C O - O P E R A T I V E
H O U S I N G
F E D E R A T I O N
O F
C A N A D A
Minutes
2016 Annual General Meeting
June 11, 2016
Hamilton Convention Centre
Hamilton Ontario
ATTENDANCE
The total registered attendance of 708 included 224 delegates and 71
alternates. Also present were observers, co-op housing staff, members of
CHF Canada’s committees, organizational associates, workshop leaders,
volunteers, youth program participants, guests, sponsors, Ontario Council
members, directors and CHF Canada staff.
SPONSORS
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Meridian Credit Union;
The Co-operators Group; Encasa Financial Inc.; Homestarts Inc.; Morneau
Shepell; Prentice Yates & Clark; Atlantic Central; PHN Investment Management;
Co-op Cost Cutters; 108 Ideaspace ; Ontario Co-operative Housing Federations;
RICOH.
GUESTS
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social
Development; Adam Vaughan, MP for Spadina – Fort York; David Sweet, MP for
Flamborough - Glanbrook; David Christopherson, MP for Hamilton Centre; Bob
Bratina, MP for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek; Scott Duvall, MP for Hamilton
Mountain; Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas; Monique
Taylor, MPP for Hamilton Mountain; Matthew Green, Councillor, City of
Hamilton; Sean Gadon, City of Toronto; Carla Staresina, Nathalie Demers, Rachel
Lemire, Audrey Moritz, Antoine Pomerleau, Giovanni Tino (Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation); Greg Carlson, Linda Brockway (National Association
of Housing Co-ops); Don Altman, Paul Byron, Marc Duplantie, Paul Hanna, Helen
Hsu, Gillian Castle (The Co-operators); Rebecca Broughton, Joan Stephen
(Federated Agencies Ltd/Co-operators); Laird Hunter, Olga Tasci, Alexandra
Wilson (The Agency for Co-operative Housing); Thom Armstrong (CHF BC);
Howie Wong, Judy Lightbound (Housing Services Corporation); Sheryl Kingston
(Housing Nova Scotia); Valérie Marcil (Marcil Lavallée); Susan Armstrong, Jesse
Vanderburgh (PH & N Investment Services); Paul Hastie (Homestarts); Mark
Horne (League Savings Credit Union).
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SPECIAL EVENTS
CHF Canada President Anne Davidson thanked Kelly Jackson, Kathy Dimassi and
the local planning committee for their hard work in hosting the 2016 annual
meeting.
Louis-H. Campagna, Regional Director for Quebec and Nunavut, introduced the
Minister for Children Families and Social Development, The Honourable JeanYves Duclos. Minister Duclos addressed the meeting, and announced a
transitional program to continue subsidy for federal co-ops whose agreements
expire during the next two years, a renovation and retrofit program for nonprofit and co-op housing, and an end to penalties for those co-ops wanting to
prepay their non-renewable CMHC mortgages.
Hamilton City Councillor, Matthew Green, addressed the meeting, welcoming
participants to the City of Hamilton.
The Director, Corporate Affairs, Nick Sidor, reported the presentation of the
award for Outstanding Contribution to Co-operative Housing to the Honourable
Mauril Bélanger. M. Bélanger has recently been diagnosed with ALS and was
unable to attend the meeting to accept the award, so the presentation was made
prior to the AGM. M. Bélanger’s pre-recorded message was played for the
meeting.
Andy Broderick, Vice President, Impact Marketing Developments at Vancity and
Managing Director of Newmarket Funds, addressed the meeting, and spoke of
the opportunities that exist for co-op housing. He spoke about the problems in
the current rental market, particularly in Vancouver, and exposed what he
thought were impediments to co-ops leveraging their assets for more co-op
development. Mr. Broderick also presented some examples of the infrastructure
needed for more co-op development, and illustrated development solutions to
some common problems in housing co-ops.
Donations were collected for The Hamilton Dream Centre Food Bank. The
Dream Centre provides services to Hamilton’s most vulnerable families and the
Food Bank feeds the children and makes sure they spend less time thinking
about their hunger. Donations were made on behalf of the Golden Horseshoe
co-op members.
Scott Jackson, President of Rooftops Canada/Abri International announced the
2016 Service Award was awarded to Corktown Housing Co-operative, and
Homestarts Inc. Mr. Jackson thanked CHF Canada and its members for their
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June 11, 2016
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ongoing support. Rooftops Canada/Abri International held a silent auction of a
quilt donated by Darrel Sedor of Sarcee Meadows Housing Co-op. The auction
raised $350, and the winning bid was offered by Heather Simpson of Alterna
Savings.
Janet Shim, Program Manager, Refinancing, and Donna Stewart, Manager,
Cahiague Co-operative Homes, presented the latest video on the Co-operative
Housing Refinancing Program.
Tom Clement (Toronto, ON) was named an Honorary Life Associate of
CHF Canada.
The Award for Co-operative Achievement was awarded to Unified Saint John
Housing Co-op, on the creation of their co-op. Eight co-ops merged to create
the largest housing co-op in Saint John. Unified Saint John Housing Co-op’s
President, Lynn Wood, accepted the award.
Attached is a list of member housing co-ops and organizations recognized for
their 20, 30 and 40-year membership in CHF Canada.
SECTION I.
1.
INTRODUCTORY BUSINESS
Call to Order
CHF Canada President Anne Davidson called the meeting to order at
9:06 a.m. on June 11, 2016, and welcomed participants to the 2016 Annual
General Meeting. Ms. Davidson noted that the meeting would be
conducted in both official languages.
2.
Introductions and Welcoming Remarks
President Anne Davidson welcomed members and guests, sponsors and
partners to the 2016 AGM.
Hamilton City Councillor, Matthew Green, welcomed members to Hamilton.
3.
Appointment of Chairpersons
M/S
Syed (Conservation)/Elliott (Woodsworth)
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June 11, 2016
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THAT Bruce Woodrow and Noreen Dunphy be appointed Co-Chairpersons
of the 2016 Annual General Meeting.
CARRIED
4.
Proof of Calling of Meeting
The Chairperson confirmed that CHF Canada had sent the Official Notice on
April 25, 2016 to all members in advance of the annual meeting and as
prescribed in the charter by-laws.
The Chairperson drew participants’ attention to CHF Canada’s policy on
harassment and discrimination at annual meetings.
5.
Establishment of Quorum
The Chairperson advised the meeting that CHF Canada’s quorum
requirement for its annual meeting is 15 percent of eligible members on
the day the Notice of Meeting is sent. The Chairperson reported that on
that date CHF Canada had 961 members and that 146 delegates were
required for quorum. There were 224 delegates registered for the 2016
annual meeting. Quorum was therefore established.
6.
Adoption of Agenda
The Chairperson noted that various speakers would address the meeting at
specific times. He also explained the order in which resolutions would be
considered.
M/S
Syed (Conservation)/Corson (Fairlea Park)
THAT the agenda be adopted as circulated.
CARRIED
7.
Minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting
M/S
Noon (Festival City)/Elliott (Woodsworth)
THAT the minutes of the 2015 annual meeting be approved as circulated.
CARRIED
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SECTION II.
1.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Report from Board of Directors and the Executive Director
Anne Davidson, President, and Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director,
presented the annual report in video format. Highlights from 2015 include
the federal election and change of government, the You Hold the Key
campaign and the reference to co-op housing in the ministerial mandate
letters. The You Hold the Key campaign is one of the best campaigns run
by CHF Canada. Members were deeply involved and the candidates listened
to them. We have not yet won all we have asked for, but we have winning
conditions. So we are optimistic that a lasting solution will be found soon.
CHF Canada’s role is to foresee what our members want and need, and
develop those programs, services or funding to assist them. With the end
of operating agreements for federal co-ops upon us, co-ops’ service needs
will change too. CHF Canada is anticipating these needs, demonstrated by
the new Commercial Enterprise Services, including the very successful
Refinancing program, our Asset Management program, and the Spotlight
property management software program.
CHF Canada continues to look for ways to unify our movement. The
merger of eight co-ops in Saint John, New Brunswick to form Unified Saint
John Housing Co-operative is one example of how this can be achieved.
The memorandum of co-operation signed by the Ontario Federations is
another example of unification. Land trusts, formal mergers and Compass
Co-ops – co-ops created to house other co-ops that may be in difficulty
standing alone, but would benefit by aggregating or merging with another
co-op – are all ways we may unlock the value in our collective real estate
assets for the redevelopment, development and expansion of the housing
co-op sector. Creative partnerships between the co-op housing sector and
all levels of government is the way forward for more co-op development.
We no longer look to governments to create and fund housing programs.
The Executive Director also reported on his role as President of the
Co-operative Housing International, saying that the Canadian Housing
Co-operative movement punches above its weight in the international
arena. Canada has less than 100,000 co-op households, compared with,
for example, Germany’s two million co-op units, or Egypt where a one-
third of the population lives in co-op homes. Housing co-ops in Canada
have much to learn from the international movement, which also brings a
wealth of information and resources to the table.
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The President Anne Davidson spoke about her experience on the Board
over the last six years. Learning about the challenges facing the Ontario
provincial program co-ops, and the differing cultures of housing co-ops in
different provinces were highlights of her time as President. She reminded
the meeting that Directors look at issues through the eyes of the members.
CHF Canada has been focused on the end of operating agreements for the
Section 95 co-ops. The Executive Director remarked that it is time to
focus on the new ‘beginning’ for housing co-ops in Canada. He also
reminded the members that the HSA co-ops in Ontario have different
challenges and will have a long-term relationship with government. These
member co-ops will need continued support as they deal with the thirtyone different municipalities that oversee and regulate them.
The President and Executive Director thanked the board of directors for
their commitment and service, and thanked the staff of CHF Canada for
their hard work over the year.
SECTION III.
CONSIDERATION OF 2016 ANNUAL MEETING
RESOLUTIONS
Submitted Resolutions
1.
By-law Amendment: Electronic elections
M/S
Alderwick (Bread & Roses)/Mullins (Harbourside)
THAT Sections 4.12 and 4.13 of CHF Canada By-Law No. 1 be deleted; and
that the following be substituted in their place:
4.12
Rules for Regional Elections
Where a Region other than the Aboriginal community has decided
to elect its Regional Director by Regional Election:
(a) The Regional Election will be conducted by electronic means on at
least 30 Days notice sent to all Members in the Region;
(b) The Regional Election will be held after the first Board meeting of
the Year and before the Annual Meeting at which the term of the
sitting Director ends;
(c) The results of the election will be communicated to all Members
and Associates in the Region before the next Annual Meeting.
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4.13
Regional Election of Aboriginal Director
A Regional Election to elect the Regional Director representing the
Aboriginal Community will be held by electronic ballot. The rules
set out in Article 4.12 will be used, with necessary changes as
approved by the Board.
CARRIED
2.
By-Law Amendment: Terms of Office
M/S
Boyd (Northview Meadows)/Prochaska (False Creek)
THAT the first sentence of Article 4.06 Terms of Office, be deleted and the
following be put in its place:
“Directors serve for a three-year term, beginning at the end of the
Annual Meeting when the Director takes office and ending at the close of
the third Annual Meeting after that.”;
AND THAT Article 4.08, Re-election of Directors, be deleted and the
following be put in its place:
“No Director may be elected for more than two consecutive three-year
terms.”
CARRIED
3.
Budget Information at the CHF Canada Annual Meeting
M/S
Chiokis (Spirit of 1919)/Gray (Argyle Park)
THAT CHF Canada organizational policy Budget Approval (Policy 1.5.7) be
rescinded and replaced with a new policy, Budget Information at the Annual
Meeting (Policy 1.5.8) that reads as follows:
1. Final budgets for the current fiscal year and a preliminary financial
forecast for the following fiscal year will be brought to each CHF
Canada annual meeting for the information of members. The budget
presentation will be organized into general categories of revenues and
expenses, with any extraordinary items of a material nature be clearly
identified. The budget information will be presented in a plain, non-
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technical format that is accessible for the delegates. More detailed
information about the final budgets for the current year will be
included in the written materials.
2. Any significant variances against budget in the year-end financial
statements will be reported to the delegates at the next Annual
Meeting.
CARRIED
4.
Strengthening the Protect Co-op Housing: You Hold the Key campaign
M/S
Watson (First Nations)/Edwards (Spruce Court)
THAT CHF Canada member co-operatives thank the federal government for
its re-engagement on housing affordability, and the commitments for
co-operative housing contained in the 2016 budget, in particular the funds
that will extend federal assistance for low-income households until a
longer-term solution to expiring operating agreements is developed;
THAT CHF Canada member co-ops call on the federal government to
consult with affordable housing stakeholders, including CHF Canada, to
develop a long-term solution so that housing co-operatives can continue
to provide affordable housing to low-income households;
AND THAT CHF Canada and member federations lead the campaign by
co-op members across Canada – Protect Co-op Housing: You Hold the Key
– to see it through to its successful conclusion of a provincially delivered
rent supplement program for low-income members.
CARRIED
5.
Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund
M/S
Monoogian (Catalpa)/Holley (CHASEO)
THAT CHF Canada pledge $250,000 towards an investment in the Canadian
Co-operative Investment Fund;
AND THAT, subject to the approval of the Ontario members in respect of
the Ontario Endowment Fund, the $250,000 pledge be funded from the
Ontario and National endowment funds in the amount of $125,000 each.
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CARRIED
6.
Services for Small, Member-Managed Housing Co-operatives
M/S
Murphy (Future)/Holley (CHASEO)
THAT CHF Canada recognize and support the role of small, member-
managed housing co-operatives within the Housing Co-op movement.
CARRIED
7.
A Vision for the Future of the Co-operative Housing Movement in Canada
M/S
Eaton (Banbury Cross)/Holley (CHASEO)
THAT CHF Canada lead a dialogue with its member housing co-ops and
federations to develop a common, comprehensive vision of future success
for the co-operative housing movement;
AND THAT the vision be discussed at the 2017 CHF Canada annual
meeting, to be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, June 7 – 10, 2017.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
SECTION IV.
1.
FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS
2015 Audited Financial Statements
M/S
Geddes (GHCHF)/Boyd (Freedom)
THAT the audited financial statements for the year ending December 31,
2015 be received.
CARRIED
2.
Appointment of Auditors
M/S
Ferguson (Village Canadien)/Geddes (GHCHF)
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THAT the firm Marcil Lavallée be appointed external auditors of the
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada to hold office until the close of
the next annual meeting.
CARRIED
3.
2016 Budget and 2017 Summary operating forecast
M/S
Holley (CHASEO)/Reiss (Neil-Wycik)
THAT the 2016 budgets for Operations and the National Endowment Fund,
as finalized by the Board of Directors, and the 2017 summary forecast be
received.
CARRIED
4.
Schedule of Dues
M/S
Corson (Fairlea Park)/Gray (Argyle Park)
THAT the schedule of member and associate dues rates for 2017 be
adopted.
CARRIED
SECTION V.
1.
ELECTIONS
Nominating Committee Report
Mr. Nick Sidor, Elections Officer, introduced and thanked committee
members Dianne Brubaker, Brian Eng, Angela Simpson and Clinton Reid.
Mr. Sidor thanked Linda Stephenson and Karine Ethier for providing staff
support to the committee.
Mr. Sidor announced that at the Ontario members meeting held on
June 10, 2016, the following persons had been acclaimed or elected to the
Ontario Council:
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At-Large Members
David Corson (Fairlea Park Co-op, Ottawa, ON)
David McFarlane (Homestarts Inc., Mississauga, ON)
Staff Associations Representative
David Waters (Faethorne Place, Sarnia, ON)
Northern Ontario
Sharon Carolan-McKinnon (Castlegreen Co-op, Thunder Bay, ON)
2.
Election of Directors and Finance Committee Members
Mr. Sidor introduced candidates for the at-large directors’ seats on the
Board of Directors.
Candidates for At-large Directors
Alicia Mah (Bread & Roses Co-op, Kitchener, ON)
Pat McClain (Paloma Co-op, Vancouver, BC)
Méloée Prud’homme (FÉCHIMM, Montreal, QC)
Lana Nwaokoro (Crown Heights, Thornhill, ON)
After votes were counted, Mr. Sidor announced that the following
candidates were elected as at-large directors:
Pat McClain (Paloma Co-op, Vancouver, BC)
Méloée Prud’homme (FÉCHIMM, Montreal, QC)
Mr. Sidor further announced that the following people had been elected by
acclamation, or at regional elections held before the annual meeting.
Board of Directors
Regional Directors
British Columbia/Yukon
Lisa Berting
Ontario
Barbara Millsap
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Frank Wheeler
Allison Ferris
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Newfoundland/Labrador
Aboriginal Community
Finance and Audit Committee
1 position (2 years)
3.
Terri Walsh
Linda Campbell
Anne Davidson
Retiring Directors
The following retiring directors were acknowledged by the members:
Anne Davidson
Rosalind Langer
Alicia Mah
SECTION VI.
1.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Late Resolutions
There were no late resolutions for consideration.
2.
2017 Annual Meeting
The new co-op flag was passed to Kathy Dimassi, co-ordinator of the 2017
Planning Committee, with best wishes for a successful annual meeting in
Niagara Falls, Ontario, June 7 – 10, 2017.
3.
Close of Meeting
There being no further business to conduct, the chairperson declared the
meeting closed at 3:30 p.m. on June 11, 2016.
CERTIFIED to be the minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the Co-operative
Housing Federation of Canada.
Chairperson
Recording Secretary
CHF Canada Annual General Meeting
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Member Housing Co‐operatives Recognized for 20‐year Membership in CHF Canada at the 2016 AGM 15 Thorncliffe Park Co‐operative Homes Alex Laidlaw Housing Co‐operative Andras Place Housing Co‐operative Ashley Mar Housing Co‐operative Bridletowne Circle Co‐operative Homes Inc. Brock Seaway Housing Co‐operative Byrne Creek Housing Co‐operative Carpenters Local 27 Housing Co‐operative Cathedral Court Co‐operative Homes Corp. Crossroads Housing Co‐operative (NS) David Wetherow Housing Co‐operative Grace MacInnis Housing Co‐operative (ON) Halam Park Housing Co‐operative Hickory Tree Road Co‐operative Homes Inc. High Hopes Housing Co‐operative Hospital Workers' Housing Co‐operative Huronia Family Housing Co‐operative Inc. Javelin Co‐operative Homes Kalaka Housing Co‐operative Kuanna Housing Co‐operative Les maisons coopératives des Pins Gris Machell's Corners Housing Co‐operative Marketview Housing Co‐operative Northern Lights Housing Co‐operative Orion Co‐operative Housing Corporation Oshawa Valley Park Housing Co‐operative Palisades Housing Co‐operative Quaker Hill Co‐operative Homes Robin's Nest Co‐operative Homes Silverbirch Housing Co‐operative Sojourn Housing Co‐operative Springhill Co‐operative Homes CHF Canada Annual General Meeting
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Member Housing Co‐operatives Recognized for 30‐year Membership in CHF Canada at the 2016 AGM Ainslie Wood Housing Co‐operative Inc. Alex Girvin Housing Co‐operative Applemead Co‐operative Homes Inc. Beaver Hall Artists' Co‐operative Inc. Cawthra Mansions Housing Co‐operative Confederation Housing Co‐operative Dieppe Housing Co‐operative Domego Housing Co‐operative Gilzean's Creek Housing Co‐operative Glen Mills Co‐operative Homes Hazelburn Housing Co‐operative Hensley Green Housing Co‐operative Kilbride Housing Society Kingston Co‐operative Homes Inc. Lois Miller Housing Co‐operative Inc. Milliken Co‐operative Homes Inc. Rossland Ridge Co‐operative Homes Inc. Seven Maples Housing Co‐operative Spectrum Housing Co‐operative Member Housing Co‐operatives Recognized for 40‐year Membership in CHF Canada at the 2016 AGM Bain Apartments Co‐operative Inc. Carillon Co‐operative Housing Incorporated Castlegreen Housing Co‐operative Sarcee Meadows Housing Co‐operative Ltd. Village Canadien Co‐op Ltée. CHF Canada Annual General Meeting
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Organization Awards 20 years continuous membership Co‐operative Housing Co‐ordinators Hamilton‐Niagara Area (CHCHNA) Lewis & Collyer Marlor‐Maki Property Management 30 years continuous membership Fédération des coopératives d'habitation montérégiennes (FECHAM)
Golden Horseshoe Co‐operative Housing Federation (GHCHF)
40 years continuous membership Communitas Group Ltd.
CHF Canada Annual General Meeting
June 11, 2016