MARCH / APRIL 2008
Proud to be a Union Sheet Metal Worker

EXECUTIVE BOARD UPDATE

 

As you may already know, Brian Walsh was the successful candidate for the open position of Executive Board Member. We’d like to congratulate Brian, and the Executive looks forward to having Brother Walsh join them. We’d also like to thank Joe MacDonald for allowing his name to stand for election.

ELECTION FOR PENSION TRUSTEE

 

SMWIA Local # 8 would like to thank Brother Rick Crothers for his service as Pension Trustee. Rick’s term expires as of June 30, 2008.

 

Nominations will be held at regular meetings throughout the province in the month of May (see calendar on back) with an election to be held at regular and special call meetings in June.

 

Nominees for this position must be members in good standing, with dues and any other charges paid in advance for the month they’re nominated in, and must be members for at least two consecutive years immediately preceding his nomination.

Any member nominating another must also be in good standing. A member who is nominated but not in attendance at the meeting must respond to the Recording Secretary in writing within five days of the meeting if he wishes his name to stand.

TAX TIPS

 

It’s that time again, and by now you should have received your statement of Union dues paid in 2007. Don’t forget that Union dues are a deduction from your income! Enter the amount from the statement on line # 212 of your tax return. Please be sure you only use the amount on the statement from SMWIA Local 8, as some employers show your dues on the T4s.

 

Revenue Canada has introduced several new credits and benefits - for a full list of tax credits and details of eligibility, check the Revenue Canada website here - http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/items/taxinfo-e.html

 

GOLF 2008

 

The Edmonton office will be hosting an 18 hole tournament at Raven Crest this year.It’s been booked for July 19^th with 8:00 AM first tee and a cost of approximately $75 per player including a steak sandwich/buffet lunch. Cart rental is $15 if required. Please call the Edmonton office for more details, and to register.

 

Calgary is once again holding their event at Harvest Hills and has tentatively booked for Sunday, June 22 with the first tee at noon. Cost is $55 per player and registration accompanied by payment must be received in the Calgary office by June 9.
 

 We have received a number of requests to hold a tournament in the Red Deer area, which will be open to members throughout the province. In order to set this up, we require a minimum of twenty participants – members and / or guests. – by March 31. If you’re interested, please contact either Local # 8 office.

COMET

 

COMET courses are slated for Saturday, April 5 in Edmonton at the Ironworkers Hall – please call the Edmonton office for further information and / or to register.  Calgary COMET is tentatively booked for Saturday, April 26 – please call the Calgary office for details and registration.

NOTE: This course must be completed for new and apprentice members who wish to apply for the $500.00 book credit and/or training funds. Don’t forget it’s also a requirement to attend at least two membership meetings in the one-year period prior to attending school

OTHER LOCAL # 8 NEWS

 

Ø      Local # 8 welcomes new Contractors, Guthrie Mechanical and Atlantic Construction

 

Ø      Contract Updates:

                                     The following contracts have been signed:

                                                            -           PLA for Voyageur Project (Suncor) – this PLA has been extended to                                                                     Firebag.

                                                            -           Calgary Board of Education

                                                            -           Reggin Industries Inc., Calgary       

                                    ABTC discussions regarding Fort Hills PLA are ongoing

 

Ø      As per motion, we have purchased a display booth for trade fairs etc. which has already been utilized at the Bonnyville Trade Fair in February and is booked for other fairs both in Edmonton and Calgary

 

Ø      As per motion, we have sponsored both the Provincial and National WorldSkills Competitions being held in Calgary at Stampede Park on May 22 and 23 (Provincial) and May 26 and 27 (National). Drop by our booth, which will be open for both competitions – there is no entrance fee to the events.

 

Ø      The Western Conference was held in Banff in February. Reports were given by all Locals – basically all are busy and are looking for manpower. A motion was made that the WCC donate $10,000 to the WorldSkills Calgary 2009 and the Local # 8 Benevolent Trustees motioned to donate the same amount.

 

Letters are being sent to all Western Locals requesting funding donations for WorldSkills Calgary 2009. With these funds, along with requests for funding from both the Canadian Convention and General Executive Council, we hope to attain a Gold Sponsorship Level ($75,000) at the competition being held in Calgary in September, 2009.

 

Ø      Since the last newsletter, we’re saddened to report the deaths of the following Local # 8 members: John (Al) Watters, Bob Powell and Duncan Milmine