The Provincial Executive meeting was held on Saturday, June 19, 2004 in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

The President welcomed the new members of the Provincial Executive and observers in attendance.

Discussion ensued with respect to a proposal that AUPE engage the Parkland Institute to write a research paper on Whistleblower Legislation. AUPE will follow-up with information in Impact once the report is complete if it is supportive of the need for whistleblower protection.

The Executive Committee had discussed ideas for the 100th Anniversary of the Province of Alberta in 2005. The Provincial Executive also commented on a lack of history on the labour movement for the past 100 years available in the school system. The way we work today is vastly different from 100 years ago and much can be attributed to union members. A number of ideas were discussed to promote the whole province by doing things in schools and including the Area Councils. Many members of PE felt it would be a positive idea to highlight the contribution of our members, and the role they played and continue to play in our province providing services to Albertans.

As well, the 100th Anniversary for the City of Edmonton in 2004 was discussed. The President had received a powerpoint presentation from the Edmonton & District Labour Council with a proposal for a union park with banners and plaques telling the story of “The hands that built Edmonton”.

The President updated the PE on actions with the Alberta Action on Smoking and Health Coalition such as looking at a campaign in plebiscites, where there will be votes on worksite smoking bans in various communities at the same time as the municipal bi-elections.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mardell advised the Aspen Foundation had requested money to fund their new program, the Aspen Foundation for Labour Education (AFLE) and a motion was passed to contribute.

The proposed 2004/2005 budget was presented to the PE to be forwarded to Convention.

Everyone was reminded of the Grandparent's Day picnic scheduled for September 2nd at noon at the Legislature Bandshell. Volunteers would be appreciated.

The Women’s Committee will be holding an 'AUPE Idol Charity Auction’ at Convention for Breast Cancer on October 13, 2004 (Wednesday) with the Vice-Presidents as judges.

W. Gereluk has provided information at the last Labour Education Schools on the Alberta Labour History Institute. It will be discussed at the next PE meeting and in the meantime, Locals are to advise how much they've contributed.

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2004 at the Executive Royal Inn in Leduc at 9:00 A.M.

The meeting adjourned at 3:40 P.M. and the PE attended the Open House of the new Grande Prairie AUPE Office.