“It's Your Turn Now”, says AJC President

As we head into another general election, the AJC is a respected voice

Dear Colleagues,

The AJC has come a long way in a short time for such a young organization. Our voice is being heard loud and clear. We've appeared before the House of Commons Finance Committee. We've attracted more and more media coverage and have been quoted alongside bigger bargaining agents. We are on social media. In short, the AJC is making its mark advocating for federal government lawyers.

Our work must continue. We need to maintain this momentum, now more than ever. You've seen it for yourself: whether it´s the recent budget cuts affecting our members, or the constant criticism of public sector employees by a government attacking bargaining rights and intent on taking away hard-won benefits.

My term as your President comes to a close on May 22nd, 2014. I will not be seeking re-election. While I may be leaving, rest assured that you are in good hands. This is a negotiating year and all of the Negotiating Team (NT) members have agreed to run again to carry on with their negotiating mandate.

In addition to bargaining, the time has come for us to initiate our bi-annual general election process. Every two years, we as an Association look to renew our mandate by electing representatives from across the country who will sit on the AJC Governing Council. Your association needs leaders to step up to help maintain the momentum and continue the progress we've made over these last few years. I hope you will answer this call and give strong consideration to running as a Governing Council Representative. The call for nominations closes on February 20th, 2014.

It was an honour to serve the AJC. When I assumed this position, I committed to do everything I could to maintain the Association's stable footing. I believe we have achieved that and so much more and it has been very gratifying on a personal level. I leave great colleagues. I thank the current members of the Governing Council for their relentless efforts over the last two years.

This is an exciting time for the AJC. I have every faith that with the strides we've made over the last couple of years, we are more than capable of handling whatever comes our way in 2014 and beyond.

Thank you

We are the AJC.

Lisa Blais, President of the AJC

To read a PDF version of this message, click here.
-----------------------------------------------------

Reminder: Call for nominations will be from February 6 to the 20, 2014


-----------------------------------------------------
For more information on the role of Governing Council members, please consult Roles and Responsibilities of Governing Council (GC) Members of the AJC, or contact an existing Governing Council or Executive Committee Member.

---