Special Election: Provincial Treasurer
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The special election to fill the position of provincial treasurer on the provincial executive committee is being held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Voting opened at 12 noon PST on Nov. 29 and closed at 12 noon PST on Dec. 1.
The special election follows the resignation of the provincial treasurer in September. Scott Duvall is currently serving as interim provincial treasurer. The process to fill the position is outlined in Article 5 of the BCNU Constitution and Bylaws and Policy 5.2.8 – Elected Officer Elections (BCNU Policy and Procedures Manual, available behind the BCNU Member Portal ).
Election Timeline
Nov. 17 - Nomination period opens at 12 p.m. noon PST Nov. 23 - Nomination period closes at 12 p.m. noon PST Nov. 24 - Campaign period begins at 12 p.m. noon PST Nov. 29 - Online voting begins at 12 p.m. noon PST Dec. 1 - Voting and campaigning ends at 12 p.m. noon PST
Results
CANDIDATE | VOTES | % OF VOTE |
Sharon Sponton | 2,334 | 54.1% |
Candice DeSousa | 1,009 | 23.4% |
Eduard Armeanu | 847 | 19.6% |
Dennis Senft | 128 | 3.0% |
Candidates
Eduard (Chris) Armeanu
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My nursing career began in 2012 after graduating from Douglas College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I have worked at multiple hospitals, including Royal Columbian Hospital, Ridge Meadows Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital. I have also worked at the Cottonwood, Connolly and Cypress Lodges at Riverview and at Chilliwack's Cedar Ridge Lodge, providing mental health nursing care to patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders.
I immigrated to Canada in 2001 from Romania and ran a successful transportation business. After witnessing the nursing care my father received following a major stroke, I was drawn to nursing and decided to help people during their most vulnerable periods of their lives.
I am happily married and have three beautiful children.
I was acclaimed BCNU Provincial Executive Councillor in December 2017. Holding this position requires a specific set of advanced skills and knowledge. Some key aspects required of this important position were:
> Financial/Investment literacy
> Benefits and Pension Plans literacy
> Public Trustee education
> Governance and Leadership education
IF ELECTED , I PLEDGE TO:
1. Continue to be a strong voice representing the interests of all BCNU nurses
2. Advocate for the creation of a strong supplemental health benefit upon retirement to complement the MPP benefit package, with enhanced vision and dental care, utilizing the Retiree Benefit Fund (the 1% fund) and oversee the smooth integration of all LPN's into the fund and benefits to be created
3. Bring a new independent view and perspective for the BCNU Council from a front line nurse
4. Bring balance to the Provincial Executive Committee from an independent thinker
5. Be the new watchdog for our dues, investments and expenses with a fresh and new perspective
6. Advocate for an online feedback and reviews system for all BCNU Provincial Executive positions
Why is Eduard Cristian Armeanu the right choice for the Provincial Treasurer Position?
I have current and comprehensive knowledge of the many complex intricacies involved with Finances Accounting and Investments in BC and Canada.
I have completed multiple academic and training courses directly related to Pension plans, Trust Management, Investments, Governance and Leadership, including:
1. Retirement Plans Associate designation
2. Advanced Trust Management Systems designation
3. Advance Investment Literacy designation
4. Queen's Certificate in Governance and Leadership Excellence
I possess extensive knowledge and expertise in:
> Public Pensions Act
> Income Tax Act
> Family Law Act
> Employment Standards Act
> Wills and Estates Act
> MPP Plan design
> MPP Joint Trust Agreement
> MPP Statement of Investments Policies and Procedures SIPP
> Retiree Benefit Fund (RBP)
> Inflation and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
> Investments in the Public and Private financial markets
> Finances and Wealth Management
It is vitally important to elect a Provincial Treasurer who already has the experience combined with the detailed knowledge related to Finances, Accounting and Investments. I already posses all of these qualities and am equipped and ready to launch into act now. I have experience with BCNU Council and BCNU Provincial Executive Committee.
Candice DeSousa
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Hadih
I am a proud Indigenous woman of the Lheidli T’enneh peoples historically from Fort George, BC.
I am an active member of the Indigenous Leadership Caucus.
I am passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and am the elected Regional Council Member of one of the only regions with FULL caucus representation. It is a PRIORITY for me and my regional team to have the caucuses involved in all aspects of the region. I am proud to have worked on the new DEI language in the collective agreement as a member of your bargaining team. I STRONGLY believe that DEI representation at the HIGHEST levels of BCNU leadership is essential.
Throughout my extensive history as an activist within the organization, I have undertaken many roles such as Member Educator, Full-Time Steward, Regional Steward Liaison, Regional Treasurer, Regional Council Member, and interim Labour Relations Officer. This rich experience has prepared me to step into the role of Provincial Treasurer.
I AM READY.
To BE the PROVINCIAL TREASURER. Recognizing BCNU's grassroots nature, I believe that the Treasurer does NOT need to be an accountant but a NURSE well-versed in BCNU processes, policies, and possessing robust foundational financial knowledge.
I have past experience in the role of regional treasurer and am responsible for directing the budget of one of the LARGEST regions in the Province.
I am KNOWLEDGEABLE about budgeting processes and FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT. I have EXTENSIVE knowledge of BCNU policies as Chair of the policy committee and I am currently completing business finance courses in my Human Resources Post Baccalaureate program.
I AM CAPABLE of fulfilling the role of Provincial Treasurer to ENSURE our financial oversight and processes continue as smoothly as possible.
As a nurse who worked at the bedside through COVID I understand the hardship BCNU members are facing today. Our dues, a product of the hard work and sacrifice of our front-line nurses, are a solemn responsibility. I am committed to ensuring their judicious use, reflecting our dedication to responsible financial management.
I am grateful for your consideration and your vote
Thank you.
Dennis Senft
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Hello BCNU,
Thank-you for taking the time to review my profile. I am a member of BCNU from the West Kootenay Region, and I live and work in Trail, which is the ancestral and unceded lands of the Sinixt, the Syilx, the Secwepemc, and the Ktunaxa peoples. I have spent most of my 8.5-year nursing career involved with the union, first as a member attending meetings, then as a steward, then as a Regional Occupational Health and Safety Representative, and then as the Interim-Regional Council Member for the West Kootenay’s before returning back to my roots as a member attending meetings. Through it all I have learned a great deal about the workings of BCNU. This knowledge gained over years will assist me greatly when elected as the BCNU Provincial Treasurer.
My commitment to you is that I will lead BCNU with honesty and integrity. I will stay true to my word, and do my utmost to support you on the frontlines of healthcare. I look forward to humbly serving you as the BCNU Provincial Treasurer.
Thank you for your support during this election and through this term of office.
Warm Regards
Dennis Senft
Sharon Sponton
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I am excited to announce my candidacy and request your support in my bid to serve as your Provincial Treasurer. For me, the Treasurer position is not just a job; it is an unwavering commitment to drive positive change, advocating for your needs, and tirelessly working to create a brighter future. Having returned to the worksite, I understand what you are experiencing; and I am determined to ensure that funds are promptly and wisely utilized in your best interest. As retirement nears, the Retiree Benefit Program holds personal significance for me, just as it does for you.
Priorities:
• Listening, understanding, and actioning membership priorities
• Maintaining our excellent fiscal position through safeguarding our funds now and into the future
• Ensure accountability in the expenditure of your funds
• I’m committed to ensuring knowledge transfer so that there is a seamless transition
I firmly believe that education is a cornerstone of progress, and my educational journey has been motivated by a specific focus: to use this knowledge for the benefit of members and to demonstrate my commitment to staying up to date with best practices and current research. For me, it’s about being fully equipped for the complexity of role.
• Executive Master of Business Administration, UBC
• Financial Management Certification, Dalhousie University
• Certificate in Leadership, Queen’s University
• Union Labour Relations Program, Capilano University
Here's how my education translates to better service for our members:
• Maximizing the impact of every dollar for you
• Ensuring money is equitable spent for members and strategically managed for when it is potentially needed (job action)
• Resourcing the issues that matter most to you
• Positioning us to secure additional funds and support through our spending and reporting
• Educating you about our financial position and how it directly impacts your well-being
With a diverse nursing background and a deep commitment to union activism, I bring a unique perspective to this role.
My union journey:
• Steward
• Regional Treasurer
• Regional Council Member
• Provincial Treasurer
Through my experiences and education, I've developed a profound understanding of our financials and implemented creative solutions to streamline processes: transitioning to a technology-based program resulting in improved checks and balances.
My core principles are grounded in reliability, accountability, and strong work ethics. I am dedicated to advancing our work towards diversity and inclusion.
As your Treasurer, I will advocate for policies that promote your financial well-being, delivering the level of service you deserve.
A sound understanding of investments and opportunities is essential for a thriving environment. Making our funds work for you and advocating for the best decisions on your behalf requires dependability, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to serve.
Lastly, I am committed to creating a secure environment for all. I will collaborate with members, BCNU leadership, and staff to develop comprehensive strategies that deliver the best outcomes for your remarkable but often underappreciated career. Nurses are undoubtedly and exceedingly valued.
I am enthusiastic about utilizing my skills, experience, and education to provide exceptional service. We can achieve remarkable things together. I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election.
Voting
Voting opened at 12 noon PST on Nov. 29 and closed at 12 noon PST on Dec. 1. Voting is by electronic ballot and is being managed by Simply Voting, an independent full-service provider of secure, hosted online elections.
Bulletins
Related Information
Resources and Links
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BCNU Policy 2.0.1
Council Members (Code of Conduct) -
BCNU Policy 2.0.3
Conflict of Interest - Elected Officers -
BCNU Policy 2.0.4
Conflict of Interest - Other Elected Positions -
BCNU Policy 5.2.8
Elected Officer Elections -
BCNU Policy 5.6.12
Election Eligibility Steward Experience -
BCNU Policy 6.1.1
Breach Of Duty -
BCNU Policy 9.1.3
Regional Elections