President MacLennan called the meeting to order at 9:11 a.m. Regular roll call was taken and alternates in attendance being Doug McDowell, Local 038 and Tim Falkiner, Local 042 as well as new PE member Rajinder Saran, Local 054 were introduced.

Some highlights of the day included Larry Brown, Executive Secretary-Treasurer from the National Union who brought greetings and spoke to the Provincial Executive during the Membership Services' portion of the meeting. He spoke with respect to the National Union Advantage Program (assurance package). This is a benefit package which members will receive even before negotiating a Collective Agreement which promises more economic value with respect to courier companies, computers, software, etc. The PE endorsed participation in this program and as well endorsed the concept and principles in the National Union Advantage Program's Lombard Insurance Program.

During the Finance Committee portion of the meeting, Professor Gordon Laxer from the University of Alberta, Department of Sociology spoke on the benefits and goals of the Parkland Institute. PE endorsed the purchase of a regular membership in the Institute for each PE member.

The Women's and Ad Hoc Pay Equity Committees submitted Resolutions for submission to the Alberta Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress Conventions.

The 23rd Annual AUPE Convention will be held at the Crowne-Plaza, Chateau Lacombe, in Edmonton on November 5 - 7, 1999.

Much discussion ensued with respect to the thought of a feasibility study being conducted on relocating the Edmonton Office to a more accessible location for the members. President MacLennan stated that there are over 7000 members in the downtown core. The Labour Relations Board, workers' Compensation Board, etc. are all located downtown as well. this study will be conducted by President MacLennan and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mardell.

A motion to increase the Rebate structure to five (5%) percent was brought forward. This was tabled to the next PE meeting in order that PE be provided the costs to Headquarters for bargaining for units under 500 members.

Policy 5-17 (Reimbursement for Transportation Expenses) was increased form 23 cents to 25 cents per kilometer and Policy 5-19 (Meal Allowance) increases were approved as well.

A Life Membership was granted to Harold Butler, Local 001.

The next Provincial Executive meeting will be held on March 13, 1999.