As Chair of the Department task group on the vehicle policy, Deryl Empson provided an update. On May 26, a preliminary report was provided to Executive. The vehicle policy is but one of a number of items (e.g. fleet size and composition, stand-by pay, days of rest, shifting and overtime) that are related and would be best addressed at the same time as the vehicle policy. Executive has expanded the task force’s terms of reference and asked they come back with recommendations to address all of these related issues. The task force reconvenes June 21 and is hoping to have their report in September. LFS representatives brought up an issue about the definition of "government business" in relation to ‘direct travel’ and insurance coverage.

Action: - Progress reports will be provided.

Nomex shirts and pants are on order to experiment with – coveralls used now. Quality of safety glasses currently used are in question. Are goggles over glasses effective? Options are prescription safety glasses.

There is one warehouse for Environment – NRS has boots issued to staff and LFS staff are issued an allowance. There was some discussion as to the rationale for this.

There was some discussion as to why there is 2 uniforms (one enforcement and one not).

The learning account was intended to help employees learn new skills, not for physical fitness or to help employees maintain fitness standards (LFS).

Doug Gamble raised an issue where a certain district is working 9 hour days and is encountering some scheduling difficulties. There was some question about the intent of this and if employees could opt out.

In May of 2000, Doug Gamble was contacted by individuals completing a training program (Rapattack) at a rate of $44.00 per day. At the end of the program, a certain number of them were to be hired and moved to the FA series. This process had been used some time ago in emergent situations but was thought to have been discontinued.

The issue raised by NRS concerns an employee who was charged with assault and had his legal costs paid at the Provincial Court level, but not his legal costs for a subsequent appeal. The possibility of acquiring 4 video cameras to be installed in patrol vehicles for Conservation Officers in the Olds/Sundre area was suggested.

In LFS, due to a change in priorities, Fire Bosses are now concerned about ramifications of decisions made on the line, and if the Department will back them if criminal charges are laid or civil actions initiated.

Brian Randall advised that if the Department wants to lobby PAO as part of negotiations to include a special "boom town allowance" for Ft. McMurray, the union would support them.

Denis provided an update on progress to date for Subsidiary 2. Subs 11 and 12 are to be reviewed next, then Sub 5.

The Department has been as compassionate as possible and the DM has authority to grant special leaves where necessary. Not an issue.