MINUTES

National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students

Thursday, November 27, 2008 to Sunday, November 30. 2008

CALL TO ORDER - Thursday, November 27, 2008

12.02pm National Graduate Caucus Chairperson Graham G. Cox called the meeting to order.

1. ROLL CALL OF MEMBER LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

Local 03 University of British Columbia Students' Union-Okanagan Present
Local 21 University of Calgary Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 09 University of Regina Students' Union Absent
Local 101 University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 96 University of Manitoba Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 102 Brock University Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 78 Carleton University Graduate Students' Association Present
Local 62 University of Guelph Graduate Students' Association Present
Local 32 Lakehead University Student Union Absent
Local 11 0 Laurentian University Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 39 McMaster University Graduate Students' Association Absent

Local 94 University of Otlawa Graduate Students' Association Present

des atudiant-e-s diploma-e-s
Local 27 Queen's University Society of Graduate and Professional Students Absent
Local 24 Ryerson Students' Union Present

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Local 85 Saint Paul University Students' Association Absent
Local 19 University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union Present
Trent Graduate Student Association· Absent
Local 47 University of Western Ontario Society of Graduate Students Present
Local 56 Wilfrid Laurier University Graduate Students' Association Present
Local 48 University of Windsor Graduate Student Society Present
Local 84 York University Graduate Students' Association Present
Local 83 Concordia University Graduate Students' Association Absent
Local 79 Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill University Present
Local 67 University of New Brunswick Graduate Students' Association Present
Local 70 University of Prince Edward Island Graduate Student Association Present
Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students· Absent
Local 34 Mount Saint Vincent University Students' Union Absent
Local 100 Graduate Students' Union of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Present

• Prospective members

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

2008/11:01 MOTION
Local 78/Local 94
Be it resolved that the agenda for the May 2008 meeting of the National Graduate
Caucus be adopted.
2008/11:01 CARRIED
2008/11:02 MOTION
Local 78/Local 94
Be it resolved that the agenda be amended to move item four to just before
adjournment.
2008/11:02 CARRIED
 MINUTES
National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

3. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS

National Graduate Caucus Chair, Graham Cox welcomed the delegates to the meeting. G. Cox
noted that there was information and materials produced by the Caucus Executive at the back
of the room for delegates to pick-up including three campaign packages for locals. G. Cox noted
that there would be an event that evening for graduate locals. G. Cox highlighted some of the
main campaigns of the Caucus including copyright and open access; intellectual property; post-
residency fees. G. Cox expressed a hope that the remaining Manual of Best Practices would be
collected and/or filled out over the course of the meeting.

Local 94 Delegate Federico Carvajal asked how many locals had turned in manual of best
practices.

G. Cox said about half of locals had turned them in.

5. SELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR PLENARY SUB-COMMITTEES

Standing Resolution 1, Section 2, Committee Composition states that:
"Each caucus, constituency group and provincial component shall have the right to select one
voting member to sit on each standing general meeting committee."
The Caucus will select representatives for each of the following plenary sub-committees:
BUdget Committee;

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Organisational and Services Development Committee; and
Policy Review and Development Committee.
2008/11:03 MOTION
Local 19/Local 84
Be it resolved that J. Wood (Local 62) and B. Taylor (Local 48) represent the NGC
at the Budget Committee.
2008/11:03 CARRIED
2008/11:04 MOTION
Local 94/Local 62
Be it resolved that G. West (Local 19), T. AI-Geddaway (Local 48) and Heather
Finn (Local 78) represent the NGC at the Organisational and Services
Development Committee.
2008/11:04 CARRIED
2008/11:05 MOTION
Local 94/Local 67
Be it resolved that Meghan Gallant (Local 19) and A. Massecar (Local 62)
represent the NGC at the Policy Review and Development Committee.
2008/11:05 CARRIED

6. REVIEW OF MOTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

Motions N15, N13, and N03 were flagged for consideration by the NGC prior to the sub-

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committee meetings.
S. Suliman (19) noted she is against N15 as it is logistically problematic, diversity will be
undermined; every single local is present at opening and closing plenary.
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 MINUTES
National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

2008/11 :06 MOTION

Local 94/Local 67
Be it resolved that the NGC committee delegates vote to defeat N15.
Local 94 delegate Carvajal noted that plenary subcommittees often have a diversity of views
that does not always get expressed in plenary.
Local 19 delegate Rose DaCosta agreed that representatives should recommend defeat of this
motion, and highlighted that students of colour will also be recommending defeat. She further
highlighted that the motion fails to acknowledge what the constituency groups are supposed to
do: including diverse voices and perspectives ultimately making our positions stronger.
2008/11:06 CARRIED
Local 47 delegate Dechene provided some background on N03, indicating it was based on an
administration policy at the University of Western Ontario. Both the university administration and
Local 47 felt there was a need for consistency across the Tri-Council maternity and paternity
leave policies.
Local 19 delegate Gallant highlighted two things: first, this is an important issue because
maternity and paternity leave policies often poorly defined and are major issues in TA unions as
well. Sometimes it is 2 months for Teaching Assistants at the University of Toronto, but not
consistent across the university, it seems to depend on departments, so very important issue
worth discussing. However, she would like to know what policies are being highlighted in
contrast with university unions. She said the NGC ought to have break-out groups to discuss
what kinds of policies it ought to support based on ideas and experience, not on an external
report from another organisation or body.
G. Cox said that the Caucus can circulate document and report on mat leave for this evening
and save discussion for then. This motion going to campaigns and probably will not be
discussed this evening, so we should be good to discuss it later tonight.
Carvajal started the discussion on N13 by indicating that academic freedom was important. He
said government programming to fund certain films is being threatened when the films are not in
agreement with public policies. Censorship is clearly an issue here, especially when we
consider that creative arts programs are dependent on this funding. We need to take a stance
as NGC: He recommend we pass this motion.
Local 78 delegate N. Hauch said this is general censorship, and there is a social conservative
component is underlying this policy. It also challenges academic freedom.
2008/11:07 MOTION
Local 94/Local 24
Be it resolved that the National Graduate Caucus committee delegates vote in
favour of N13.
2008/11:07 CARRIED
Federation Communications Officer Ben Lewis said that Bill C-10 is a big package of changes
and this part is only one aspect of it.
Local 24 delegate J. Bagnall said it is important for Caucus to support motion N12 as it links to
the privatization of campuses as well. Critical work that gets people thinking is threatened with
these funding cuts, so the NGC ought to make sure it get this funding back to support artists
and get work out into public.
2008/11:08 MOTION

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Local 24/Local 19
Be it resolved that the National Graduate Caucus committee delegates vote in
favour of N12.
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008
-- - .-

2008/11:08 CARRIED

Local 67 delegate Neil Cole said a resolution to discussions of motion N14 was problematic as
we do not know when the minority government will fail and this could incapacitate the National
Executive (NE) to be able to respond to campaign
Suliman said that the motion seems quite insulting to National Executive and that elections are
called very quickly without much notice and the NE has to be able to respond and cannot
necessarily wait for a national general meeting.
2008/11 :09 MOTION
Local 19/Local 100
Be it resolved that the National Graduate Caucus committee delegates vote to
defeat N14.
Hauch said they supported the motion to defeat as the motion also seems to suggest the NE
has to get approval for every single action it takes between general meetings. This is not only
inefficient he said, but would make all strategies public. He said that the NE exists to carry out
this work on member locals' behalf between meetings.
Carvajal said they supported motion to defeat as the NE works very hard to be involved in
federal elections and campaigns. The strategy was very good during the last federal election
but elections are often planned hastily; if this passes, the NE cannot do anything should an
election be called and NE not be able to move forward without approval.

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National Graduate Caucus National Executive Representative Melanee Thomas indicated that,
as member of the National Executive, delegates could ask her questions or for information
about elections planning and strategising. She said the nature of last election was such that
information was only released after platforms were released-as in the case of the
Conservative Party's in the most recent federal election, when the platform was not released
until the last week of the campaign.
Local 100 delegate Matt Fuchs said that NE information and campaign materials were very
informative and useful and he supports the motion to defeat this motion.
2008/11:09 CARRIED
Local 48 delegate T. AI-Geddaway wondered why motion N11 discussion bulk purchasing was
presented at this meeting, and did not understand what the purpose is of it was. Even if a local
does not put the name in, the CFS logo in on materials and usually the local number on it
anyway.
Gallant indicated that some of the locals do not want CFS but would rather only have local
information on it. She thought the CFS logo should be on it if using the service and member
locals should be proud of the eco-friendly nature of many of the services.
Carvajal thought it was a good motion, and noted that it comes from a local that did not have a
history of using CFS services. It is important that the CFS individual members should know
where there services and materials come from-it is about awareness; the motion only
encourages it does not require. Local 94 started this year to include all CFS and local info on
materials and it seems to help raise awareness and promote CFS.
Lewis was involved in graphics and design of all the different local designs on materials. Many
locals were putting university logos, but not even student union info on the materials. The idea
that the Federation should be encouraging members and locals of what the Federation is, and
the services it offers.

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Local 62 delegate J. Wood wondered why the Federation needed a motion for this if it only
encourages rather than mandates.
AI-Geddaway said he still did not understand as even if a local does not print the CFS name on
materials, does not it already come with CFS logo on it.
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

Suliman provided a background: a local requested that CFS logo not be on aT-shirt produced
through the bulk purchasing service. This motion seems to be in response to the idea that a
local use a service, but then hide the service source.
Lewis clarified that the CFS name and logo is not necessarily on materials. It used to be that
labels were sewn onto T-shirts, but pens and water botlles do not necessarily have the CFS
logo.
Da Costa said that if bulk purchasing is a good idea and locals use it, we should be proud to
advertise its source. It is not actually fair that we would not give credit to this bulk purchasing
program. It would be good to make the motion wording stronger and actually require the CFS
logo on goods.
MOTION:
2008/11:10 MOTION
Local 19/Local 67
Be it resolved that motion N11 be amended to read: "CFS be identified on all
materials produced through the bulk purchasing program. n
Carvajal said that bilingualism is important, so the name should be bilingual.
Fuchs argued that, coming from distinct province it might be good for provincial offices to also
include their information on materials.
Carvajal asked if the NE can mandate or even recommend things to provincial offices. He
thought it was up to the provincial offices to decide on what they would do with something like
this.
G.Cox indicated that any recommendation or mandate from the national organization would be
out of order.
Gallant asked, on a point of order, what the voting procedure was.
G. Cox clarified it was one local, one vote.
2008/11:10 CARRIED
2008/11:11 MOTION
Local 94/Local 110
Be it resolved that the meeting recess until this evening, Thursday, November 27,
2008.
2008/11:11 CARRIED
The meeting recessed.

CALL BACK TO ORDER-Thursday, November 27,2008

National Graduate Caucus Chair Graham Cox called the meeting to order.

7. REPORT ON CAUCUS ACTIVITIES BY THE CAUCUS EXECUTIVE

Caucus Chairperson Graham Cox and Caucus National Executive Representative Melanee
Thomas provided a brief report of the last meeting of the Canadian Association of Graduate
Studies (CAGS). Key issues discussed included post-doctoral taxation and restrictions on
graduate student travel for research and field work due to Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT) safety ratings.
G. Cox reviewed all the NGC-related campaigns documents.
Local 96 delegate Aaron Bonar noted that electronic versions of all documents would be very
useful for distribution
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

Local 33 delegate M. Thorogood asked if the Public Risk/Private Gains document was available
online.
G. Cox indicated that all documents are available Online. Any local interested in broader
distribution of documents can request them from the National Office.

8. CAMPAIGNS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DISCUSSION

G. Cox opened the post-residency fees campaign discussion. He said post-residency fees are
tuition fees levied on graduate students who have completed coursework and are the in writing
stage of their degree. He said that the Caucus have posters for schools whose post-residency
fees are being threatened, or for those schools that have full fees but want to pressure the
administration to have them reduced. Pledge forms are also available. G. Cox also noted that
poster and pledge forms constitute the basic campaign kit for locals.
Local 78 delegate N. Hauch said that the specific language to be used is under discussion, for
example "losing" versus "reintroducing" etc., based on the context of individual campuses.
G Cox indicated that the new posters reflect new language that takes that discussion into
account.
Local 56 delegate D. Adams asked what a university's rational was for maintaining high fees for
graduate students once they had completed their course work.
Local 94 delegate Federico Carvajal said that universities have increasingly become oriented to
revenue seeking, and that their bottom line was paramount.

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Hauch mentioned that post-residency fees have a domino effect: once one university eliminates
them, others will follow.
Local 19 delegate Greg West mentioned that Local 19 is working hard on this issue. Their Dean
of Graduate Studies suggests higher tuition encourages students to leave and graduate.
Local 47 delegate Kai Pisters said that Western graduate students have guaranteed funding for
4 years, so the universities argument is that paying fees after 4 years encourages people to
leave.
Local 78 delegate Heather Finn said it was different at Carleton, as their Dean acknowledges
the issue but suggests there is an issue of solidarity with other schools. This keeps them from
changing fee structure and reinstating post-residency fees.
Local 19 delegate Rose Da Costa said that it is important to note that in Ontario there are no
post-residency fees because of the Ontario provincial government's lack of investment in
universities. She said meetings a few years ago indicate that there used to be support for post-
residency fees, but that U of T seems to stand alone. De Costa said students there have hope
and there has been limited movement.
Adams said he was concerned about post-residency fees being an issue during a recession. He
asked if there was going to be campaigning at provincial level, given the already large under-
funding at schools.
Carvajal argued post-residency fees needs to be addressed as such, not same issue as tuition
fees. In all cases, it requires more funding from government. Locals have to be part of putting
pressure on government. The student movement needs one institution to move on this, and then
others will follow.
G. Cox said whistleblower posters are available, locals should let us know if people want more.
CFS-Ontario Researcher James Beaton highlighted Chris Radzminski's case. He said Chris'
M.Sc. thesis on research on water issues was plagiarised and that industry sponsors were

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involved in his research. Beaton noted that Radzminski saw research misconduct happening
and tried to pursue university-level resolutions and had limited luck so he asked the Federation
for help. James said the Federation went to NSERC and tried to pursue legal action but the
courts ruled that NSERC acted appropriately, demonstrating that in Canada there is no legal
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

recourse for whistleblowers or oversight for research misconduct. Beaton said a few years ago
there was an initiative that attempted to pursue the establishment of a national oversight body
like in the US and that the whistleblower campaign comes out of this background and seeks to
get locals involved in information dissemination and raising awareness.
Adams asked if there was money available for court cases.
G Cox indicated there is, but that people will not come forward without whistleblower protection.
G. Cox said that the Intellectual Property rights campaign needs more information from locals in
order to move forward. The copyright campaign is also underway. There is information and
materials out on that, but there has been a limited reception among locals in terms of
implementation. G. Cox indicated that there are also open access information and fact sheets
available. G Cox asked the assembled members how the Caucus should proceed with the
copyright campaign.
Local 79 delegate Adrian Kaats indicated that, after significant time and effort, he finally got in
McGill's intellectual property information to the NGC executive. A copyright event was held at
Local 79: Brett Gaylor came in for a radio panel. In spite of this, people not very engaged in the
subject. Kaats indicated he thought that maybe a larger campaign on privatization might draw
people in, and has been working on this with the CFS-Quebec office.
Local 24 delegate J. Bagnall wanted to have an openlfree lunch to get people out to events on
these subjects, and was hoping to invite some speakers. He noted it is hard to get grads out to
do anything. He thought a national tour with experts would be good.
Carvajal indicated that campus involvement is hard because copyright is a dry subject, but the
film today (RIP: A Remix Manifesto) was awesome and would be a great segue into this kind of
discussion.
G. Cox said the executive can put together a list of speakers.
Kaats indicated a large list of speakers on a variety of topics would be helpful.
Thomas said the best way to kick-start this list on campaigns would be for locals who have
conducted such events to send the executive any information on speakers they have had,
including feedback on the calibre and quality of those speakers.

2008/11:12 MOTION
Local 94/Local 100
Be it resolved that the meeting recess until Saturday, November 29,2008.
2008/11:12 CARRIED

9. REVIEW OF CAUCUS FINANCES

Caucus Deputy Chair Amy Cox provided the caucus with an update of NGC finances. A. Cox
highlighted that the campaign finances are where the caucus anticipated they would be: the
media fee was for press releases on the newswire. Other expenses included post-residency fee
research, some travel to CAGS and delegate fees and G. Cox and Thomas went on behalf of
the Caucus. Communications is higher than anticipated due to a high volume of conference
calls. Membership development includes the generic graduate student handbooks and other
initiatives that are done annually. The executive has revised the May 2009 travel pool for three
people just in case.
Local 79 delegate Adrian Kaats asked if the Caucus expected to be on target this year with
respect to expenses.
A. Cox said that there is no reason that the Caucus would not fulfil the financial plans for
expenses.
Kaats indicated an unused $33K, which is a third of the annual bUdget, based on May
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27, 2008 to Sunday, November 30, 2008

discussion.
G Cox indicated that the budget for the NGC comes from a certain proportion of membership
fees from locals, and that surpluses and deficits do not carry forward. There are a number of
things that are not reflected in the financial statement that reflects NGC work (research, office
staff, printing, etc). G Cox said that the Caucus is under budget is not because work is not being
undertaken; it has to do with the spending priorities of the NGC. If those priorities require those
funds, then they will be used, but if not, there is no reason to use the full amount for the sake of
using the money. G Cox noted that the Caucus would be addressing campaigns later in the
agenda, so some new spending on campaigns will likely come up.
Local 96 delegate Aaron Glen asked further that, given that it is consistent that we do not spend
between thirty and forty thousand dollars consistently, if the caucus expects to be under-budget
again. In terms of dollars, that money could be spent on a graduate issues researcher for the
caucus. Given that the Caucus spends money on democratically-determined priorities, he asked
if there has been a discussion with the national executive about a researcher.
Local 56 delegate D. Adams asked about executive honouraria.
G. Cox indicated the honoraria was about $4,600 per year.
Local 94 delegate Federico Carvajal commented that the statement made about changing the
national office staffing structure is flawed. He said if the NGC thinks a researcher would be
beneficial, a motion could be tabled.
G Cox indicated that there has been no specific shortfall of research requested by the Caucus.
There is information that has been requested from graduate member locals that has been slow
to come in; without that broader mandate, having a researcher is not necessarily the answer to
producing more campaigns at the local level.
Local 96 delegate A. Bonar asked for clarification.
G. Cox (NGC) indicated that many things would have to happen prior to a researcher being
hired. There have been discussions, they are ongoing at the National Executive level, there are
broader hiring priorities within the organisation, and the Caucus executive is undertaking
research and can do more. He said that if the load becomes too mUCh, then the Caucus should
re-evaluate human resource needs.
Local 78 delegate Hauch indicated that this issue had been dealt with at the May meeting; given
how recent that was and that there is no new development, the focus should be on new
business.
Local 19 delegate Sarah Suliman expressed a desire to not repeat the discussion from May, and
expressed discomfort creating new funds and then deciding what to do with them. She said that
it was better to decide priorities and take finances from there.
M. Fuchs (100) expressed shock at the honoraria level and asked what the executive weekly
hours worked were.
The Caucus executive members generally indicated they do not count hours.
Thorogood indicated that the research opportunities that could arise would be new campaigns
and evaluating existing campaigns, and suggested that member locals could promote those
avenues for research within graduate programs themselves.
Adams asked about the honoraria, clarifying that three executive members get the honoraria,
and asked if it was attached to something specific, such as hours per week.
G. Cox indicated that there is no hourly total, but requirements are associated more with
responsibilities such as meeting attendance.
Beaton highlighted that, with respect to research, having been a National researcher and now
with the Ontario office, he works with the Caucus issues regularly, and this is not reflected in the
research line item for the Caucus, even though it was done for the Caucus. Beaton said the line
item reflects a research division that does not really exist in the Federation.
Local 62 delegate A. Rivera commented that, on the honoraria, for those who volunteer their
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27, 2008 to Sunday, November 30, 2008

time that it is important that the NGC, place the proper value on the work that is being done. He
said value is displayed by dollar amounts, it should be just remuneration. He indicated there
should be a model for how the NGC can appropriately value the time and work of executive
work. He argued that member locals cannot make argument that time is valuable when we do
not value it with funds.

12. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Caucus members will provide a local-by-Iocal update on the status of implementation of
Federation campaigns and services.
2008/11 :13 MOTION
Local 79/Local 19
Be it resolved that universities be lobbied to make up the difference in take home
pay that post-doctoral scholars ("post-docs") will lose under the new CRA tax
regulations via wage increases from their respective universities;
BIFRT the CRA be lobbied to delay its change to taxation policy for post-docs in
order to allow universities time to arrange for proper replacement funding to post-
docs and to enable appropriate consultations regarding its implications for post-
docs;
BIFRT coalition partners be sought to develop a communication strategy on the
issue of post-docs rights to a fair wage that advocates a fair and workable long-
term approach to post-doctoral funding.

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Kaats motivated that the root of this issue seems to be funding for post-docs. If they are paid
better, then taxing them will not be an issue.
Massecar asked how this is different than what NGC has been doing.
Local 27 Delegate Mark Rosner said it was his understanding that post-docs are no longer
treated as students but instead as employees.
Local 19 delegate Gallant indicated that Quebec post-docs are called different things than post-
docs in other provinces and this could be some of the difficulty. She further elaborated that the
NGC has had conversations in the past about whether or not post-docs are one thing or another
and how they are classified.
Rosner indicated that, in the past universities have at times given the post-docs an option of
what they want to be considered.
Carvajal said this issue came up at the last CAGS meeting, and that the there seems to be no
clear consensus yet from post-docs how they want to be classified. He argued that, simply
because the government changes its policy does not necessarily mean that the NGC should
follow the government. The NGC is mostly comprised of graduate students and it has to be
careful of what we suggest they should be called without their input.
Local 78 delegate Finn said McMaster post-docs recently unionized and are negotiating their
first agreement. There are some differences among post-docs in terms of their classification.
The NGC should be careful because they are workers and maybe losing or calling them
students is not a beneficial thing, but rather they need to decide for themselves.
Local 78 delegate Hauch acknowledged there are many questions in terms of post-docs: what
are the implications of money, taxing, titles, etc. We need to get some research on this issue.
Coming to any conclusions too quickly without enough information will not be helpful.
G.Cox said that the NGC has been discussing the issue and communicating with unions and

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other organizations. It was discussed a little during the CAGS meeting. The role the NGC have
played so far has been consultative. And this motion would enable us to act on a few things and
pressure the government
2008/11:13 CARRIED
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

2008/11:14 MOTION
Local 79/Local 24
Be it resolved that packages to be distributed to locals to help implement
campaigns.
Local 84 delegate K. Holloway said that it was a good idea to prepare a package to help
implement campaigns, but that member locals should be careful not to overburden the
executive. The motion reads this should be compiled by the NGC and member locals all need
to participate in its production, circulate information to the NGC listserv, and work together.
Kaats agreed, and said the motion is supposed to encourage locals to be involved, but since
the Caucus cannot technically have a motion requiring member locals to do something, the
motion is really supposed to spark that sort of engagement.
2008/11:14 CARRIED
2008/11:15 MOTION
Local 79/Local 100
Be it resolved that all surveys be editable and, where possible, documents be
produced using open source software.
Kaats motivated that he filled out the Manual Best Practices before, but have no hard copy on
file that he can just update yearly. If there is an editable version, then it encourages member
locals to update their surveys yearly.
Local 48 delegate B. Taylor asked why there has not been editable forms earlier, or are there
drawbacks to having editable electronic versions.
Campaigns and Government Relations Coordinator I. Boyko indicated that the Federation is
moving in this direction but there is not really any issue.
Local 24 delegate J. Bagnall asked if the motion permits hard copies.
Kaats indicated that nothing prevents locals from hitting print.
T. AI-Geddaway had some concerns about passing on information.
Local 62 delegate A. Massecar indicated that he had had trouble in the past finding good
open source software. He asked Kaats if he could recommend or help member locals find
good software.
H. Finn indicated she thought she might be misunderstanding the point, and asked if there
were issues with editable versions resulting in more errors.
A. Kaats repeated that soft copies can easily result in hard copies. Anyone can always print
the documents and keep them around and pass them on. What the NGC is missing is the soft
version that allows the Caucus to have these things into the future. PDF forms also allow
similar functionality. Kaats indicated that, as far as open source software goes, he could help
others find software.
F. Carvajal asked about the wording on the open source portion of the motion, particularly if
the clause mandating the executive or Federation staff to use free software was going to
hinder their ability to do the work.
Local 19 delegate S. Suliman said that if the office already has purchased software, then she
had no problem with the office using proprietary software.
2008/11:15 MOTION TO DIVIDE
Local 621Local 56
Be it resolved the motion be divided.
2008/11:15 CARRIED
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National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27, 2008 to Sunday, November 30, 2008

2008/11 :15a MOTION

Local 79/Local 100
Be it resolved that all future surveys be editable electronically.
Local 62 delegate J. Wood asked if a motion was necessary.
A. Massecar indicated that the NGC could have spent this time discussing something more
pertinent to our Locals.
2008/11 :15a CARRIED
Abstention: Local 78
2008/11 :15b MOTION
Local 79/Local 100
Be it resolved that all documents be produced using open source software where
applicable.
2008/11:16 MOTION TO TABLE 2008/11 :15b
Local 94/Local 3
Be it resolved that Motion 2008/11 :15b be tabled.
2008/11:16 CARRIED

13. UPDATES FROM PLENARY SUBCOMMITTEES

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Caucus representatives on each plenary sub-committee will reported on the deliberations of the
sub-committees.
Local 62 delegate J. Wood reported that, at the budget committee, there were no amendments
and the budget was approved.
Local 78 delegate H. Finn reported that an amendment was proposed to bulk purchasing
motion, but it was changed back to encourage not require. And then it passed. N15 was
defeated.
Local 48 delegate T. AI-Geddaway reported that N01 was amended back to 5%.
A. Massecar reported that, at National Policy and Student Rights subcommittee, everything
passed. A few minor changes but general spirit of them all stayed the same.
F. Carvajal reported that, at Campaigns Forum, the break-out discussions on a variety of
subjects. The privatization break-out group noted that food services is a big issue on campuses
and how they are being owned and run by corporations. Also discussed the creation of a
porthole for CFS members to exchange information.
Local 67 delegate C. Butts reported that the report on the copyright group was confusing. We
talked about the tour of R.I.P. Film and how important of an issue this is. We want locals to go
back and promote and talk about this issue in preparation of the tour. Creating posters using
quotes from all kinds of famous people from the past and present tracing their sources is a great
idea.
I. Boyko reported that the group on federal funding discussed the campaign for a dedicated
transfer, and highlighted this campaign is a bit more obscure so we need to do some more
awareness raising before we can move into mobilization.
H. Finn reported that the Canadian Labour Congress is organizing demonstrations against the
Harper budget update, and suggested members contact the CLC if they are interested in getting

•
involved in this.
Local 56 delgate D. Adams reported that the sustainability group discussed what everyone is
doing on this issue. The sustainability group concluded there are three main areas to focus on:
"no bottled water" campaign; energy and its uses; transportation; and trying to work towards the
MINUTES
National Graduate Caucus of the Canadian Federation of Students
Thursday, November 27,2008 to Sunday, November 30,2008

free/student U-Pass; also ideas on rooftops gardens, bike co-ops. J. Bagnall (24) asked what
the issue was with the energy campaign, as it was not clear.
D. Adams (56) indicated it was not a major focus and there were some examples of local
implementation mentioned.

14. ADJOURNMENT
2008/05:15 MOTION
Local 27/Local 24
Be it resolved that the meeting be adjourned.
2008/05:15 CARRIED
11 :27 the meeting adjourned.