unemployed workers.
Thousands of unemployed Canadians are running out of Employment Insurance (EI), and many more can’t get any benefits at all. The system has been deliberately broken, and now it needs to be fixed! Come out on March 16, at 200 Scarborough Town Centre Court.
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Click here for Demo Flyer |
March 6, 2009
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO ALL!
March 8th, marks International Women’s Day. We would like to wish all the women and sisters and friends of PSAC a Happy International Women’s Day!
This special day provides an opportunity to not only celebrate the progress made to advance equality for women but as well to face the challenges that lie ahead. Join us and our affiliates as we mark this special day and celebrate with the sisters/women in your life.
For Event listings in your area click here - Sault Ste. Marie
Click here for PSAC Documents:
- PSAC Declaration for International Women's Day
- The Harper Record: Sexist and Inequitable Governance
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
March 4, 2009
Rallies to Promote Changes Needed to EI
Hope to see as many of you out as possible in support of these rallies, especially those in the specific buildings being targeted. Any question feel free to contact me as always..
Dates: Thursday March 5, 2009 - 12:00 at 25 St Clair Ave E
Monday March 16, 2009 - 12:00 at 200 Town Centre Square, Scarbrough
See attached flyer and PSAC EI fact sheets for more details.
EI Fact Sheet
Demo Flyer
Please distribute widely
In Solidarity,
Bruce Flannigan
GTA Representative
PSAC Ontario Regional Council
Education Portfolio
Local President CEIU 638
http://ceiulocal638.tripod.com/
February 19, 2009
Institutionalised Injustice - The Struggle Against Impunity
Public Events
Toronto: Tuesday, February 24, 2009. 7:00 PM 25 Cecil St. (Steelworkers
Hall).
Ottawa: Saturday, February 28, 2009. 7:00 PM U. of Ottawa, Room 202
Montpetit.
Montreal: Mon., March 2, 2009. 7:00 PM Room D-R200, Pavillon Athanase David,
UQAM. 1440, rue St. Denis. (En français) read more
February 17, 2009
PSAC 2009 Scholarship Program
The PSAC 2009 Scholarship Program is again offering 15 scholarships.
February 17, 2009
Questions And Answers
Q: Is it possible to obtain a tax reduction on the $4000 lump sum payment?
A: The following are the federal and provincial income tax forms you can complete and print:
- T-1213 - Federal
Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source
- TP-1016 – Provincial (Québec)
Application for a Reduction in Source Deductions of Income Tax
For those who are interested, it is important that you act quickly because it can take from 20 to 30 working days at Customer Services to process the request for tax relief. You must then send the documents to Compensation Services for action. Checks could already be issued if you do not act quickly.
Reduction of tax deductions at source
Employees wishing to obtain a tax reduction on a lump sum payment of employment income must follow the procedure hereunder:
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The request must be made in writing to the Customer Services Division of the Tax Services Office of the Canada Revenue Agency and to Revenu Québec located in the employee's region.
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Employees can download a form from the aforementioned Internet sites or obtain one by telephoning their local taxation offices and requesting that a Tax Deduction Waiver request form.
(Please note that the Agency should forward its reply in writing to the employee within 4 to 6 weeks after receiving the tax deduction request form). - If the CRA approves the tax deduction reduction request, he or she will receive a letter of authorization. Upon receiving this letter, the employee must give a copy to his/her compensation advisor. No requests to reduce tax deductions will be processed without this letter.
It is important to bear in mind that, in order to receive letter waiving income tax at source from both levels of government, it may take between 4 to 6 weeks and the Compensation Department must receive copies of these letters before issuing a retroactive pay cheque. At present, we do not know the date when these retroactive pay cheques will be issued, but given how long it takes to obtain these letters, the time frame may be too short.
Some documents state that a letter of exemption is not required for amounts of under $10,000. A check was made with the Tax Services Office, which pointed out that no such exception exists for federal public servants and that the letter is compulsory, regardless of the amount.
February 11, 2009
Black History Month: the fight against discrimination continues
It is a time for PSAC members to highlight and acknowledge the immense benefits that the labour movement and Canada in general have achieved through the contributions of Black people and people of African heritage. »
February 11, 2009
Going back to our roots: A sharing on the Philippines and the Filipino people's experience with globalization and their struggle for genuine human rights.
Guest Speaker: Monica Urrutia, a member of the Philippine Women Centre of BC and staff of the Public Service Alliance of Canada who joined the Vancouver District Labour Council's (VDLC) solidarity tour to the Philippines last November 29 to December 14, 2008.
When: Sunday, February 22, 2009
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Venue: University of Toronto, Bahen Centre, Room 1230
40 St. George St. (closest intersection St. George and College Streets)
Philippine Women Centre of Ontario (PWC-ON) Member of the National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada (NAPWC) Telephone: 416-878 8772
February 6, 2009
PSAC Ontario Council Meetings
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to observe the upcoming PSAC Ontario Council meeting, scheduled for March 7 & 8, 2009 at the PSAC Regional Office Boardroom......
Invite (word) (pdf)
Agenda (word) (pdf)
In Solidarity,
Gerry Halabecki
Regional Executive Vice-President, Ontario
Public Service Alliance of Canada
January 23, 2009
PSAC members ratify new agreements with Treasury Board
Members of the PSAC working for Treasury Board have accepted new collective agreements that contain no concessions for four bargaining units representing more than 100,000 workers. »
January 12, 2009
JLP Facilitator Orientation - February 23-27, 2009
For more details, click here
November 2008
 UPCE Ratification Vote |
For more information (bulletins, pictures, news clips, videos, etc.) on our Regional website CLICK HERE |