Request to update PIPSC Equity Statement
to include additional grounds of discrimination

OCT 2024

Source: https://pipsc.ca/about/governance/agm/2024/2024-agm-resolutions-policy

P-22 - Inclusion of Additional Grounds of Discrimination in the PIPSC Equity Statement (E)

Sponsored by Dmitry Gorodnichy (member) | Disposition:

Whereas the current PIPSC Equity Statement, while addressing significant areas of discrimination, does not encompass all the diverse aspects that can affect our members. By expanding the statement to include more grounds of discrimination, we can better reflect the inclusive values of PIPSC and ensure all members feel represented and supported, in particular those who  experience discrimination on the grounds that are presently not listed in the Equity Statement.

Whereas current Union's messaging related to the religious backgrounds allows exclusion of non-scriptural ways of spirituality such as First Nations ways of living, karmic laws followers, and other spiritual and conscience practices not connected to churches or religious leaders.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT PIPSC updates the Equity Statement to make it more inclusive and representative of the diverse membership we serve by modifying the following clause as shown below:

Clause in its present form:

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic hurts and divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of disability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Proposed extended clause (new and modified terms are underlined)

Discriminatory speech or conduct that targets individuals based on race, sex, gender,  ethnic origin,  , language, age, cultural  and  educational backgrounds, religious and other enlightenment conscious practices,  medical treatment and prophylactic preferences harms and divides us.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PIPSC Revise Union's messaging related to the religious backgrounds to include non-scriptural ways of spirituality such as First Nations ways of living, karmic laws followers, and other spiritual and conscience practices not connected to churches or religious leaders.

RSC: No Comment

Legal: Recommend to be ruled out of order

PIPSC equity statement in adherence with legal requirement.  As a non-profit organization incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, PIPSC is required to comply with existing legislation regarding discrimination. The Institute does not have the discretionary power to alter the legal definition of discrimination or add grounds of discrimination that are not recognized by law. Any attempt to do so would contravene the organization's legal obligations and would therefore be invalid. PIPSC must adhere to the grounds of discrimination defined by applicable legislation and cannot unilaterally adopt new ones through an internal resolution.

JUN 2024

Source:  gdoc 

Recommendation to Update the PIPSC Equity Statement for Greater Inclusivity, by Dmitry Gorodnichy for discussion with PIPSC NCR Executives and Legal.

Following the concerns expressed by PIPSC members, I respectfully request the PIPSC leadership to update the Equity Statement to make it more inclusive and representative of the diverse membership we serve.

Reason for Change:

The current statement, while addressing significant areas of discrimination, does not encompass all the diverse aspects that can affect our members. By expanding the statement to include more grounds of discrimination, we can better reflect the inclusive values of PIPSC and ensure all members feel represented and supported.

The proposed change will:

1. Enhance the inclusivity of our organization.

2. Reflect our commitment to diversity and equity.

3. Foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for all members.

4. Encourage unity and collaboration among members from diverse backgrounds.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your positive response and action on this issue. The proposed changes are included in Annex A.

Sincerely

Dmitry Gorodnichy, Ph.D,  PIPSC NCR Executive (Group: RE, Department: CBSA)

Annex A: Proposed Changes

The proposed changes for PIPSC Equity statement  are provided below.
Additional grounds of possible discrimination are underlined. Key messages are highlighted in bold.

• Current PIPSC Equity statement
  
  

  • Union solidarity is based on the principle that all union members are equal and deserve mutual respect. Any harassing or discriminatory behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working to strengthen our solidarity and the labour movement.

  • As professional public servants and unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
    
    

  • Clause to be updated:
    
    

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic hurts and divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of disability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Proposed revised cause:

Discriminatory speech or conduct that targets individuals based on race, sex, gender,  ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, cultural  and  educational background, religion, language, age, dietary and lifestyle choices, or medical treatment preferences harms and divides us.

Medical prophylactic and treatment ppreferences 

• Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment is not a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that harassment creates, are not feelings that help us grow in solidarity.

• Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different, rather than those elements that make us the same. They reduce our capacity to work together for and with our members for better contracts, safe working conditions, and justice in both the workplace and society.

• The Institute’s enduring values, our policies and practices reflect on our commitment to equality.
  
  Proposed additional clause:
  
  

• We must unite and work collaboratively to embrace the diversity of different views and backgrounds, seek language and actions that bring members together, and avoid those that may create division and ostracism within our multicultural, multifaceted community of public servant professionals.