The 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Nurses' Union convened at 9:00am. Opening ceremonies included the singing of the National Anthem by Racille North, Canadian Blood Services Local 62.

The 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Nurses' Union convened at 9:00am. Opening ceremonies included the singing of the National Anthem by Racille North, Canadian Blood Services Local 62.

President's Address

In her final address, Maureen Hancharyk recalled the successes of the past year. She noted the success of the recent agreement, assuring the MNU would maintain 4th place in the country in terms of wages, and congratulated PCBC on their hard work.

She spoke of MNU's successes in bringing attention to Workplace Health and Safety issues, including the recent government announcement of increased funding to hire additional health and safety inspectors and to step up enforcement of health and safety regulations in health care workplaces. The government's plans to develop a joint union-government-RHA committee to monitor and provide feedback on safety and health in the workplace. She also noted the MNU's creation of a new LRO position to assist members with WCB claims and to be a resource on health and safety issues.

Hancharyk spoke proudly of our achievement in bringing nurses from the bottom of the pack in wages to being fourth in the country. She talked about fighting to ensure diploma prepared nurses remain a valued and valuable part of Manitoba's health care system and the MNU's achievements in getting more investment in staff and standards for long term care.

Hancharyk reflected on her career as a nurse:

"My childhood dream was to become a nurse. Love, marriage and couple of baby carriages got in the way. But eventually, as a young woman with two small children, I realized my dream and went into nursing.

It wasn't easy, but I have never regretted it. I love nursing! I loved caring for my patients! I still think of the first ones I cared for, the last ones and the many in between."

Introduction of new website

Maureen Hancharyk introduced the new MNU website and provided an overview of its features with images. She pointed members to computer stations available for members to preview the site throughout the AGM. PCBC on their hard work.

Moment of Silence

The meeting observed a moment of silence to honour those members who passed away in the previous year.

Credentials Committee Report

The Credentials Committee was introduced and the registration totals presented:

President's Report

Maureen Hancharyk presented the President's report as printed in the Annual Report, and did not have any updates to make.

Director of Operations

Marilyn Kenny provided a summary of her report printed in the Annual Report.

Director of Negotiation

Irene Giesbrecht presented her report with some updates, the most important of which concerned the

recently negotiated wage increases. She reported that employers have confirmed the wage scales as of todayand are to implement them throughout the province as soon as possible. She noted that Local Presidents should ask their Employer when the retroactivity will be on members' cheques.

Finance Committee

Secretary-Treasurer Fern Beasse presented the Finance Committee report and it was noted that the budget forecast for 2009 will be debated after resolutions with financial implications are dealt with.

Keynote: Sister Elizabeth Davis

Sister Elizabeth Davis is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland and Labrabor. She served as Executive Director of St. Clare's Mercy Hospital (1986-1994) and as the first President and

Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care Corporation of St. John's (1994-2000). She is a Member of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions Bread and Roses Award.

In her address to delegates, Sister Elizabeth said all nurses are leaders. They need to realize this and embrace the role. She explained how in today's society there are no good maps, and the role of leader is even more important and more challenging. Sister Elizabeth talked about the challenges of leadership in today's society: The changes in demographics, the need to rebalance responsibilities between men and women, increasing urbanization and the neglect of rural concerns, significant cultural diversity, changes in technology, a growing gap between rich and poor, and increased awareness and understanding of the environment, increased expectations of public service and the demand for credibility of leaders.

Roles of nurses as leaders: visionary, catalyst, partner, decision-maker, inspirer, facilitator, implementer, evaluator. Nurses still clinicians, need to manage that role as well.

Vision needs to be shared. We have to name our values so others know our values and we can be held accountable to our values.

Regional Meetings

Regional meetings we held.

Candidate Speeches

Candidates for the position of MNU President spoke to delegates at 4:30.

Candidates:

• Sandi Mowat

• Karen Terlinski

• Yvonne Oxer

Voting is to take place Tuesday, April 29th at noon.