22001111 AANNNNUUAALL RREEPPOORRTT
November 18, 2011 Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 FCSS ASSOCIATION
Message from the President ...... 1 Objectives of the FCSS Association ...... 3 Membership List ...... 4 Map of FCSSAA Regions ...... 6 Appointing/Electing Regional Representatives ...... 7 Role of Regional Representative ...... 9
SECTION 2 2011 BUSINESS MEETING
Business Meeting Agenda...... 10 Procedural Advisor/Parliamentarian ...... 11 2010-11 Board Members...... 12 Minutes of November 25, 2010 Annual Meeting ...... 13 Report on 2010 Resolutions ...... 20 Communication and Marketing Committee Report ...... 22 FCSS Education Bursary Committee Report ...... 24 Financial Statements August 31, 2011 ...... 26 2011-12 FCSSAA Budget ...... 42
SECTION 3 RESOLUTIONS SESSION Rules of Order for Resolutions Session ...... 46 Resolutions 01 - 03 ...... 48
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
It is with great pleasure that I welcome delegates from across Alberta to our 2011 FCSSAA Power of Prevention conference and Annual General Meeting. What a tremendous line up of speakers we have with us this year, offering many different perspectives that link together to show how FCSS is “Leading the Way”. From discussions on integrative thinking, to building strong leadership teams, community engagement strategies, and how social media impacts our work, we will add to our tool boxes of skills and experience. It’s so very true - ordinary people do extraordinary things, and that’s what FCSS is all about!
2011 has been another year of growth for our Association and for FCSS. 197 of the 206 FCSS Programs in the province are members of the FCSSAA. We are pleased to welcome the City of Lloydminster as a brand new FCSSAA member in 2011. And we continue to build our membership as more and more local FCSS funded agencies join us as Associate members.
Provincially, the FCSS Program reaches 99.9% of the province’s population; less than 5,100 Albertans live in communities not participating in FCSS! Two Summer Villages joined the FCSS Program since our AGM last year and both are members of the FCSSAA.
While the provincial FCSS grant allocation didn’t increase in 2010-11, it wasn’t reduced, as so many government programs were. The provincial grant allocation remained at nearly $75 million, with municipalities and Métis settlements contributing approximately $19 million, for a total of nearly $94 million invested in FCSS programming throughout the province. As well, municipalities and Métis settlements contributed more than $11 million over their 20% contribution.
And 2011 was another busy year for your Association Board members who worked diligently and effectively on your behalf to ensure the governance of our Association is strong and that we are responding to our members’ requests and expectations. Regionally and provincially, your Board continued to strengthen collaborations with several provincial organizations and government ministries to address emerging issues that impact FCSS and non-profit organizations. More information about ongoing work and initiatives is provided in the reports from our various committees, during our AGM. As you’ll hear from the reports, 2012 will again be a busy year for your Association Board!
In 2011, your FCSSAA Board began a process of reviewing its structure, functions and future strategic direction. We have completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our current governance structure to ensure that it supports the organization’s work by providing appropriate leadership and stewardship, and we have developed preliminary recommendations to improve our effectiveness. We are now planning a retreat for early 2012 to prioritize our recommendations for action, and create new strategic directions. Your FCSSAA Board is looking forward to bringing a new integrative thinking approach to the way we do business on your behalf.
Regrettably, we’re saying goodbye to Regional Representatives Marsh Hoke and Roxanne Perron, and Directors’ Network Representatives Maribeth Freisen and Penny Fox. These tremendous folks have dedicated innumerable hours and energy to FCSS locally and provincially, and we will miss their participation at the FCSSAA Board. I thank them all for their important and valued contributions.
1 And we bid a fond farewell to Mary Ann Eckstrom, who has completed her year as our Past President and is off to fight other important battles and continue her world travels.
We do welcome new Board members, Kathleen Turner and Catriona Gunn-Graham as new Directors’ Network representatives on the Board.
I would like to thank Yvonne Fritz for her support of FCSS. As Minister of Children and Youth Services from January 2010 to October 2011, her commitment to preventive social services and the FCSS Association was unwavering.
I would also like to extend sincere appreciation for the support and dedication of our good friends Ken Dropko, Joyce Mellott, Debbie Trachimowich and Veronica Facundo - as always, it’s been a pleasure working with them. Ken has been integral to re-instating our FCSS Program Advisory Team and I am pleased to say we have now begun the process of rebuilding the PAT.
This year we welcome the Honourable Dave Hancock as Minister of the new Human Services ministry. Your FCSSAA Board has had the pleasure of meeting with Minister Hancock several times over the years regarding issues that impact our important work in communities. He has been a staunch supporter of FCSS and preventive social services, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with him and continuing to build the profile of FCSS within his Ministry.
Most importantly, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all FCSS boards, directors, staff and program volunteers - it’s your dedication and hard work locally, regionally and provincially that makes FCSS an outstanding program!
As we listen to the speakers and presenters at our conference, let’s remember how our differences and strengths help us to build stronger communities. As we receive reports on the various work accomplished throughout the year and as we begin our debate on the important resolutions before us, let’s remember that together we represent a major part of the province’s social infrastructure.
I hope to be able to chat with as many of you as possible over the next few days we are together. And I hope you find enough time to visit with old friends and colleagues, meet new friends and colleagues, and be renewed for exciting programs and projects back in your communities.
Have a great conference, everyone!
Sincerely,
Jeff Carlson, President, FCSS Association Alderman, City of Lethbridge
2 OBJECTIVES OF THE FCSS ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
The FCSSAA is a partnership of FCSS Programs in Alberta, based on common beliefs in:
a. the value of prevention as a means of optimizing individual and community development; b. the importance of voluntarism and volunteers to create and nurture healthy and productive communities; c. the benefit to local communities and municipalities of mutual support and cooperation;
d. the need and value of creating and sustaining open communications with and among each other; e. the need to collaborate in the research and analysis of social concerns; f. the importance of local autonomy for determining local service needs, priorities and delivery mechanisms.
The objectives of the FCSSAA are:
1. To strengthen and maintain a structured system of networking and sharing of information and expertise amongst communities, boards and staff.
2. To investigate and pursue common issues and concerns affecting municipal preventive social programs and those boards and other groups duly appointed by a Local Authority to administer such programs.
3. To advocate on behalf of local communities and programs to the general public, municipal governments, regional service/governance bodies, provincial agencies and authorities, and national agencies and authorities.
4. To provide orientation and education to individuals, communities, boards and staff via conferences, training events and newsletters.
5. To provide assistance regarding concerns or issues of a local or regional nature, where possible, and when specifically requested, to individual FCSS boards or other groups duly appointed by Local Authorities to provide preventive social programs.
6. To develop critical tools to assist communities and programs to meet local mandates and needs.
(from the FCSSAA Constitution)
3 FCSS PROGRAMS and FCSSAA MEMBERSHIP - NOVEMBER 2011
FCSS Association Member
CALGARY/BOW RIVER Lamont County NORTHEAST Airdrie Lloydminster Alberta Beach Banff Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Beiseker & District Marwayne Athabasca & Area Big Horn MD Minburn County Barrhead & District partnered with Canmore partnered with Vegreville, and Birch Cove Black Diamond Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Calgary Oyen Bonnyville & District Canmore Paintearth County Bonnyville MD Claresholm & District partnered with Castor, and partnered with Bonnyville, and Cochrane Coronation Cold Lake Crossfield Paradise Valley Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Foothills MD Provost & District Castle Island High River Special Areas 2, 3, 4 partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Irricana Starland County Cold Lake Longview Stettler & District Elizabeth Métis Settlement Nanton Stettler County Elk Point Okotoks partnered with Stettler Fishing Lake Métis Settlement Rocky View County Tofield-Ryley-Beaver Glendon South East Rocky View Vegreville & District Kikino Métis Settlement Stavely Vermilion Lac La Biche County Turner Valley Vermilion River County Lac Ste. Anne County Vulcan & District Veteran Mayerthorpe & Area Wheatland County Viking-Beaver Nakamun Park partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Willow Creek MD Wainwright & District Onoway partnered with Fort Macleod, Youngstown partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Granum, Claresholm, Nanton, Stavely EDMONTON/EVERGREEN Ross Haven Beaumont partnered with Lac Ste. Anne EAST CENTRAL Bon Accord Sandy Beach partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Amisk Brazeau County Silver Sands Andrew partnered with Breton, and partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Drayton Valley Bashaw Smoky Lake (Town) Breton & Area Big Valley Smoky Lake County Bruderheim Botha South View Camrose & District Devon Drayton Valley & District partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Castor & District Edmonton St. Paul (Town) Cereal Fort Saskatchewan St. Paul County Consort & District Gibbons Sunrise Beach Coronation & District partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Leduc (City) Dewberry Sunset Point Leduc County Donalda partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Drumheller Valley Legal Thorhild County Empress Morinville Two Hills Flagstaff Parkland County Two Hills County Halkirk Redwater partnered with Two Hills partnered with Castor, and Spruce Grove Val Quentin Coronation St. Albert partnered with Lac Ste. Anne Hanna Stony Plain Vilna Kitscoty Strathcona County Waskatenau Lamont (Town) Sturgeon County
4 West Cove Northern Sunrise County WEST CENTRAL partnered with Lac Ste. Anne partnered with Nampa Alix Westlock & District Opportunity MD Bentley Wood Buffalo RM Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement Blackfalds Yellowstone Peace MD Carstairs partnered with Lac Ste. Anne partnered with Berwyn, Grimshaw, Clearwater Region and Peace River Clive NORTHWEST Peace River partnered with Lacombe & District Beaverlodge Peavine Métis Settlement Cremona partnered with Grande Prairie Rainbow Lake Didsbury County Saddle Hills County Eckville Berwyn Sexsmith Innisfail Big Lakes MD Slave Lake Kneehill Regional Birch Hills County Smoky River Regional Lacombe (Town) Central Peace Swan Hills Lacombe County Clear Hills County Wembley Ma-Me-O Beach East Prairie Métis Settlement Millet Fairview & District SOUTH Mountain View County Gift Lake Métis Settlement Barons-Eureka-Warner Olds Grande Cache Bassano Ponoka Grande Prairie (City) Cardston Red Deer & District Grande Prairie County Cowley Rimbey Green View partnered with Pincher Creek Sundre Grimshaw Crowsnest Pass Sylvan Lake High Level Cypress County Wetaskiwin (City) High Prairie Fort Macleod & District Wetaskiwin County partnered with Big Lakes Forty Mile Regional Hines Creek Granum YELLOWHEAD Hythe Grasslands Regional Edson Lesser Slave River MD Lethbridge Fox Creek Mackenzie County Magrath & District Hinton Manning & District Medicine Hat Jasper Nampa/Northern Sunrise Pincher Creek & District Whitecourt Northern Lights MD Pincher Creek (MD #9) Woodlands County partnered with Grimshaw, partnered with Pincher Creek Yellowhead County Manning, and Peace River Redcliff ______
• There are 206 FCSS Programs in the province • 193 are members of the FCSS Association
• Associate Members: Action for Healthy Communities, Edmonton Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Bighorn MD Lethbridge & District YWCA Kerby Seniors Centre, Calgary McMann Family Services Medley Canadian Forces Base P.A.C.E., Grande Prairie Lethbridge and Region Community Housing Corporartion Community and Information Referral Services (CIRS), Red Deer Willow Creek Community Learning Society, Claresholm
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6 APPOINTING/ELECTING REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE FCSS ASSOCIATION BOARD
Representatives from the eight FCSS regions are chosen annually by each region to be members of the FCSS Association Board. Following are excerpts from the FCSSAA bylaws which outline the process for appointing/electing regional representatives.
The Members of the Board of Directors consists of... those people elected from, or appointed by the Regions as follows:
• One representative from each of the Northwest, Northeast, West Central, East Central, South and Yellowhead regions;
• One representative from the Edmonton area of the Edmonton-Evergreen region;
• One representative from the Evergreen area of the Edmonton-Evergreen region;
• One representative from the Calgary area of the Calgary-Bow River region;
• One representative from the Bow River area of the Calgary-Bow River region.
Representatives from the Regions are elected or appointed at regional meetings whenever held, at which time those members present from the particular region may nominate and vote on the election of representatives for their respective regions.
... each regional representative on the Association Board must be on an FCSS Board that is an Association member in good standing.
Members of the Association Board serve one year, or until their successors are elected or appointed.
Please ensure that your region appoints/elects your representative to the Association Board for 2011-12. Please provide the name of your representative to John Crisp, Secretary of the FCSS Association, prior to the Annual General Meeting.
The “Role of Regional Representative” is described on page 9. Please ensure that prospective candidates for the position are fully aware of the role, responsibilities and time commitment to being a regional representative - no surprises for future Regional Representatives, please!
To be fair to FCSS Programs in a region and to the FCSSAA Board, careful consideration of the time (and energy) commitment to being a Regional Representative is important before accepting the position.
7 After election of the FCSSAA President and Vice-President at the AGM, the full slate of Board members will be announced. For your convenience, following is a list of the FCSSAA regions with space to record names of Regional Representatives. Along with Directors’ Network representatives noted below, this will be your FCSS Association Board for 2011-12.
______President (elected at the AGM)
______Vice President (elected at the AGM)
______Calgary-Bow River Region (Calgary)
______Calgary-Bow River Region (Bow River area)
______East Central Region
______Edmonton-Evergreen Region (Edmonton)
______Edmonton-Evergreen Region (Evergreen area)
______Northeast Region
______Northwest Region
______South Region
______West Central Region
______Yellowhead Region
Directors’ Network representatives to the 2011-12 FCSSAA Board, elected at the September 2011 Directors’ Network meeting, are:
Mike Butler Edson FCSS Phyllis Collins Elizabeth Métis Settlement FCSS (Co-Chair, Directors’ Network) Catriona Gunn-Graham Strathcona County FCSS Debbie Posey Okotoks FCSS Kathleen Turner County of Grande Prairie FCSS (Co-Chair, Directors’ Network)
8 ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Being a Regional Representative on the provincial FCSSAA Board requires a time commitment to attend board meetings, committee meetings and other special meetings/events, and to read related materials, in addition to regional responsibilities. Being an FCSSAA Board member is much more than simply attending a board meeting every 7 to 8 weeks.
The role and responsibilities that Regional Representatives are expected to fulfill are:
• To ensure ongoing two-way communication between the FCSSAA and FCSS Programs in the represented region through such methods as: - sharing of FCSSAA Board meeting highlights, and - sharing of regional issues and concerns with the Association Board, and - gathering input to advise the Association Board.
• To attend FCSSAA Board meetings, held every 7 to 8 weeks, on Fridays, in Edmonton. The meeting schedule for the year is set at the first meeting of the new Board in January.
• If elected as Secretary or Treasurer of the Association, to attend Executive Committee meetings with the President and Vice-President (held the evening before Board meetings), and Program Advisory Team (PAT) meetings as scheduled.
• To participate in committee work of the FCSSAA. This will involve a time commitment with meetings held during the week in Edmonton and correspondence by phone and e-mail, in addition to regularly scheduled Board meetings. There are 5 to 7 committees of the Board in any year; board members typically participate on 2 committees.
• To promote and participate in regional FCSS meetings with the represented region at least twice a year.
• To report to Association Board meetings on FCSS related activities in the represented region.
• If the represented region is co-host for the annual conference, the Regional Representative is expected to report on conference planning activity at each Board meeting.
Regional Representatives will be reimbursed by the FCSSAA for expenses incurred on Board approved activities. Per diems or honorariums are not paid.
Since information sharing and networking with FCSS Programs in the represented region is a key responsibility, it is critical that Regional Representatives have administrative support from the FCSS Program of which they are a board member, to fulfill their responsibilities.
Members of the FCSSAA Board serve one year, effective at the FCSSAA AGM, held during the FCSSAA conference in November. The term of office on the FCSSAA Board is from November to November. It is the responsibility of the FCSS Program of which the Regional Representative is a board member to pay his/her expenses to attend the conference and AGM, even if he/she is not returning to the FCSSAA Board the following year. The same policy applies for the positions of FCSSAA President and Vice-President.
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22001111 BBUUSSIINNEESSSS MMEEEETTIINNGG Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING RADISSON SOUTH EDMONTON EDMONTON, ALBERTA NOVEMBER 18, 2011 10:00 a.m.
A G E N D A
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Parliamentarian (p 11)
3. Adoption of Agenda (p 10)
4. Adoption of Rules of Order for Resolutions Session (p 46-47)
5. Message from the President (p 1)
6. Introduction of 2010-11 FCSSAA Board (p 12)
7. Adoption of Minutes of November 25, 2010 Annual Meeting (p 13-19)
8. Business Arising from the Minutes a. Report on 2010 AGM Resolutions (p 20-21)
9. Reports a. FCSSAA Communication and Marketing Committee (p 22-23) b. FCSS/PLC Education Bursary (p 24-25)
10. Report from Provincial FCSS Office
11. Treasurer’s Report a. Adoption of 2011 Audited Financial Statements (p 26-41) b. Appointment of Auditors for 2012 c. Presentation of 2011-12 Budget (p 42-45)
12. Resolutions Session Resolutions 01 - 03 (p 48-50)
13. Elections a. Election of President b. Election of Vice-President
14. Introduction of 2011-12 FCSSAA Board
15. Adjournment
10 PARLIAMENTARIAN FOR 2011 FCSSAA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
KEVIN P. FEEHAN, Q.C., LL.B., Partner
Kevin Feehan has practiced law since 1979 and is a partner in the firm of Fraser Milner Casgrain. Kevin is a group leader of one the firm’s Litigation Practice Sections. Areas of practice include personal injury and commercial litigation, administrative, constitutional, municipal, medical and education law.
Kevin has acted as Parliamentarian for the FCSSAA AGM since 2003. He serves as Parliamentarian for Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA), Association of Alberta Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC), Alberta School Boards' Association, Alberta Catholic Schools Trustees Association, and many other local, provincial and federal organizations.
Kevin instructs in "Parliamentary Procedure and Robert's Rules of Order", "Parliamentary Procedure and the Chairman" and "Parliamentary Procedure and the Board" and has several publications, including a 12 chapter DVD lecture on parliamentary procedures.
Kevin’s community involvement is extensive, including Chancellor/Senator, Newman Theological College and St. Joseph’s Seminary; Governor and Vice-Chair, St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta; Chair, Edmonton Catholic Charities, Catholic Social Services, Sign of Hope Society; Past President, Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada, Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch; President, Works International Arts Society, STET the Works Summer Arts Festival. Kevin is active in the LaSalle Women’s and Children’s Shelter, Annual Sign of Hope Campaign, and has served as Chair for Telethon Chair for the Northern Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Edmonton Social Planning Council, Operation Friendship, Operation Friendship Housing Society, Friars, Social Justice Commission, and Friends of Medicare, among many other roles.
Kevin is an active marathoner and triathelete. He is former captain of the U of A Golden Bears Swim Team College All-Canadian (swimming), and has been involved in Federal, Provincial and Municipal politics continuously for over 30 years.
11 Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
BOARD MEMBERS 2010 - 2011
PRESIDENT Jeff Carlson VICE PRESIDENT Marsh Hoke (interim, by appointment) SECRETARY John Crisp TREASURER John Crisp PAST PRESIDENT Mary Ann Eckstrom
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
CALGARY- Brian Pincott (Calgary FCSS) BOW RIVER Alex Cathcart (Cochrane FCSS)
EAST CENTRAL Gerald Kuefler (Flagstaff FCSS)
EDMONTON- Andi McDonald (Edmonton FCSS) EVERGREEN Jim Rollison (Gibbons FCSS)
NORTHEAST Jim Cheverie (Bonnyville FCSS)
NORTHWEST Roxanne Perron (Green View FCSS)
SOUTH John Crisp (Medicine Hat FCSS)
WEST CENTRAL Flo Robinson (Kneehill FCSS)
YELLOWHEAD Marsh Hoke (Yellowhead County FCSS)
DIRECTORS’ NETWORK REPRESENTATIVES
Mike Butler Edson FCSS
Phyllis Collins Elizabeth Métis Settlement FCSS (Co-Chair, Directors’ Network)
Catriona Gunn-Graham Strathcona County FCSS
Debbie Posey Okotoks FCSS
Kathleen Turner Grande Prairie County FCSS (Co-Chair, Directors’ Network)
12 Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOVEMBER 25, 2010
Held at the Radisson Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
1. CALL TO ORDER President Mary Ann Eckstrom called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF PARLIAMENTARIAN Mary Ann Eckstrom introduced Kevin Feehan as Parliamentarian for the AGM. There were no questions from the floor.
Moved by Jeff Carlson (Lethbridge FCSS), seconded by Hamish Kerfoot (Cochrane FCSS), that Kevin Feehan be approved as Parliamentarian for the 2010 AGM. There was no discussion. CARRIED.
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mary Ann Eckstrom referred delegates to the AGM agenda (p 10 of the Annual Report) and called for amendments.
Moved by Alan Hyland (Forty Mile FCSS), seconded by Hamish Kerfoot (Cochrane FCSS) to add “Timing of FCSSAA Conference” as item 13.1, after elections. There was no discussion. CARRIED.
4. RULES OF ORDER FOR RESOLUTIONS SESSION Mary Ann Eckstrom reviewed the Rules of Orders for the Resolution Session (p 52-53 of the Annual Report). There were no questions from the floor.
Moved by Jeff Carlson (Lethbridge FCSS), seconded by Hamish Kerfoot (Cochrane FCSS), that that the Rules of Order for the Resolutions Session be accepted. CARRIED.
5. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Mary Ann Eckstrom referred delegates to her President’s Message (p 1-2 of the Annual Report). She reported that 2010 was a busy and successful year for the FCSSAA Board. She noted that regional representatives Gunnar Albrecht, Gina Armstrong, Joe Ceci, Irene Heath, Hamish Kerfoot, Barbara Lacey and Lesley Vandemark, and Directors’ Network representative Donelda Laing will not be returning to the Board in 2011. Mary Ann thanked them for their valuable contribution to the work of the Board. Mary Ann extended appreciation to Tm Moorhouse for his commitment to and support of the FCSS Program and the FCSS Association. There were no questions from the floor.
The President’s Message was presented by Mary Ann Eckstrom pursuant to the agenda.
6. INTRODUCTION OF 2009-10 FCSSAA BOARD Mary Ann Eckstrom introduced 2009-10 FCSSAA Board members (p 12 of the Annual Report), and thanked them for their work during the past year.
13 7. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 27, 2009 ANNUAL MEETING Mary Ann Eckstrom referred delegates to the 2009 AGM Minutes (p 13-18 of the Annual Report). There were no questions or amendments requested from the floor.
Moved by Robbie White (Airdrie FCSS), seconded by Janis Simpkins (Green View FCSS) that the Minutes of the November 27, 2009 AGM be approved as recorded. CARRIED.
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES a. Report on 2009 AGM Resolutions Joe Ceci, Resolutions Committee Chairman, referred delegates to the report of actions taken on 2009 resolutions (p 19-21 of the Annual Report). He reported that two resolutions were debated and approved at the AGM. The resolutions were forwarded to relevant Ministers and a summary was provided to Minister Fritz for her information. Joe noted that members of the Board met with several MLAs during the Board’s annual “Advocacy Day at the Legislature”. There were no questions from the floor.
The Report on 2009 AGM Resolutions was presented by Joe Ceci, pursuant to the agenda.
9. REPORTS a. Communication and Marketing Committee Heather Stromquist, Chair of the Communication and Marketing Committee, referred delegates to the report of the Committee (p 22-23 of the Annual Report). She highlighted the Committee’s accomplishments on the 2007-2010 communications plan. There were no questions from the floor.
The Communication and Marketing Committee Report was presented by Heather Stromquist pursuant to the agenda.
b. FCSS/PLC Education Bursary Roxanne Perron, co-chair of the FCSS/PLC Bursary Committee, referred delegates to the report of the Committee (p 24 of the Annual Report). She noted that a wide variety of higher education and leadership programs have been accessed through the bursary, from Executive Leadership and Management degrees to Human Services Administration degrees. On behalf of the FCSS/PLC Education Bursary Committee, Roxanne thanked Children and Youth Services for their leadership in funding the initiative. There were no questions from the floor.
The FCSS/PLC Education Bursary Report was presented by Roxanne Perron pursuant to the agenda.
c. Strategic Plan Accomplishments in 2010 Donelda Laing, Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, referred delegates to the Strategic Plan Accomplishments Report (p 25-26 of the Annual Report). She noted the new “Strategic Plan at a Glance” was developed in 2010 as a clear and simple method to highlight the work of the FCSSAA to members and external partners. There were no questions from the floor.
The Strategic Plan Accomplishments in 2010 Report was presented by Donelda Laing pursuant to the agenda.
14 d. Strategic Plan 2011-2014 Donelda Laing referred delegates to the 2011-2014 FCSSAA Strategic Plan (p 27-32 of the Annual Report). She noted the Strategic Plan is a high level plan to guide the activities of the FCSSAA Board over the next three years. There were no questions from the floor.
The 2011-2014 Strategic Plan was presented by Donelda Laing pursuant to the agenda.
10. REPORT FROM PROVINCIAL FCSS OFFICE Ken Dropko, FCSS Director, Children and Youth Services, provided a provincial office update. He noted that Minister Fritz is very aware of the important work of FCSS and talks about it proudly wherever she can. Ken thanked his staff and FCSSAA staff for helping him to learn so much about the great work of FCSS since he moved into the FCSS Director position in March.
Changes in the Ministry: Deputy Minister Fay Orr left in June; Steve MacDonald became the new DM in July. The department is also being re-organized and a new division, focussing on supports to Aboriginal children and families, will be established with a new Assistant Deputy Minister position.
Outcomes Measures: An outcome measures training curriculum was developed and Outcome Measures Trainers are beginning to provide training across the province, to local FCSS Program staff. The provincial FCSS outcome statements are being revised and indicators for outcomes are being developed that all FCSS Programs will be able to use, which will assist in aggregating outcome measures at the provincial level. An Outcome Measures newsletter is also being developed to enhance consistent communication about the outcome measures intuitive.
FCSS Handbook and Annual Overview: The Handbook and the Program Advice Inventory were recently updated and will be ready for distribution very soon. The 2009 FCSS Annual Overview will also be ready for distribution early in the new year.
There were no questions from the floor. The Report from the Provincial FCSS Office was presented by Ken Dropko pursuant to the agenda.
11. TREASURER’S REPORT a. Adoption of 2010 Audited Financial Statements Joe Ceci, FCSSAA Treasurer, referred delegates to the financial statements (p 33-47 of the Annual Report) and reviewed the Statement of Financial Position, and the Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance. He noted the FCSSAA ended the year in a solid financial position; however, it is not a rich organization and funds are managed very prudently. There were no questions from the floor.
Moved by Joe Ceci, seconded by Phyllis Collins (Elizabeth Métis Settlement FCSS) that the 2010 FCSSAA audited financial statements be adopted as presented. CARRIED.
b. Appointment of Auditors for 2011 Moved by Joe Ceci, seconded by Marsh Hoke (Yellowhead County FCSS) that Amzad Amiri be appointed as the auditor for the FCSSAA for 2011. CARRIED.
15 c. Presentation of 2011 Budget Joe Ceci referred delegates to the proposed 2011 FCSSAA budget (p 48-51 of the Annual Report) and reviewed line items. He noted the budget is based on the previous year’s experience and is decreased in 2011, due to a re-organization of staffing. The Board intends to maintain a careful approach to spending in 2011. There were no questions from the floor.
Moved by Joe Ceci, seconded by Maribeth Friesen (Lacombe FCSS) that the September 1, 2010 - August 31, 2011 budget be approved as presented. CARRIED.
12. RESOLUTIONS SESSION Joe Ceci, Chair of the Resolutions Session, reminded delegates that the Rules of Order for the resolutions session were reviewed and approved as item 4 of the agenda. He referred delegates to the 8 resolutions to be heard (p 54-63 of the Annual Report). There were no questions from the floor.
Resolution 01 Children and Youth Services Planning for Preventive Social Services Moved by Don Johnson (Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS), seconded by Garth Bekkering (Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) request the Minister of Children and Youth Services establish a committee for the purpose of developing a research-based component to the Ministry Business Plan which will identify a process to increase provincial funding to municipalities for FCSS prevention services to $100 million in 2011-2012, with continuing annual increases, thereby relieving the pressure on crisis intervention services, and further that representatives from the FCSS community be appointed to that planning committee.
Don Johnson spoke to the resolution. John Howard (Camrose FCSS) spoke in favour of the resolution. here was no further debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 02 Increased Funding for FCSS Moved by Gerald Kuefler (Flagstaff FCSS), seconded by John Howard (Camrose FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) request an increase in provincial FCSS funding to the level of $100 million to sustain, grow and improve FCSS Programs and to acknowledge the value of prevention.
Gerald Kuefler spoke to the resolution. Don Johnson (Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS) spoke in favour of the resolution.
Catriona Gunn-Graham (Strathcona County FCSS) proposed a friendly amendment to add the words “with continual annual increases” after “...to the level of $100 million...” The friendly amendment was accepted by the mover. There were no objections from the floor. There was no further debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 03 Development and Implementation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy for the Province of Alberta Moved by Brian Pincott (Calgary FCSS), seconded by Bob Campbell (Lethbridge FCSS).
16 Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) supports the development and implementation of a poverty reduction strategy for the province of Alberta; and
Further be it resolved that the FCSSAA actively participates in the development and implementation of such a poverty reduction strategy
Brian Pincott spoke to the resolution. There was no debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 04 Strengthening the FCSS Prevention Mandate Moved by Hamish Kerfoot (Cochrane FCSS), seconded by Robbie White (Airdrie FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta advocate to the Government of Alberta to develop a comprehensive 10-year plan to address Albertans’ basic needs of life which will enable the Family and Community Support Services Program to focus on its prevention mandate.
Hamish Kerfoot spoke to the resolution. Robbie White spoke to the resolution.
Alan Hyland (Forty Mile FCSS) proposed a friendly amendment to change “10-year plan” to “5-year plan”. The friendly amendment was not accepted by the mover.
Moved by Alan Hyland (Forty Mile FCSS), seconded by Hamish Kerfoot, that the motion be amended to change “10-year plan” to “5-year plan”.
Lisa Constantini (Irricana FCSS) spoke against the amendment and proposed a friendly amendment to add the words “with a measureable evaluation at 5 years” after “...a comprehensive 10-year plan...”. Janis Simpkins (Green View FCSS) spoke against the amendment to the amendment. There was no further debate. The amendment to the amendment was DEFEATED.
There was no further debate on the motion to amend the resolution. The amendment was DEFEATED.
There was no further debate on the main motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 05 Addiction Services Focusing on Prevention and Education Moved by Marsh Hoke (Yellowhead County FCSS), seconded by Tove Steckhahn-Jones (Yellowhead County FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) advocate to Alberta Health Services and the provincial government for their demonstrated commitment to the provision of preventive and educational addiction services, as was formally supplied by the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). This commitment will be demonstrated by the dedication of funding and human resources to preventive and educational addiction services.
Phyllis Collins (Elizabeth Métis Settlement FCSS) proposed a friendly amendment to correct the word “formally” to “formerly”. The mover accepted the friendly amendment.
17 Marsh Hoke spoke to the resolution. There was no debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 06 Review of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Grant Funding Moved by Lois Dueck (County of Grande Prairie FCSS), seconded by Lenny Richer (Slave Lake FCSS).
Be it resolved that the FCSS Association of Alberta request Alberta Culture and Community Spirit to research the impact that elimination of the Wild Rose Foundation grants have had and will continue to have on FCSS Programs; and
Further be it resolved that Alberta Culture and Community Spirit review funding now available to charitable and non-profit organizations through its grant programs, and give strong consideration to returning to the funding levels previously available through the Wild Rose Foundation.
Lois Dueck spoke to the resolution. Catriona Gunn-Graham proposed a friendly amendment to replace the words “...review funding now available to...” with “...to reinstate funding previously available...”. The mover accepted the friendly amendment.
Jeff Carlson (Lethbridge FCSS) proposed a friendly amendment to add the words “...the FCSSAA request...” after “Further be it resolved that...”. The friendly amendment was accepted by the mover.
There was no further debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 07 Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities in Providing Basic Services and Crisis Support to People in Need Moved by Judy Ukeniek (Stony Plain FCSS), seconded by Loraine Berry (Spruce Grove FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) approach the Ministry of Employment and Immigration to clarify the mandate and role of the Alberta Works/Income Support Program and the Program’s role in the provision of services and resources to meet individual basic needs and essential supports during times of crisis.
Judy Ukeniek spoke to the resolution. There was no debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
Resolution 08 Resources for Elder Abuse Programs Moved by Rob Campbell (Lethbridge FCSS), seconded by Brian Pincott (Calgary FCSS).
Be it resolved that the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) advocate to the Alberta Government for the provision of funding and support for the intervention and support services for seniors and their families who experience elder abuse in our communities.
Rob Campbell spoke to the resolution. There was no debate on the motion. The resolution was CARRIED.
18 13. ELECTIONS Mary Ann Eckstrom reviewed the Rules of Electing the President and Vice President, as outlined in the FCSSAA Bylaws. There were no questions from the floor.
a. Election of President Mary Ann Eckstrom called for nominations for the position of President.
Brian Pincott (Calgary FCSS) nominated Jeff Carlson. Rob Campbell (Lethbridge FCSS) seconded the nomination. Jeff Carlson accepted the nomination. Mary Ann called three times for further nominations; there were none.
Moved by Alan Hyland (Forty Mile FCSS), seconded by Don Johnson (Barons-Eureka- Warner FCSS) that nominations cease. CARRIED.
Jeff Carlson was elected as President of the FCSS Association for 2011.
b. Election of Vice-President Mary Ann Eckstrom called for nominations for the position of Vice President.
Maribeth Friesen (Lacombe FCSS) nominated Heather Stromquist. Hamish Kerfoot (Cochrane FCSS) seconded the nomination. Heather Stromquist accepted the nomination. Mary Ann called three times for further nominations; there were none.
Moved by Donelda Laing (City of Grande Prairie FCSS), seconded by Phyllis Collins (Elizabeth Métis Settlement FCSS) that nominations cease. CARRIED.
Heather Stromquist was elected as Vice President of the FCSSAA for 2011.
13.1 TIMING OF FCSSAA CONFERENCE Alan Hyland (Forty Mile FCSS) spoke about the conflict in dates with the FCSSAA, AUMA and AAMDC conferences and urged the conference committee to consider changing the dates of the FCSSAA conference.
Mary Ann Eckstrom reminded delegates this is the final year of the 3 year trial of centralizing conference planning to the FCSSAA office and holding the conference in Edmonton. As agreed in 2007, FCSSAA members will be consulted about whether this approach to hosting conferences should be continued.
14. INTRODUCTION OF 2011 FCSSAA BOARD Mary Ann Eckstrom introduced the 2011 FCSSAA board; President Jeff Carlson; Vice- President Heather Stromquist; regional representatives Alex Cathcart (Calgary-Bow River), Jim Cheverie (Northeast), John Crisp (South), Marsh Hoke (Yellowhead), Gerald Kuefler (East Central), Brian Pincott (Calgary-Bow River), Flo Robinson (West Central), Janis Simpkins (Northwest); and Directors’ Network representatives Mike Butler, Phyllis Collins, Maribeth Friesen, Penny Fox and Debbie Posey.
15. ADJOURNMENT President Mary Ann Eckstrom declared the 2010 Annual General Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
19 REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS FROM 2010 AGM
Eight resolutions were approved at the AGM, spanning a wide range of topics. For ease of correspondence and discussions with Ministers, the resolutions were presented in four groupings: increasing the FCSS provincial grant (Resolutions 01 and 02); service delivery pressures on FCSS (Resolutions 04, 06, 07, 08); development of a poverty reduction strategy (Resolution 03); and preventive addiction services (Resolution 05).
The resolutions were forwarded to Ministers Lindsay Blackett (Culture and Community Spirit), Jonathan Denis (Housing and Urban Affairs); Iris Evans (International and Intergovernmental Relations); Yvonne Fritz (Children and Youth Services); Hector Goudreau (Municipal Affairs); Dave Hancock (Education); Mary Anne Jablonski (Seniors and Community Supports); Thomas Lukaszuk (Employment and Immigration); Verlyn Olson (Justice and Attorney General); Rob Renner (Environment); Len Webber (Aboriginal Affairs); and Gene Zwozdesky (Health and Wellness), with a request for a meeting to discuss the resolutions.
The resolutions certainly made the rounds as Ministers copied the others on his/her reply to FCSSAA President Jeff Carlson! The upside of the many letters is that awareness of issues impacting FCSS was raised repeatedly and the Board was assured by the Ministers that they would discuss the resolutions with their government colleagues.
The Board received replies from Ministers Blackett, Fritz, Jablonski, Olson and Zwozdesky, who all indicated their strong support for FCSS. Minister Olson noted that “Government remains committed to supporting municipalities and Métis Settlements through the FCSS program and will continue to work with our community partners to explore innovative ways to deliver programs”.
Minister Blackett provided a specific response to Resolution 06, which spoke to the impact that elimination of the Wild Rose Foundation grants has on FCSS Programs. He noted that one action of the recently formed Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Citizens’ Advisory Committee is “to review Alberta Culture and Community Spirit’s existing rules and guidelines around grant funding and determine the impact on the sector”. Information the Board receives about the progress of the review will be shared with FCSS Programs, and representatives from the Board will certainly participate in consultations with the Advisory Committee, if possible, to ensure the FCSS voice is heard.
Unfortunately, Minister Lukaszuk had to cancel our meeting in August and the Board was not able to meet with him due to his busy schedule. The Board was able to meet with Ministers Goudreau, Hancock, Renner and Zwozdesky, and senior staff from Minister Webber’s department. The meetings went very well; 30-45 minutes isn’t much time to discuss the resolutions in detail with each Minister, and Board representatives focused on the resolutions most relevant to each Ministry.
The Ministers are quite aware of FCSS and are very supportive of the tremendous work FCSS does in communities in all constituencies. Minister Renner noted there is good support for FCSS in Cabinet, and Minister Hancock said the FCSS model is so much better because it responds to local needs, and is able to provide operating funding, not just project funding.
Minister Zwozdesky was very interested in the social determinants of health and well-being, and how preventive social services are critical to improving the overall well-being of individuals and
20 communities. Both he and Minister Hancock talked about the importance of collaboration among ministries and government programs to meet the needs of Albertans.
Additionally, the Ministers the Board met with expressed interest in learning more about the poverty reduction initiative. They do connect the dots between prevention, reducing poverty, reducing social issues, and reducing the ever increasing costs of providing tertiary government services and programs.
Overall, the Board is pleased with the responses and meetings. The Board doesn’t expect to see major changes in government programs and policy as a result of discussing the resolutions with Ministers, nor does the Board anticipate promises to increase the provincial FCSS grant. The Board’s goals in forwarding resolutions and meeting with Ministers are to consistently educate them about FCSS, to ensure that the challenges FCSS, and Alberta communities face, are heard, and to strengthen the Board’s positive relationship with government. The Board believes we have been very successful in achieving those goals this year.
In closing, I would like to thank the FCSS Boards that submitted resolutions for the 2010 AGM. As always, the resolutions did a tremendous job of raising awareness of issues that impact not only FCSS, but all Albertans. The resolution process is an important and valuable method for providing advocacy direction to the FCSSAA Board. Keep up the good work, everyone!
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Cheverie Chair, Resolutions Committee
21 COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING COMMITTEE REPORT
The FCSSAA Communication and Marketing Committee defines its communication role as “internal” information sharing and networking among and between the FCSSAA Board, local FCSS Programs, municipal and Métis Settlement Councils, and Alberta Human Services. It defines its marketing role as “external” promotion and raising awareness of FCSS to regional service providers/government bodies, provincial agencies and authorities, and the public.
The FCSSAA Board meets its communication and marketing objectives through several ongoing strategies: production of the annual FCSS Storybook and the FCSS “Power of Prevention” calendar; sponsoring the annual FCSS Achievement Awards; and hosting the annual FCSS Power of Prevention conference. All of these activities are designed to promote the tremendous work of FCSS in Alberta communities and to pay tribute to the many folks who go above and beyond in their commitment to FCSS locally, regionally and provincially.
And of course, highlights from our board meetings are distributed by your Regional Representatives to all FCSS Programs following every meeting. We hear from FCSS Advisory Board members that this is one very simple but very effective way of keeping everyone informed of what your FCSSAA Board is doing.
Our Resource Bank is another important source of information and consultation for FCSS Program staff and Advisory Board members. The Resource Bank houses resource material, sample documents and programming ideas ‘deposited’ from FCSS Programs, and is ‘withdrawn’ by FCSS colleagues, as needed. One-to-one consultation is also available from our office staff.
The Resource Bank is also an important vehicle for networking and communication. Information sharing about local FCSS programming needs through the Resource Bank e-mail system is a tremendous example of how the FCSS community works together to support each other.
Along with its ongoing communication and marketing work, your FCSSAA Board also undertakes special projects to support local FCSS Program staff and Advisory Boards in providing FCSS projects and services, and tools to assist in educating the public, local and provincial politicians, and related organizations about FCSS.
Special projects include professional development opportunities. For example, we have offered a series of workshops and manuals developed for FCSS by FCSS - the “FCSS Working in Community” series that was provided throughout the province. Over 250 FCSS directors and staff took part in the workshops over the last five years.
Another special project is the “Understanding FCSS” video - a communication and education tool for a wide variety of audiences. The first video was produced and distributed in 2009 to all FCSS Programs, as part of the Communication and Promotion Tool Kit. In 2011, your FCSSAA Board worked with Lindisfarne Productions to produce a brand new “Understanding FCSS” video. The video includes a 20+ minute version of the FCSS 101 Orientation, plus five, 5-7 minute segments on various topics in the orientation material. After the inaugural showing of segments of the video at the conference, a DVD of the video and lots of handout material will be provided to all FCSS Programs - and a copy to the Ministry!
22 Another exciting project underway in 2011 is rebuilding and redesigning the FCSSAA website. We’ll be moving from Telus to an external service provider, which means our website address will change to “fcssaa.org” and our e-mail addresses will change to “fcssaa.org”. There will be no disruption in e-mail and the current website will be operating until the new website is up and running.
The new website will have the capacity to hold more resource material that can easily be uploaded by our FCSSAA staff, and an e-bulletin system will be implemented to share announcements, updates, etc. with all FCSS Program staff, Advisory Board members and the public. Watch for new tabs, new navigation bars, new categories, new pages... with the launch of the new website early in 2012.
In looking forward, your FCSSAA Board will be creating a new long-term strategic plan in 2012, including a new three-year communication plan as part of the work coming out of the Board review process.
Respectfully submitted,
John Crisp Chair, Communications and Marketing Committee
23 FCSS/PLC EDUCATION BURSARY REPORT
In 2007, Alberta Children and Youth Services (now Human Services) provided a $1 million grant to the FCSS Association to establish an FCSS/PLC (Parent Link Centres) education bursary. Bursaries are intended to support the professional development of leaders and aspiring leaders of FCSS Programs and PLCs, and are available up to a maximum of $10,000 per person.
The FCSS/PLC Education Bursary is one of four created by the Alberta government to offer financial support to senior staff who want to continue their education and enhance their leadership skills. The FCSSAA, the Alberta Association of Services for Children and Families (AASCF), the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) and the Alberta Child Care Network (ACCN) administer the bursaries.
Members of the FCSS/PLC Education Bursary Committee are Roxanne Perron (FCSS Program representative), Shirley Jolly (Chair, former PLC Advisory Committee), Joyce Mellott (Senior Manager, FCSS Unit, Human Services) and Sharlyn White (Executive Director, FCSSAA).
We are pleased to report that 50 applications from FCSS Program directors or staff, and 17 applications from Parent Link Centre directors or staff have been approved over the last four years. Bursaries have ranged from $600 to $10,000; recipients have enrolled in a variety of studies and training courses, from Executive Leadership and Management degrees, Project Management certificates, Leadership Training, and Applied Human Services Administration degrees.
The FCSS Association has been extremely pleased to have the opportunity to support further education opportunities for FCSS and PLC Directors and their successors. We sincerely thank the Ministry of Human Services for funding this initiative. The bursary has enhanced and improved the abilities of these important preventive social service programs to adapt to, and accommodate our ever changing communities in an effective and knowledgeable manner.
However, all good things do come to an end, and the Bursary Program will be finished as of March 31, 2012. The deadline for the very last round of applications will be March 1, 2012 - as always, a reminder notice will be distributed about 6 weeks prior to the deadline.
As you know, a very exciting opportunity is now being organized to provide training to FCSS Program staff and Parent Link Centre staff, with the unspent funds from bursary program. We’re working with the Tamarack Institute to offer “made for FCSS and PLC” workshops based on the well known, highly respected Tamarack Communities Collaborating Institute.
Two Communities Collaborating streams will be offered in 2 events - “Collaborative Leadership and Community Engagement” for 2½ days, April 16-18, 2012; and “Collaborative Action and Community Impact” for 2½ days, May 15-17, 2012. Both events will be held in Edmonton at the Radisson Hotel, South Edmonton.
A save-the-date flyer was distributed a week ago to all FCSS Programs and Parent Link Centres, and we are now developing a process to allocate registration fees and some support for travel costs, equitably among FCSS Programs and PLCs in the province. We will be calling on the assistance of a small group of FCSS and PLC directors to work this out, and the full brochure and registration information will be distributed in early 2012.
24 And we close the FCSS/PLC Education Bursary program with an exciting bang! Since we received our first round of applications in November 2007, we have been constantly amazed at the broad range of education opportunities accessed by people who are part-time students while maintaining full-time jobs. We believe the educational development of all bursary recipients has not only increased their skills in developing, managing and administering FCSS and PLC Programs, but has benefited the provision of preventive social services throughout the province.
I know you join me in extending our sincere thanks to the Ministry, and especially Ken Dropko and Joyce Mellott for the support given to strengthening the capacity of FCSS Programs and PLCs to provide the best preventive services possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Roxanne Perron FCSS/PLC Education Bursary Committee
25 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2011
Amzad Amiri, CGA
26 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Table of Contents August 31, 2011
Page Auditor's...... Report 1
...... Statement of Financial Position 2
...... Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance 3
...... Statement of Operations and Education Bursary Fund Balance 4
...... Statement of Operations and Outcome Measures Fund Balance 5
...... Statement of Cash Flow 6
...... Schedules to the Statement of Operations and Fund Balances 7-8
...... Notes to the Financial Statements 9-14
Amzad Amiri, CGA
27 AMZAD AMIRI PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Certified General Accountant #220, 11 Fairway Drive NW Edmonton, Alberta T6J 2W4 Tel: (780) 489-8450 Fax: 1-866-329-9289
AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE DIRECTORS OF: Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
I have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta as at August 31, 2011and the statements of Operating Fund Operations and Change in Operating Fund Balance, Outcome Measures/MAD Operations and Change in Fund Balance, Bursary Operations and Change in Bursary Fund Balance and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on my audit. I conducted my audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that I comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion In common with many non-profit organizations, the Association derives revenues from memberships and other sources, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly, my verification of these revenues was limited to the amounts recorded in the records of the Association and I was not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to revenues, assets and fund balances.
Qualified Opinion In my opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta as at August 31, 2011 and the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for non-for-profit organizations.
Certified General Accountant
October 21, 2011 Edmonton, Alberta 1 28 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Statement of Financial Position As at August 31, 2011
2011 2010 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents - note 3 $2,554,712 $ 146,595 Short term investments - note 6 - 2,239,476 Accounts Receivable - note 5 5,344 3,612 Deposits 13,163 13,200
2,573,219 2,402,883
CAPITAL ASSETS - note 2 and 4 13,064 9,861
$2,586,283 $2,412,744
LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable $ 4,600 $ 3,600 Deferred Revenue - note 9 157,702 -
162,302 3,600
FUND BALANCES Invested in Capital Asset - note 7 13,064 9,861 Operating Fund 351,324 259,806 General Reserve 90,000 90,000 Outcome Measures Fund 1,199,465 1,199,465 FCSS/PLC Education Bursary 770,128 850,012
2,423,981 2,409,144
$2,586,283 $2,412,744
Approved on behalf of the Board
Director
Director
Amzad Amiri, CGA 2
29 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010 REVENUE Interest income - note 8 $ 2,523 $ 1,221 Grant 160,000 160,000 Memberships 113,757 112,604 Outcome Measures Trainer 320,741 - Miscellaneous - Schedule 1 1,534 1,463 Poverty Reduction Strategy 41,233 - Conference revenue 120,049 138,831 Bursary and OMT Administration fee 19,000 10,000 Centre for Race and Culture 15,000 -
793,837 424,119
EXPENSES Outcome Measures Training expenses - Schedule 7 320,741 - Poverty Reduction Strategy - Schedule 8 41,233 - Board Expense - Schedule 2 33,435 32,893 Operating Expenses - Schedule 3 58,152 51,918 Resource Bank - Schedule 4 160,097 174,569 Special Projects - Schedule 5 1,551 11,179 Conference Expenses - Schedule 6 105,095 117,441
720,304 388,000
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES 73,533 36,119
OPERATING FUND, BEGINNING OF YEAR 259,806 208,507 Transfer (to) from Outcome Measures and Bursary Fund 23,935 15,180 Transfer to Invested in Capital Asset (5,950) -
OPERATING FUND, END OF YEAR $ 351,324 $ 259,806
Amzad Amiri, CGA 3
30 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Statement of Operations and Education Bursary Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010 REVENUE Interest income $ 9,774 $ 4,668
9,774 4,668
EXPENSES Bursary administration costs 10,481 10,390 Education institutions 32,820 38,323 Student support 36,084 13,831
79,385 62,544
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES (69,611) (57,876)
BALANCE, BEGINNING OF YEAR 850,012 916,390 Transfer (to) from Operating Fund (10,273) (8,502)
BALANCE, END OF YEAR $ 770,128 $ 850,012
Amzad Amiri, CGA 4
31 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Statement of Operations and Outcome Measures Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010 REVENUE Interest income $ 13,662 $ 6,398
13,662 6,398
EXPENSES Special Projects - 509
- 509
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES 13,662 5,889
BALANCE, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,199,465 1,200,255 Transfer (to) from Operating Fund (13,662) (6,679)
BALANCE, END OF YEAR $1,199,465 $1,199,465
Amzad Amiri, CGA 5
32 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Statement of Cash Flow For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES Surplus (Deficit) for the year $ 73,533 $ 36,119 Changes in Non-Cash Working Capital Accounts Receivable (1,732) 847 Deposits 37 (13,200) Accounts Payable 1,000 - Inventory - - Deferred revenue 157,702 (90,709)
230,540 (66,943)
FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of Capital Asset (5,950) - Excess of Revenue Over Expenses - Outcome Measures Account 13,662 5,889 Excess of Revenue Over Expenses - Bursary Account (69,611) (57,876)
(61,899) (51,987)
Increase (Decrease) in Cash 168,641 (118,930)
Cash, Beginning of Year 2,386,071 2,505,001
Cash, End of Year $2,554,712 $2,386,071
CASH REPRESENTED BY: Cash at bank $2,554,712 $ 146,595 Short term investments - 2,239,476
$2,554,712 $2,386,071
Amzad Amiri, CGA 6
33 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Schedules to the Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010
Schedule 1. Miscellaneous Receipts Other $ 91 $ 9 Brochure, Poster and Folder Sales 1,443 1,454
$ 1,534 $ 1,463
Schedule 2. Board Expenses Accommodations $ 6,295 $ 7,519 Meals 2,823 3,510 Travel 17,698 21,539 Miscellaneous 497 325 Board retreat 6,122 -
$ 33,435 $ 32,893
Schedule 3. Operating Expenses Communication and Promotion $ 8,139 $ 9,027 Annual General Meeting 2,634 1,519 Audit and Legal fees 5,583 6,097 Bank charges 667 514 Conference subsidies 3,995 2,729 Office lease 25,263 23,613 Goods and Services Tax 5,344 3,613 Insurance 2,697 2,691 Licences, dues, and memberships 330 225 Regional Grant 3,500 1,890
$ 58,152 $ 51,918
Amzad Amiri, CGA 7
34 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Schedules to the Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010
Schedule 4. Resource Bank Brochures, Folders and Freight $ - $ - Meals and Accommodation 571 770 Office Expenses 2,918 3,278 Photocopying and Printing 1,356 1,133 Postage and Courier 1,972 886 Professional Development 124 240 Repairs and Maintenance - 1,337 Resource Materials - 83 Staff wages and benefits 137,777 162,042 Contract payment 2,500 - IT Support 88 - Travel 3,267 3,647 Website 9,524 30 Administration Support - 288 Advertising - 835
$ 160,097 $ 174,569
Schedule 5. Special Projects Professional Development Training 1,551 11,179
$ 1,551 $ 11,179
Schedule 6. Conference Expenses Entertainment $ 2,700 $ 2,000 Equipment Audio Visual and IT 17,562 17,900 Facility 56,144 67,499 Photocopying, supplies and registration 14,632 14,810 Speaker expenses 14,057 15,232
$ 105,095 $ 117,441
Amzad Amiri, CGA 8
35 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Schedules to the Statement of Operations and Operating Fund Balance For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
2011 2010 Schedule 7. Outcome Measures Training Expenses Municipality Expenses $ 275,414 $ - Trainer Expenses 36,327 - Administration fee 9,000 -
$ 320,741 $ -
Schedule 8. Poverty Reduction Strategy Special Project $ 500 $ - PRC Coordinator 33,462 - Coordinator expenses 1,757 - Website 5,504 - Steering Committee Expenses 10 -
$ 41,233 $ -
Amzad Amiri, CGA 9
36 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
1. Association Mission
The Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta unites and strengthens the FCSS community by representation and advocacy on behalf of member boards. The Association is a not-for-profit organization and is exempt from tax under the Income Tax Act.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Fund accounting The Association follows the restricted fund method of accounting for contributions.
The Operating Fund accounts for the organization's program delivery and administrative activities. This fund reports unrestricted resources and restricted operating grants.
The Property, Plant, and Equipment Fund reports the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses related to Association's property, plant, and equipment expansion campaign.
The General Reserve has been set aside by the board to cover operating expenses for six to eight months.
The Outcome Measures Fund was received from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for the purposes of setting up Outcome Measures System.
The FCSS/PLC Education Bursary was allocated by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to support FCSS and Parent Link Centre Directors, Program Coordinators and potential succession candidates to access post secondary education and training to enhance leadership capacities.
Revenue recognition Restricted contributions related to general operations are recognized as revenue of the Operating Fund in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. All other restricted contributions are recognized as revenue of the appropriate restricted fund.
Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue of the Operating Fund in the year received or receivable if the amount to be recorded can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.
Membership fees are recognized as revenue of the Operating Fund when collected.
Amzad Amiri, CGA 10
37 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
Contributed services Volunteers contribute hundreds of hours to assist the Association in carrying out its service delivery activities. Because of the difficulty of determining their fair value, contributed services are not recognized in the financial statements.
Use of Estimates When preparing financial statements according to Canadian GAAP, we make estimates and assumptions relating to: - Reported amounts of revenue and expenses - Reported amounts of assets and liabilities - Disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
We base our assumptions on a number of factors including historical experience, current events and actions that the organization may undertake in the future, and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumsances. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different conditions and assumptions. We use estimates when accounting for certain items such as useful lives of capital assets and impairment of long-lived assets.
Financial Instruments The Association's financial instruments consist of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Unless otherwise indicated, it is management's opinion that the Association is not exposed to significant interest or credit risks arising from these financial instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents The Association classifies highly liquid investments with maturity of one year or less from the date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents.
Capital Assets Capital Assets are recorded at cost. Contributed property, plant, and equipment are recorded at fair value at the date of contribution. Amortization is calculated using the declining balance method at rates sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives. In the year of acquisition, amortization is recorded at one half of the stated rate and in the year of disposition, no amortization is taken.
The following rates are used:
Computer 30% Equipment 20%
Amzad Amiri, CGA 11
38 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
3. Cash 2011 2010 Cash is composed of: Operating Cash $ 337,419 $ 146,595 Cash - Poverty Reduction Strategy 28,442 - Cash - Outcome Measures Trainer 129,259 - General Reserve 90,000 - Outcome Measures Fund 1,199,465 - FCSS/PLC Education Bursary 770,127 -
$2,554,712 $ 146,595
4. Capital Assets
2011 2010
Original Accumulated Net Book Net Book Cost Amortization Value Value
Computer $ 13,101 $ 11,850 $ 1,251 $ 1,788 Equipment 37,759 25,946 11,813 8,073
$ 50,860 $ 37,796 $ 13,064 $ 9,861
5. Accounts Receivable
2011 2010
Refundable portion of GST $ 5,344 $ 3,612
$ 5,344 $ 3,612
Amzad Amiri, CGA 12
39 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
6. Short Term Investments
2011 2010
GIC $ - $ 90,000 GIC - 100,000 GIC - 283,337 GIC - 566,674 GIC - 599,733 GIC - 599,732
$ - $2,239,476
7. Invested in Capital Asset 2011 2010
Balance, beginning of year $ 9,861 $ 12,644 Additions during the year 5,950 - Amortization (2,747) (2,783)
Balance, end of year $ 13,064 $ 9,861
8. Interest Income 2011 2010
On Operating Bank Account and investments $ 2,523 $ 1,221
$ 2,523 $ 1,221
Amzad Amiri, CGA 13
40 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended August 31, 2011
9. Deferred Revenue 2011 2010 Outcome Measures Trainer Funding received $ 450,000 $ - Less: Taken to income (320,740) -
$ 129,260 $ -
Poverty Reduction Strategy Funding received $ 69,675 $ - Less: Taken to income (41,233) -
$ 28,442 $ -
Total deferred revenue $ 157,702 $ -
10. Lease Commitments
The association has entered into a lease for office space from January 1, 2010 for a five year term. Under the lease, the association has agreed to pay lease at $ 1,094 plus GST per month and proportionate share of operating expenses and taxes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.
11. Reclassification
Some of the prior year's figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current year.
Amzad Amiri, CGA 14
41 Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
BUDGET September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012
2010/2011 2010/2011 2011/2012 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET REVENUE SOURCES New Revenue Memberships 112,000.00 113,757.00 113,500.00 Resource Bank Grant 160,000.00 160,000.00 160,000.00 FCSS/PLC Bursary Administration 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 Outcome Measures Administration 12,000.00 9,000.00 15,000.00 FCSSAA Interest Income 1,500.00 2,523.00 5,000.00 Conference Revenue 118,000.00 120,049.00 138,000.00 Brochures, Folders, Note Pads 1,400.00 1,443.00 1,400.00 GST Rebate from Previous Fiscal Year 3,600.00 3,613.00 5,300.00 Scotiabank Rewards/Miscellaneous 100.00 91.00 25.00
Other Revenue Transfer from Investments 15,000.00 - 13,500.00 Reimbursement on Uncompleted Contract 15,000.00 15,000.00 - TOTAL REVENUE SOURCES 448,600.00 435,476.00 461,725.00
INVESTMENTS AT YEAR END Aug 31/10 Aug 31/11 Deferred Operating Revenue to 2011-12 248,740.00 300,918.00 Interest from Outcome Measures Funds 11,066.00 23,436.00 and Education Bursary Principle Restricted Reserve Fund 90,000.00 90,000.00 FCSS/PLC Education Bursary 850,012.00 770,127.00 FCSS MAD Funds 1,199,465.00 1,199,465.00 FCSS Outcome Measures Intiative 129,260.00 Poverty Reduction Strategy Funds 28,442.00 Property and Equipment 9,861.00 13,064.00 2,409,144.00 2,554,712.00
42 Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
BUDGET September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012
2010/2011 2010/2011 2011/2012 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET EXPENDITURES BOARD Accommodations 8,000.00 6,295.00 8,000.00 Meals 3,700.00 2,823.00 3,500.00 Travel 27,000.00 17,698.00 23,000.00 Retreat/Structure Review 8,000.00 6,122.00 12,000.00 Miscellaneous 500.00 497.00 500.00 47,200.00 33,435.00 47,000.00 OPERATING Annual General Meeting 2,500.00 2,634.00 2,700.00 Audit and Legal 4,000.00 5,583.00 4,600.00 Bank Charges 600.00 667.00 700.00 Communication/Marketing 12,000.00 8,139.00 15,000.00 Conference Expenditures 104,000.00 105,095.00 138,000.00 Conference Subsidies 9,000.00 3,995.00 7,000.00 Bursary Admin Expenses 1,000.00 481.00 1,000.00 GST Expense (50%) 3,500.00 5,344.00 5,000.00 Insurance 3,000.00 2,697.00 3,000.00 Licences, Fees, Dues 500.00 330.00 400.00 Office Lease 26,000.00 25,263.00 27,000.00 Regional Grant 4,000.00 3,500.00 4,000.00 Website 10,000.00 9,524.00 - 180,100.00 173,252.00 208,400.00 RESOURCE BANK Brochures, Folders, Note Pads 3,000.00 - 3,000.00 Office Expenses 8,200.00 11,975.00 10,000.00 Photocopying and Printing 1,500.00 1,356.00 2,000.00 Postage and Courier 1,200.00 1,972.00 2,000.00 Wages and Benefits 130,000.00 137,777.00 158,700.00 Short-Term Contracts 10,000.00 2,500.00 8,300.00 Staff Meals, Travel, Accom, PD 6,000.00 3,962.00 4,500.00 Staff Recruitment 900.00 - 825.00 160,800.00 159,542.00 189,325.00 PROJECTS/OTHER Allocated from Earned Interest: FCSS Resources/Projects 45,500.00 1,551.00 17,000.00 TOTAL EXPENSES 433,600.00 367,780.00 461,725.00
43 NOTES TO 2011-2012 BUDGET
REVENUE SOURCES
Memberships: Membership fees for 2011-12 will not be increased.
Resource Bank Grant: The FCSSAA receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Human Services to operate the Resource Bank and support the operations of the Association.
FCSS/PLC Bursary Administration: $30,000 was allocated over 3 years (2008-2010) from the Education Bursary to the FCSSAA for administration of the FCSS/PLC Bursary Program (Bursary Committee meetings, administrative assistant, photocopy, postage, etc.). The administration fee was not transferred in 2008 or 2009 and will be allocated in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Outcome Measures Administration: The FCSSAA receives a 2% administration fee for administering funds, under contract with Alberta Human Services for the Outcome Measures Initiative, to support the training of FCSS Program staff in outcome measures.
Brochures, Folders, Note Pads: FCSS brochure pages, presentation folders, and sticky-note pads with the FCSS logo are sold to FCSS Programs at cost, from the Resource Bank stock.
GST Rebate: 50% GST rebate on 2010-11 expenditures is received in fiscal year 2011-2012.
Scotiabank Rewards: Rebate from charges made on the FCSSAA Visa.
Transfer from Investments: Interest earned on the investment accounts for the FCSS Outcome Measures fund and the FCSS/PLC Education Bursary is retained by the FCSSAA. It is not applied to general operating costs, but is allocated to special projects to support all FCSS Programs. In 2012, it is allocated to producing the “Understanding FCSS” video (last produced in 2006), and updating the “FCSS Orientation Modules” and “Working Together Papers” (last produced in 1999).
Reimbursement on Uncompleted Contract: Reimbursement of funds paid on a contract to the Centre for Race and Culture (formerly Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations) to develop and deliver a workshop on cultural competency because the contract was not fulfilled.
Investments at Year End Investments at year end include: carryover of the 2010-11 Resource Bank grant which was received in July 2011 (deferred revenue); interest earned on the Outcome Measures and Education Bursary savings accounts; a restricted reserve fund of $90,000; and the principle amounts of the Outcome Measures and Education Bursary funds.
44 GENERAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES
Communication and Marketing: Includes general promotion and marketing, producing the annual FCSS Storybook and FCSS Calendar, the annual Achievement Awards program, maintenance of the FCSSAA website, and a contribution to maintaining the FCSS Directors Forum webboard.
Conference Subsidies: A conference subsidy fund is maintained from annual conference proceeds to assist smaller, remote FCSSAA member Programs in covering costs to attend annual FCSSAA conferences. Should no proceeds be realized from the annual conference, the FCSSAA Board has committed to ensuring that subsidies are available for a total of $5,000 per year. In 2011, $2,000 from 2010 conference proceeds has been allocated to the subsidy fund.
Licenses, Fees, Dues: Annual membership fees to provincial and national organizations (e.g. Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs, Canadian Council on Social Development, Vanier Institute for the Family, Volunteer Alberta, Alberta Council of Citizens with Disabilities, etc.).
Regional Grant: A grant of $500 is available to FCSSAA regions to assist with the costs of holding spring regional meetings.
RESOURCE BANK EXPENDITURES
Brochures, Folders and Post-it Note Pads: FCSS promotional material is purchased in bulk by the FCSSAA and sold to local FCSS Programs, at cost.
Office Expenses: Includes office supplies and equipment (purchase of two new computers), equipment leases, resource materials, repairs and maintenance.
Wages and Benefits: Includes salaries, benefits and employer source deductions for the Executive Director, Executive Assistant and a part-time Administrative Support position.
OTHER PROJECTS/RESOURCES The Board is allocating $17,000 in 2012 toward special one-time projects including the “Understanding FCSS” video, the “FCSS Orientation Modules” and the “Working Together Papers”.
45
RREESSOOLLUUTTIIOONNSS SSEESSSSIIOONN Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta
RULES OF ORDER FOR RESOLUTIONS SESSION
1. All voting delegates must be registered by a designate of the FCSS Association prior to the opening of the AGM.
2. If an FCSS Board wishes or consents to withdraw its resolution, the Session Chairman will notify the delegates prior to introducing the resolutions.
3. Resolutions will be debated in the order they appear in the Resolutions Section of the Annual Report, unless by a 2/3 majority vote of the AGM assembly, it is agreed to discuss a resolution out of order.
4. The Session Chairman will introduce each resolution by number and name of the sponsoring FCSS Board, and ask a member of the Resolutions Committee to read the resolution to the assembly. He/she will then ask the sponsoring FCSS Board to move and second the resolution.
5. The Session Chairman will then identify the mover and seconder, and invite the mover to be the first speaker. The Session Chairman will then ask the seconder if he/she wishes to speak to the motion.
6. The mover and seconder may speak to the resolution for a combined total of five (5) minutes. All other speakers addressing the resolution may speak for a maximum of two (2) minutes.
7. Only authorized delegates may present motions and amendments and vote, but any Association member in attendance may speak to a question.
8. Persons in attendance at the AGM who are not members of the Association may speak to a motion by requesting a “special privilege to speak” of the Session Chairman and agreed to by a 2/3 majority vote of the delegates.
9. A speaker should approach the microphone and wait for recognition from the Session Chairman, announce his/her name, the name of his/her Board, and then proceed. Voting delegates must display their voting cards when presenting a motion or an amendment to a motion.
10. Once no other delegates indicate a desire to speak to the resolution, the mover will be offered a maximum of two (2) minutes to speak, and in doing so will close debate.
11. The AGM assembly will accept one amendment at a time, and one amendment to the amendment at a time, during a debate. All amendments must be submitted in writing to the Session Chairman.
12. Friendly amendments will be accepted if consent is granted by the mover. Friendly amendments must not change or refocus the intent of the resolution.
46 13. Any other amendment requires a mover and a seconder, and must be debated and either passed or defeated by the AGM assembly.
14. The Session Chairman, in consultation with the Parliamentarian, will rule as to whether amendments comply with the intent of the original motion.
15. Special resolutions require a three-quarter (3/4) majority vote.
16. Resolutions requesting legislative amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
17. All other resolutions require a simple majority (50% plus one) vote.
18. Voting will be by show of voting cards, or as designated by the Session Chairman.
19. Where the results of a vote are too close for the Session Chairman to determine, or where requested by delegates, the Session Chairman will ask for a standing vote. All delegates will be asked to stand at the appropriate time to signify their support or opposition to the question under consideration. Resolutions Committee members will circulate through the assembly to count the results of the vote, and will advise delegates to be seated as their votes are counted.
20. Resolutions that receive the endorsement of the AGM assembly are effective for five (5) years after their passage, unless later amended or rescinded.
21. "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised", will govern this Association in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Rules of Order of the Constitution of this Association. From the FCSSAA Resolutions Procedures Manual
RULES OF RESPECT FOR RESOLUTIONS SESSION
Vigorous debates can occur during resolutions sessions. Feedback from AGM delegates has indicated that some debates have not always been conducted in an open and respectful, professional manner. Healthy debates require all delegates to be team players. Productive discussion and decision-making are based on each person’s ability to:
• Respect each person’s point of view • Respect the democratic process • Share his/her viewpoint without bowing to peer pressure • Communicate with tact and diplomacy • Accept all opinions without judgement • Agree to disagree, but not be disagreeable • Have a broad view of the outcome of debate, not a self-serving position • Not engage in side-bar conversations that are distracting or disruptive
To ensure that a healthy, open debate on the resolutions to be heard, delegates are encouraged to keep the “rules of respect” above, in mind. If necessary, remarks will be called out of order and the speaker will be asked to sit down. Side-bar conversations that make it difficult for delegates to hear the speaker on the floor or disrupt the flow of debate, will also be called.
47 RESOLUTION 2011 - 01
TOPIC: FCSS Principle of Local Autonomy
Submitted by: City of Grande Prairie Community Social Development Board and County of Grande Prairie FCSS Board ______
BE IT RESOLVED THAT during the upcoming review of the FCSS Regulation, the FCSSAA strongly encourage the Minister of Children and Youth Services to amend the Regulation by explicitly stating the principle of local autonomy.
BACKGROUND The FCSS Regulation will expire in June 2013 and a review process will begin in the near future. The current Regulation does not explicitly state the principle of local autonomy for FCSS programs.
The FCSS Program Review Report of December 2006 refers repeatedly to the importance of this principle in the success of FCSS Programs across the province:
The FCSS Review findings clearly validate the important work of these programs. Overwhelmingly, respondent comments indicate the strengths of FCSS include the ability to create and maintain unique and flexible services, responsiveness to emerging needs within the community, new program development, support for diverse community needs, successful partnerships, and services delivered by committed and knowledgeable staff. and:
One of the key principles of the FCSS Program is local autonomy for priority setting and resource allocation. Within the parameters of the FCSS Act and FCSS Regulation, each municipality or Métis Settlement determines how the FCSS funding they receive should be allocated to best meet the needs of their community. Individual FCSS programs are part of a larger program that collectively represents the strength and social fabric of Alberta communities.
The Children and Youth Services website also refers to this as a key principle for FCSS:
One of the key principles of the FCSS Program is local autonomy in priority setting and resource allocation. FCSS emphasizes local decision making for programming, based on the belief that communities have the desire, energy and resources to build community capacity. Each municipality or Métis Settlement determines how the dollars they receive should be allocated to best meet the needs of the community within legislated parameters.
Given the importance that local autonomy plays in the success of the FCSS Program, it is imperative that this principle be included in the new Regulation to ensure that it is not overlooked or forgotten.
48 RESOLUTION 2011 - 02
TOPIC: Funding for Community-Embedded Seniors Services
Submitted by: Jasper Community and Family Services Board ______
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the FCSSAA request the Government of Alberta to commit to funding the provision of community-embedded services for seniors, thereby encouraging Alberta communities to develop and provide relevant, accessible and preventive services that are customized to the needs of the aging populations in their communities.
BACKGROUND The Aging Population Policy Framework released by the Government of Alberta in November 2010, identifies the impending seniors population boom in Alberta, and the impact this will have on the province and communities. The policy framework recommends a number of initiatives, but does not address funding plans for their implementation and provision; it may in fact imply a reliance on municipalities for the provision of community-embedded services.
Community-embedded services for seniors will be increasingly crucial to the maintenance of healthy communities throughout Alberta due to the exponential growth of the aging population. Currently there is no provincial funding available for the provision of community-embedded services for seniors, despite the vulnerability inherent in the aging population.
The Government of Alberta currently funds community-embedded services for vulnerable populations, such as children, families, people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, people with brain injuries, people with mental and/or physical illness, people with addictions, etc. so as to decrease the trajectory toward crime and victimization and dependence on healthcare systems.
Furthermore, embedding relevant and accessible services for seniors in their own communities is economically responsible as it prolongs independence, thus decreasing the trajectory toward victimization and dependence on home-care and healthcare systems; the same long-term cost saving rationale the Government of Alberta applies to the funding of services for other vulnerable populations.
It is well known that municipalities country-wide are already stretched thin; thus, it would be incongruent and unviable for the Government of Alberta to allow the funding of community- embedded services for the growing seniors population to default to municipalities.
49 RESOLUTION 2011 - 03
TOPIC: Elder Abuse Prevention/Intervention Services
Submitted by: City of Medicine Hat FCSS Board ______
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) advocate to the Government of Alberta to work in partnership with existing stakeholders toward the provision of sustainable funding support for the development of elder abuse intervention services, including funding for elder abuse case workers and strategies to promote the identification and reporting of elder abuse and neglect.
BACKGROUND “By 2031, when the last member of the ‘baby boom’ generation reaches 65 years of age, it is predicted that 1 in 5 Albertans will be a senior.” (Government of Alberta, 2010) As the number of seniors continues to grow, so will the need for Elder Abuse response services.
Those who suffer elder abuse often suffer in silence because they can be reluctant to report the abuse or seek help. In Addressing Elder Abuse (Government of Alberta, 2010) it was stated that, “various studies indicate that between 4% to 8% of older adults in Canada are likely to experience abuse.” The Aging Population Policy Framework (Government of Alberta 2010) states that Alberta has approximately 403,000 seniors, with another Albertan turning 65 every 19 minutes. Applying the estimated prevalence to the provincial population of seniors (people aged 65+) means that between 16,120 and 32,240 people experience some form of elder abuse. This number does not reflect the other family members, friends and service providers that elder abuse also impacts.
Elder abuse is a multifaceted issue and is often under-reported due to a number of factors that make reporting abuse difficult. This under-reporting makes accurate statistics challenging to gather and makes it difficult to anticipate service needs. Past research in the area of elder abuse has looked at legislation and victim services. There have been surveys, interviews, literature reviews and directories or listings published. However, there is no information that provides clear numbers as to a rate of incidence. Real numbers are needed to show the prevalence and extent of the issue and identify the need for resources and further legislation.
The demand for services regarding elder abuse is constantly increasing. The services currently being provided within Medicine Hat are minimal and service providers are very limited as to the amount they can do and the time they can commit. There is a great need within our community, with its high percentage of seniors, for a service dedicated to addressing Elder Abuse and providing extensive case management for these complex cases. A qualified, trained individual is needed to conduct assessments, do case managements, and assist clients to connect with appropriate services. One of the most difficult challenges to dealing with elder abuse in our community is for a client to have to access a number of services and re-tell their story to each agency because there is no centralized organization who can help coordinate all the pieces. ______Government of Alberta. (2010). Addressing Elder Abuse in Alberta: A Strategy for Collective Action. Retrieved from http://www.seniors.alberta.ca/services_resources/elderabuse/AddressingElderAbuse.pdf
Government of Alberta. (2010). Aging Population Policy Framework. Retrieved from http://www.seniors.alberta.ca/Seniors/AgingPopulation/docs/AgingPopulationFramework.pdf
50